Chief Accountant

The Chief Accountant will be responsible for managing and overseeing key accounting functions, including payroll, employee benefits, petty cash, cash sales accounting, VAT compliance and general ledger activities. The role ensures accurate financial records, timely processing of transactions, compliance with applicable UAE regulations and adherence to the company's financial policies and internal controls.A. Payroll & Employee BenefitsManage end-to-end monthly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, completeness and timely salary disbursement.Coordinate with HR to validate employee attendance, leave records, salary adjustments, deductions and other payroll inputs.Ensure compliance with UAE Wage Protection System (WPS) requirements and applicable labour regulations.Calculate, account for and reconcile employee benefits, including leave salary, end-of-service gratuity, air tickets, medical insurance and other staff-related benefits.Maintain and reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts, employee advances and staff benefit provisions.Support annual budgeting and forecasting of payroll and employee-related costs.B. Petty Cash & Cash ManagementOversee petty cash transactions, reimbursements and settlements in accordance with approved company policies.Review supporting documents, verify approvals and ensure accurate accounting of petty cash expenses.Perform periodic petty cash reconciliations and coordinate physical cash verification.Monitor outstanding employee advances and ensure timely settlement and reconciliation.C. Cash Sales Accounting & ReconciliationManage accounting for cash sales, including cash collections, invoicing and recording of sales transactions.Coordinate with relevant operational departments to reconcile sales records with accounting and cash collection records.Verify sales documentation, applicable approvals and completeness of cash collections.Ensure timely deposit of cash receipts and proper reconciliation with bank records.Investigate and resolve discrepancies between operational records, sales transactions and financial records.D. VAT Compliance & Tax AccountingPrepare, review and submit periodic UAE VAT returns within statutory deadlines.Perform monthly reconciliations of input VAT, output VAT and VAT control accounts.Ensure proper VAT treatment of sales, purchases, expenses and other transactions.Maintain accurate supporting documentation and records in accordance with Federal Tax Authority requirements.Coordinate with external tax consultants and auditors on VAT-related matters.Assist with Corporate Tax compliance and other applicable statutory requirements.E. General Accounting & Financial ReportingMaintain accurate general ledger records and ensure timely posting of accounting transactions.Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, provisions and account reconciliations.Support monthly, quarterly and annual financial closing activities.Assist in preparation of financial statements, management reports and supporting schedules.Ensure compliance with IFRS, company accounting policies and established financial procedures.Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations and required documentation.F. Internal Controls & Process ImprovementEnsure compliance with financial policies, approval authorities and internal control procedures.Identify accounting discrepancies and implement timely corrective measures.Strengthen controls over payroll, employee benefits, cash transactions and tax compliance.Recommend improvements in accounting processes, reconciliations and ERP system utilization.Coordinate effectively with HR, Operations, Finance and other departments to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.Hands-on experience in payroll processing, employee benefits accounting, leave salary and end-of-service benefits, petty cash management, cash sales accounting and reconciliation, VAT return preparation and filing, general ledger accounting, financial reporting and month-end closing. Experience in handling cash collections, maintaining internal controls and coordinating with HR and operational departments.Strong knowledge of UAE payroll regulations, WPS, UAE Labour Law, VAT regulations and accounting principle; proficiency in SAP Business One and advanced MS Excel; payroll and staff benefit reconciliations; cash management and internal controls; accuracy and attention to detail; analytical and problem-solving skills; confidentiality; effective communication; time management; ability to work independently and meet reporting deadlines.