Chief Accountant

The Chief Accountant is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

In a fit-out and joinery business, part of the role is heavily focused on project accounting, cost control, cash flow management due to the nature of contract-based revenues and expenses, control of the accounts system in general & the related account chart & statement.

· **Financial Management & Reporting**

1.

Oversee the preparation of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

2.

Ensure compliance with IFRS and local regulations (e.g., UAE VAT and Corporate Tax)

3.

Manage the general ledger, ensuring all entries are accurate and timely.

4.

Prepare different management reports, including profitability analysis by project and receivable, payable, stock aging reports, etc.

5.

Prepare & monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts.

6.

Arrange & control different insurance policies for all necessary areas.

· **Project Accounting & Cost Control**

1.

Monitor and control project costs (materials, labour, subcontractors, overheads).

2.

Ensure proper cost allocation to each project/job.

3.

Monitor project budgets vs. actual costs and highlight variances.

4.

Work closely with estimators and project managers to ensure financial alignment.

5.

Support job costing systems and WIP (Work-in-Progress) calculations.

6.

Monitor factory analysis costing

· **Accounts Payable & Receivable Oversight**

1.

Supervise supplier payments, ensuring alignment with cash flow.

2.

Oversee client invoicing based on project milestones.

3.

Monitor collections and receivables aging to maintain healthy cash flow.

4.

Monitor, follow-up and ensure retention, advance payments, and variations are properly recorded.

5.

Monitor, follow-up & prepare the aging report for client receivable & supplier payable on a weekly & monthly basis.

· **Cash Flow & Treasury Management**

1.

Prepare and manage cash flow forecasts, bank position on weekly & monthly basis.

2.

Monitor bank balances and manage working capital requirements.

3.

Coordinate with management on funding needs and payment prioritization.

4.

Ensure timely settlement of liabilities (suppliers, subcontractors, payroll).

5.

Follow & maintain client receivable, collections, PDC, etc.

· **Budgeting & Forecasting**

1.

Lead the preparation of annual budgets and periodic forecasts, sharing of business plan preparation monitoring.

2.

Analyse variances and recommend corrective actions.

3.

Provide financial insights for strategic decision-making.

· **Compliance & Taxation**

1.

Ensure compliance with UAE VAT and Corporate Tax regulations, including filing returns.

2.

Coordinate with auditors for external audits.

3.

Maintain proper documentation for all financial transactions.

4.

Ensure compliance with labour laws, contracts, and financial policies.

· **Internal Controls & Process Improvement**

1.

Establish and enforce internal controls to safeguard the group companies’ assets.

2.

Review financial processes and recommend improvements.

3.

Implement ERP/accounting systems suited for construction/fit-out projects.

4.

Review and improve different insurance coverage as per value case knowledge.

5.

Control and keep back up of the system data and reports on daily, weekly, monthly and keep copy of that in the CEO safely vault.

· **Team Leadership**

1.

Supervise and guide the accounting team.

2.

Share and upgrade know how, knowledge, professional information with staff.

3.

Ensure smooth coordination between finance and other departments.