Assistant Accountant

Assistant AccountantLocation: Dubai, UAEIndustry: Retail & FMCG DistributionEmployment Type: Full-TimeAbout the CompanyThe Little Birdy Group is a fast-growing UAE-based distribution business representing a portfolio of leading international brands across multiple retail channels.With a strong market presence and ambitious growth plans across the GCC, we are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Accountant to join our finance team in Dubai.This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their accounting career within a fast-paced retail and FMCG distribution environment.Role OverviewThe Junior Accountant will support the finance team with day-to-day accounting activities, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, inventory accounting, and month-end reporting.The ideal candidate will be organised, analytical and confident working with numbers, with some previous accounting experience preferably within retail, FMCG or distribution.The role will work closely with the wider finance, sales, supply chain and operations teams and offers significant opportunity for learning and development.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Accounting & ReportingSupport the day-to-day accounting cycle including GL, AP and ARAssist with bank reconciliations and payment reconciliationsSupport month-end closing and preparation of management accountsMaintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentationPrepare balance sheet reconciliations and schedulesAssist with posting journals, accruals and prepaymentsEnsure transactions are accurately recorded within the accounting systemAccounts Receivable & Credit ControlMonitor customer accounts and outstanding receivablesFollow up with customers regarding overdue paymentsMaintain accurate customer statements and ageing reportsAssist with credit control and ensure customer payment terms are monitoredSupport reconciliation of customer deductions, credit notes and paymentsAccounts Payable & Supplier ManagementProcess and review supplier invoicesReconcile supplier statementsAssist with preparation of supplier payment schedulesEnsure supplier payments are processed accurately and on timeInvestigate invoice discrepancies and liaise with suppliers where requiredRetail & FMCG AccountingAssist with inventory and stock reconciliationsSupport landed cost calculations and allocationsAssist with gross margin and product profitability analysisSupport the accounting of promotions, rebates and supplier agreementsAssist with reconciliation of freight, customs, clearance and other landed costsWork with the supply chain team to investigate stock and costing discrepanciesCompliance & ControlsAssist with UAE VAT reporting and reconciliationsMaintain accurate documentation for audit and compliance purposesSupport the annual external audit processFollow internal accounting controls and company proceduresAssist with improving finance processes and reportingBusiness SupportAssist with cash flow reporting and forecastingSupport budgeting and financial analysisPrepare ad hoc financial reports as requiredWork closely with sales, supply chain and operations teams to resolve accounting queriesProvide general support to the Finance Manager and wider finance teamRequirementsMandatory RequirementsMinimum 2 years of accounting experienceBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related fieldGood understanding of basic accounting principlesExperience with accounts payable, accounts receivable and bank reconciliationsStrong Excel skillsHigh level of accuracy and attention to detailStrong organisational and time-management skillsFluent written and spoken EnglishPreferredExperience within retail, FMCG or distributionExperience working with inventory-based businessesKnowledge of UAE VAT regulationsExperience with Xero or another accounting/ERP systemACCA, CMA, CPA or similar qualification in progress would be advantageousStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsComfortable working in a fast-paced, growing businessProactive attitude and willingness to learn