Chief Accountant - Dubai Jobs

Job Description

About the job

Position title:Chief Accountant

Unit: Operations

Directly reports to: Head of Finance & Operations

Location: Hybrid work with Dubai/Abu Dhabi office attendance

Direct reports: None

Type of contract: Full-Time

Commencement Date: Urgent, as soon as possible

Background

Emirates Nature is a UAE environmental non-governmental charity, established in 2001 under the Honorary Founder and President H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the United Arab Emirates. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Ruler’s representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Board of Directors.

We operate with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah and are governed by a local board of directors.

Emirates Nature works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. Emirates Nature-WWF has been active in the UAE for two decades and is renowned for its commitment to biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, sustainable development, and community engagement. Some of our flagship projects include marine conservation initiatives to protect coral reefs and marine species, wildlife conservation programs focusing on endangered species such as Arabian oryx and sea turtles, habitat restoration projects in critical ecosystems, and sustainable development initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change impacts and promoting eco-friendly practices across various sectors.

It is our organizational objective to ensure a high performing workforce within our offices with highly efficient, skilled members all of whom will be unilaterally focused on supporting and delivering conservation activities to our stakeholders within the UAE.

Job Summary

Emirates Nature-WWF is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Chief Accountant. The role will be responsible for ensuring accurate bookkeeping, VAT reporting, and compliance with all financial requirements, including MOCD and DCD standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting and compliance and must be fluent in Arabic to facilitate communication and reporting with regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Bookkeeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records in accordance with organizational policies and UAE accounting standards.
• Process and record all financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger entries.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Reconcile bank statements and ensure timely resolution of discrepancies.

VAT Compliance:

• Prepare and submit VAT returns, ensuring compliance with UAE VAT regulations.
• Maintain proper documentation and records of VAT-related transactions.
• Conduct regular VAT reconciliations and resolve any issues in a timely manner.
• Stay updated on VAT laws and regulations and advise the organization on any changes that may impact operations.

Financial Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) and Department of Community Development (DCD) requirements, including timely submission of reports and documentation.
• Liaise with MOCD and DCD in Arabic for any queries, audits, or inspections.
• Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of documents and reports required for annual audits.

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and monitor actual performance against the budget.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Assist in the preparation of donor reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor requirements.

Operational Support:

• Support the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, including processing invoices, expense claims, and purchase orders.
• Assist with payroll processing, including the calculation and payment of salaries, benefits, and other employee entitlements.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth financial and operational workflows.

Other Duties:

• Participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Head of Finance & Operations.
• Provide training and support to other team members on financial and compliance-related matters.
• Ensure all financial records are maintained securely and confidentially.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A professional certification such as CPA, CMA, or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting and compliance, preferably within an NGO or non-profit organization.
• Language: Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory for effective communication and reporting with local regulatory bodies.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in accounting software such as QuickBooks, MS Excel, and other financial tools. Knowledge of ERP systems is a plus.
• Attention to Detail: Strong analytical skills and attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and compliance.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial and compliance matters clearly.

Competencies

Emirates Nature-WWF Focus: Acts as a member of Emirates Nature-WWF, placing higher priority on Emirates Nature-WWF goals than own goals and anticipating the effects of own area’s actions on others to ensure holistic Emirates Nature-WWF outcomes.

External Orientation: Looks outwards ensuring WWF stays relevant, continues to anticipate and adapt to external environmental and global trends.

Delivering Quality Outcomes: Establishes stretch goals, plans, using best judgment and takes responsibility for planning to and delivering on outcomes.

Building Working Relationships: Builds collaborative relationships through the understanding and development of other’s and own ideas.

Communicating Effectively: Uses appropriate means of communication to convey messages, seeks input from others and ensures understanding.

Leading Teams: Develops direction and shared purpose, builds a team through coaching to ensure the accomplishment of goals and high-level team performance.

Leading Change: Encourages and seeks out innovative solutions and brings people on a journey constructively and empathetically.

Managing Resources: Makes the right judgments based on financial and resource availability.

Establishing Strategic Direction: Generates options to achieve long-range goals, selects the best strategies for success, and delivers on strategic goals.

Building Organizational Capability: Diagnoses individual and team capability and development needs and champions talent management.

Working Relationships

• Internal: Works with all units within the organization.
• External: Works with local government agencies, regulators, private and public sector partners.