Chief Accounting Officer – Lead Finance Team

About the role

The company is a leading road contracting and infrastructure group in the UAE seeking a senior finance professional to head its accounting function. Reporting directly to the CFO, the Chief Accounting Officer will lead a team of around 40 across multiple entities.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the full accounting cycle for all group entities, including month‑end and year‑end close, financial statements and management reporting.
• Oversee General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, Payroll, Treasury and cash‑flow management.
• Ensure accurate project accounting – job costing, work‑in‑progress reporting, contract revenue recognition, retention accounting and cost control.
• Coordinate budgeting, forecasting and performance monitoring for large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Maintain compliance with IFRS, UAE VAT regulations and statutory requirements, and liaise with external auditors, banks and regulators.
• Strengthen internal controls, improve accounting processes and reporting systems, and mentor the finance team.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field; professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, CMA, CA) is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a senior role within contracting, construction or infrastructure.
• Proven experience managing accounting operations for multiple companies and large projects.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of IFRS and UAE VAT regulations.
• Advanced ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics/Navision or equivalent).
• Expertise in project accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, retention accounting and contract revenue recognition.