Job Description

Function / Position: Head of Accounts
Reporting Line: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Functional Team Size: 6 Direct Reports
Role Purpose
The Head of Accounting leads end-to-end accounting and financial operations, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and regulatory compliance. This role oversees core accounting functions including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and month-end closures, while supporting cost control, inventory valuation, and export-related financial documentation.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned finance professional with experience operating in complex, multinational environments. Background within the Oil & Gas sector (downstream experience preferred) or the broader Energy industry is highly desirable. Candidates with audit firm experience and a strong understanding of IFRS and manufacturing operations will be considered a strong value add.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations Management

• Lead and manage day-to-day accounting operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and accounting standards in line with IFRS and local GAAP.
• Ensure effective functioning of financial systems supporting sales, production, procurement, and logistics.
• Manage bank reconciliations and coordinate with treasury to monitor cash flow, maintain liquidity, and optimize working capital.

Accounts Receivable (AR) Management

• Oversee customer billing, collections, and receipt postings across export markets.
• Ensure accuracy of export sales invoices, certificates of origin, and customs-related financial documentation.
• Analyze AR aging reports, track overdue balances, and lead collection efforts to meet targeted DSO levels.
• Collaborate with Export Sales and Logistics teams to resolve billing or documentation discrepancies.

Accounts Payable (AP) Management

• Manage the full AP cycle, including invoice verification, approvals, and timely payments.
• Ensure compliance of vendor transactions (local and international) with procurement, tax, and customs policies.
• Review supplier contracts and payment terms to support cash flow efficiency.
• Maintain accurate accounting of imports, freight, and customs duties related to raw materials and packaging.

Monthly, Quarterly & Year-End Financial Closing

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities, ensuring timely reconciliation and accurate accruals.
• Prepare and review management reports including P&L, balance sheet, variance analysis, and cost reports.
• Ensure accurate recording of intercompany transactions, forex adjustments, and provisions.
• Support consolidation and group reporting in line with corporate timelines.

Cost Accounting & Inventory Control

• Oversee product costing, BOM validation, and variance analysis for manufacturing operations.
• Review inventory valuation and ensure accurate accounting of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations teams to monitor cost efficiency, yield, and wastage.

Audit, Compliance & Governance

• Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure audit readiness and clean audit outcomes.
• Ensure timely compliance with tax filings, VAT returns, customs regulations, and statutory reporting.
• Maintain and enhance internal financial policies aligned with corporate governance standards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team to drive high performance and accuracy.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Drive process automation and digitization to improve efficiency and reporting quality.

Scope of Action

• Geographical: UAE - Responsible for accounting, financial reporting, and treasury functions across the business and its allied entities.
• Technical: Strategic accounting leadership, financial analysis, compliance, systems development, and audit management.
• Temporal: End-to-end financial management from planning and execution to reporting and team supervision.

Key Deliverables

• Accurate monthly financial closures completed within corporate deadlines.
• Improved AR performance with DSO targets achieved.
• Timely AP processing within agreed vendor credit terms.
• Accurate product costing and inventory valuation within acceptable variance thresholds.
• Zero major audit findings and full statutory and group compliance.
• Improved working capital through effective AR, AP, and inventory management.

Key Stakeholders

• CFO (Line Manager)
• Accounting Team
• Cross-functional Managers
• Other internal and external stakeholders as required

Competencies, Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certification required: CPA / CMA / CA / ACCA.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant accounting experience, with strong exposure to leadership roles.
• Industry preference: Oil & Gas, Energy sector, or related manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within a multinational company environment is highly preferred.
• Strong expertise in IFRS, cost accounting, and inventory management.
• Proven experience managing financial operations across multiple countries or export markets.
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Innovative and career-driven individuals who are ambitious, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and embrace change with a positive mindset.

Key Technical Competencies * IFRS & Financial Reporting Excellence
Strong expertise in IFRS, month-end and year-end closings, balance sheet integrity, and management reporting within complex, regulated environments. * Cost Accounting & Inventory Management
Deep understanding of product costing, BOM validation, inventory valuation (RM, WIP, FG), and variance analysis within a manufacturing or energy-related business. * Accounts Receivable & Export Accounting
Proven capability in managing AR across international markets, including export invoicing, customs documentation, DSO optimization, and collections. * Accounts Payable, Treasury & Working Capital Management
Strong command over AP processes, vendor management, cash flow forecasting, bank reconciliations, and working capital optimization. * Audit, Compliance & Governance
Demonstrated experience in managing internal and external audits, statutory and VAT compliance, customs regulations, and strengthening internal controls in a multinational setup.
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Industry Experience Please describe your experience within the Oil & Gas or Energy sector. Have you worked in downstream or midstream operations?
Yes
No Multinational Exposure Have you worked in a multinational organization managing accounting operations across multiple countries or export markets?
Yes
No Leadership & Scale experience do you have in a senior accounting leadership role, and what was the size of the team you managed?
Yes
No Do you hold any of the following certifications: CPA, CMA, CA, or ACCA?
Yes
No Have you worked with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics), and have you led or supported any finance transformation or automation initiatives?

Skills Required