Chief Accountant / Accounting Manager

About:AHTARAFION is looking for an experienced Recruitment Specialist to manage end-to-end recruitment activities and support client hiring requirements across different industries in Saudi Arabia.The ideal candidate should have strong experience in sourcing, screening, interviewing, and evaluating candidates, with the ability to manage multiple vacancies simultaneously and identify suitable talent through different sourcing channels.Role Overview:Our client, a leading company operating in the beauty, fragrance, personal care, and luxury retail and distribution sector, with a strong presence across the Saudi market. They are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager / Chief Accountant to take ownership of the accounting function, financial closing, compliance, audit coordination, and inventory-related accounting activities. The role requires a hands-on professional with strong technical accounting knowledge and solid experience within Saudi Arabia.Key Responsibilities:Own the full set of books and lead month-end and year-end closing under IFRS.Ensure monthly closing is completed within 10 working days or fewer.Manage general ledger, reconciliations, accruals, provisions, and financial reporting.Handle external auditors directly and manage audit requirements.Manage VAT, withholding tax, zakat, corporate income tax, and ZATCA matters.Oversee ZATCA e-invoicing Phase 2 compliance and integration.Manage inventory accounting across multiple stores and warehouses, including stock counts, shrinkage, provisions, landed cost, consignment, and intercompany transfers.Manage accounting activities directly through SAP.Lead and supervise the accounting team.Maintain strong internal controls and accounting procedures.Minimum Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.Current SOCPA registration, CPA, or ACCA, or CMA.8–12 years of total experience.Minimum 3 years as Chief Accountant or Accounting Manager with full ownership of the books.Minimum 5 years of accounting experience in Saudi Arabia.Strong IFRS and Saudi tax knowledge.Hands-on experience with ZATCA audits or assessments.Practical experience with ZATCA e-invoicing Phase 2.Strong inventory-heavy retail or distribution accounting experience.Advanced SAP experience, including running the financial close within the system.Arabic and English at working proficiency.Experience managing a team of at least 3 employees.Strongly Preferred:Beauty, cosmetics, fragrance, personal care, luxury retail, or FMCG distribution experience.Experience with margin analysis, markdowns, and inventory provisioning.Previous experience with a reputable audit firm.Consolidation experience.ERP implementation or migration experience.