Chief Accountant; VAT Construction

We are seeking a highly analytical and experienced Chief Accountant to lead the finance department of a prominent Construction and Civil Engineering firm in Abu Dhabi. In this role, you will be responsible for the full spectrum of financial management, with a heavy focus on Project Accounting and strict compliance with UAE VAT regulations. You will oversee the financial health of multi-million dirham projects, ensuring that costs are controlled, cash flow is optimized, and all statutory filings are accurate.

• Project Costing & Control:
  Monitor project budgets, analyze variances between actual and estimated costs, and provide detailed WIP (Work in Progress) reports.

• VAT Management:
  Lead the preparation and timely submission of quarterly VAT returns to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Ensure all construction-specific VAT treatments (e.g., retention payments, advance payments) are handled correctly.

• Financial Reporting:
  Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS standards.

• Cash Flow Management:
  Oversee accounts payable and receivable, managing supplier payments and ensuring timely collection of certificates/invoices from clients/consultants.

• Audit Coordination:
  Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, ensuring all construction project documentation is audit‑ready.

• Banking & Facilities:
  Manage corporate banking relationships, including Letter of Credit (LC), Bank Guarantees (BG), and performance bonds essential for construction tenders.

• Experience:
  
  8+ years of accounting experience, with at least 4 years in the UAE Construction sector.

• Education:
  
  Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance. Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CA, or CMA) is highly preferred.

• VAT Expertise:
  Proven track record of managing FTA audits and deep knowledge of UAE VAT Law as it pertains to the construction industry.

• Communication:
  Professional fluency in English. The ability to communicate in Arabic is a significant advantage for dealing with local authorities.

• ERP Mastery:
  Deep experience with construction-specific ERPs (e.g., CANDY, CCS, Oracle, or SAP).

• Excel:
  Expert level in financial modeling, pivot tables, and advanced formulas.

• Regulatory Knowledge:
  Thorough understanding of UAE Labour Law (End of Service benefits) and WPS (Wage Protection System).

• Location:
  
  Abu Dhabi, UAE (Main Office with occasional site visits).

• Schedule:
  
  Full‑Time (Monday – Friday).

• Compensation:
  Competitive Tax‑Free Salary (AED 18,000 – AED 25,000 depending on experience).

• Benefits:

  • Residence Visa:
    Full sponsorship.

  • Annual Leave: 30 days paid leave + Public Holidays.

  • Insurance:
    Comprehensive Medical Insurance for self (and potentially family).

  • Travel:
    Annual air ticket allowance to home country.

  • Gratuity:
    Calculated as per UAE Labour Law.