Job Description

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group's entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.


By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day




Overview of the role:


The Accounting Manager for the UAE region will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial operations across all UAE legal entities. The role is responsible for overseeing the booking of revenue and costs, maintaining the hygiene of the balance sheet, and managing a dedicated team of finance professionals. Working closely with Regional Financial Controller, Process and Compliance lead, and the FP&A lead. Accounting Manager will ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and support the business in achieving its financial objectives. Additionally, the role holder will lead external audits to ensure that financial statements are compliant and signed off within the Group timeline, thereby safeguarding the financial health and regulatory compliance of the organization.




What you will do:


Responsible for:


Operational Finance


• Oversee operational finance function to ensure adequate support is provided to operational team in conjunction with company's policies and procedures.
• Maintain the hygiene of the balance sheet for all UAE legal entities, ensuring all financial records are accurate and up to date.






Team Management


• Lead and manage a team of professionals responsible for revenue and cost accounting.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to the team to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative and efficient working environment.






Collaboration and Coordination


• Work closely with Business Units to understand financial requirements and provide necessary support.
• Collaborate with the Regional Financial Controller to align financial operations with regional strategies.
• Coordinate with the Process and Compliance team to ensure adherence to internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with the FP&A team for month-end, half-year, and year-end financial activities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.






External Audits


• Manage external audits and work closely with auditors to ensure compliance with all financial regulations.
• Ensure that financial statements are prepared and signed off within the Group timeline.






Reporting and Analysis


• Prepare and present operational financial reports and analysis to operations management.
• Provide insights and recommendations for financial improvements and cost efficiencies.






Job Context:


The Accounting Manager operates within a dynamic and regulatory-compliant environment. The role is influenced by the following organizational policies and factors:




Regulatory Compliance :


• Adherence to UAE financial regulations and international accounting standards.
• Ensuring all financial activities are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.


Organizational Policies :


• Alignment with the company's financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Compliance with the Group's financial reporting standards and timelines.


Strategic Collaboration :


• Close collaboration with Business Units, Regional Financial Controller, Process and Compliance, and FP&A teams.
• Effective communication and coordination to align financial operations with business goals.


Audit and Reporting Requirements :


• Managing external audits to ensure financial statements are accurate and compliant.
• Meeting strict deadlines for month-end, half-year, and year-end financial reporting.


Technological Integration :


• Utilization of ERP systems (SAP) and tools (M-Files) to streamline processes and ensure data accuracy.
• Continuous improvement of financial processes through technological advancements.


Team Management :


• Leading and developing a high-performing finance team.
• Fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the team.






Required skills to be successful:


Behavioural Competencies:


• Strategic planning
• Leadership skills
• Strong Decision making
• Strong analysis and market research



What equips you for the role:


Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:


• Bachelor's degree in finance / commerce, Accounting, or a related field; a master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CA, CMA) is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UAE financial regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience in managing operational finance, including revenue booking, customer billing, and cost accounting.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.






Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in finance and accounting, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.




About Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies

Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies offers customers complete engineering and systems integration solutions.



The Engineering arm operates in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt providing a wide variety of products and services from air conditioning, scaffolding and access solutions, elevators and escalators, control and life safety, facilities management, building products, MEP, Energy Management, Technology Infrastructure and Digital Transformation.



The Technologies division provides complete business solutions to large, medium and small customers that include, contact centre solutions, business applications, business intelligence, data management, advanced analytics amongst others. The IT infrastructure portfolio comprises IP telephony, ELV systems, networking solutions, professional audio-visual solutions and managed services.



These solutions are further complemented by services that include project management, installation, testing, commissioning and after-sales maintenance contracts.