Chief Accountant

IntroductionA legacy business moving towards the modern age, Athar is the evolution of a family office with a history that spans over three decades. As the Real Estate market gradually advances, adapts, and evolves, so has our vision for the future. Athar is a work in progress, and the ideal candidate is a motivated and experienced individual with an entrepreneurial mindset. They would be someone who is not afraid to get involved on the front lines, but with the long term vision of helping build the future of the company. We are seeking someone to be part of a founding team, and someone who enjoys the challenge of turning average properties into great assets. Athar Group is founded by a member of the legacy family office and inherits a currently active revenue generating portfolio of properties. The asset base spans commercial, residential, and industrial assets, and range from newly built to those that require major renovations. These assets are a prime portfolio with an immediate and actionable plan to increase their ROI and inherit value in the short term, which in turn will fuel the future expansion of Athar Group. The short term goal is immediate asset value creation, while the long term has eyes on expanding a property management portfolio as well as exploring the adjacent verticals in the real estate market.Chief Accountant· Run the full accounting cycle for each company: ledger, reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, and IFRS financial statements.· Account for rent, tenant deposits and each building's income and costs, and reconcile leasing records to the books.· Preparation of financial statements for property owners and other clients alongside internal corporate statements· Track receivables and arrears, forecast collections, and agree recovery priorities with the leasing team.· Prepare the annual budget, budget-versus-actual reports, a weekly cash position and a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast, and flag cash risks early.· Manage payables, accruals, fixed assets and payment runs, each backed by proper documents and approvals.· Keep VAT and Corporate Tax filings complete and on time, working with auditors and tax advisers.· Run monthly payroll through WPS, leave and gratuity accruals, and keep HR and employee records confidential.· Give the Managing Director timely financial statements, building performance reports, risks and recommendations.· Support decisions on renovation works and new projects with cost, cash flow and return analysis.· Work with the leasing and facilities teams on tenancy data, billing, receipts, deposits and exceptions.· Resolve financial queries from tenants, suppliers and contractors, and manage relationships with banks, auditors and advisers.· Set up the chart of accounts, finance procedures, reporting calendar and an accounting system that fits the company's size.· Put written controls in place over approvals, payments, bank access and reconciliations, with review by the Managing Director where one person cannot split duties.· Track and close audit and control findings and keep the Managing Director informed of material risks.Education and Experience:· Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.· CA, ACCA, CPA, or CMA qualification highly desirable.· Experience with accounting software recognized and approved by the FTA. · Minimum of 10 years of accounting experience, with a majority in the UAE· Demonstrable knowledge of month and year end close, financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls· Accounting experience in the UAE real estate market highly desirable. · Tax experience in the UAE real estate market highly desirable.· Experience in payroll and WPS administration desirable.· Extensive knowledge of IFRS financial reporting. Additional Requirements:· Fluency in English and Arabic.· Valid UAE driving licenseKey Performance Indicators:You may be asked to expand on your experience with month-end close and creation of regular reports, cash management protocols, reconciling and reporting receivables, VAT and tax obligations, payroll maintenance, and other KPIs.