REGIONAL CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

Job Description : REGIONAL CHIEF ACCOUNTANT UAE Regional Chief Accountant required for a leading luxury retail group, covering UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. This is a high impact role with full ownership of accounting, tax and cash management across multiple markets. The position will focus on strengthening controls, improving processes and bringing structure, rigour and leadership within a fast paced regional finance environment. Strong regional exposure, tax knowledge and experience operating across multi entity structures are key. Regional Chief Accountant Location: Dubai, UAE Coverage: UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain Industry: Luxury Retail Salary: AED 35,000 – 45,000 per month + benefits a leading luxury retail group within their regional finance team. This is a critical role for the business, focused on strengthening the accounting, tax and cash management backbone across the region. The role offers significant regional exposure and will play a central role in ensuring financial accuracy, compliance and operational excellence across multiple entities. Role Purpose The Regional Chief Accountant will take full ownership of: Regional accounting operations Tax (direct and indirect) and compliance Cash management and financial control This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strong technical expertise and the ability to lead, challenge and improve existing processes within a fast-paced, evolving environment. Key Responsibilities Regional Accounting & Reporting Oversee accounting across multiple GCC entities (UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain) Ensure timely and accurate month-end close in line with IFRS standards Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, accruals and financial reporting Manage intercompany reconciliations and ensure consistency across entities Partner with regional stakeholders to align accounting with business operations Accounts Payable & Receivable Oversight Supervise AP and AR processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency and compliance Oversee sales reconciliation across systems (SAP, CEGID, Kyriba) Ensure proper accounting of retail transactions including cash, card, vouchers and wholesale flows Monitor receivables and aging, ensuring strong control over working capital Tax & Compliance Own direct and indirect tax compliance across all jurisdictions Manage VAT filings, corporate tax requirements and coordination with external advisors Act as the main point of contact for tax audits and regulatory matters Ensure full compliance with local regulations and group policies Treasury & Cash Management Oversee cashflow reporting, forecasting and variance analysis Review and approve all payments, ensuring strong controls and compliance Monitor liquidity and propose short-term financing solutions where required Ensure accurate bank reconciliations and financial flow tracking Inventory & Retail Finance Oversee inventory accounting and reconciliation across systems Monitor inventory movements, freight, duties and stock accuracy Ensure alignment between retail systems and finance reporting Bring a strong understanding of inventory-driven retail environments Leadership & Team Management Manage a team of 3 direct reports, with broader exposure to a team of ~12–13 Provide structure, coaching and development across the accounting function Act as a key support to the CFO and senior finance leadership Build credibility and influence across finance, operations and retail teams Process Improvement & Systems Identify gaps, inefficiencies and control weaknesses Drive continuous improvement across accounting and finance processes Support ongoing systems integration and optimisation (SAP environment) Bring a proactive, “challenge the status quo” mindset What They’re Looking For 10–15 years’ experience in accounting and tax roles Strong GCC regional exposure (UAE essential; Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain highly advantageous) Deep understanding of multi-jurisdictional tax frameworks Experience in retail or inventory-driven environments strongly preferred Proven ability managing cross-border, multi-entity operations Strong cash management and working capital understanding Ability to identify blind spots, challenge processes and operate with a forensic mindset Confident communicator with natural authority and leadership presence Comfortable in a hands-on, detail-focused role Preferred Background Big 4 training highly desirable Professional qualification: CA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent Arabic speaker is a plus Strong systems exposure (SAP, retail systems, treasury tools) Team & Structure Reporting into Senior Finance Manager (Deputy CFO) Oversight of accounting, tax and treasury functions Managing 3 direct reports within a broader regional finance team Role expected to evolve with team expansion and system transformation Additional Information Regional travel required Start date: ASAP (notice considered)

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