Chief Accounting Officer

Join the Team at ABYAT - Your Gateway to Retail Excellence!About usAre you ready to be part of the largest retail store in the Middle East ABYAT, spanning an impressive 22,000 square meters and offering over 22,000 products, is your one-stop destination for all things home improvement and more. From elegant tiles and captivating wallpapers to state-of-the-art lighting solutions and stylish kitchen fixtures, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse array of top-quality products under one roof.Established locally with a vision for excellence, ABYAT has been setting benchmarks since its inception in September 2005. With an unwavering focus on our customers, we've crafted an experience that revolves around their needs, from our meticulously designed store layouts to our unparalleled service offerings.Expanding beyond our roots in Kuwait, ABYAT is now making waves in Saudi Arabia and setting our sights on Qatar and the UAE. As we continue to grow, we're seeking passionate individuals to join our dynamic team and contribute to our journey of success.Position: Chief Accountant OfficerLocation: Kuwait OR KSAType: Full-timeThe Chief Accountant is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting activities and ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timely recording of financial transactions. The role leads the accounting team, manages month-end and year-end closing activities, ensures proper reconciliations and financial controls, and supports accurate financial reporting in accordance with IFRS, local regulations, and ABYAT policies and procedures.The position requires a strong hands-on accounting professional who can manage a high-volume environment and work closely with Finance and other business functions to resolve accounting and operational issues.Key Responsibilities:Accounting Operations & General LedgerOversee daily accounting activities and ensure accurate and timely recording of transactions.Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the General Ledger.Review journal entries, accruals, provisions, prepayments, and accounting adjustments.Ensure correct allocation of transactions to accounts, cost centers, business units, and projects.Oversee AP, AR, fixed assets, intercompany, and other accounting activities as assigned.Investigate accounting discrepancies and ensure timely resolution.Month-End & Year-End ClosingLead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities.Ensure all closing activities are completed according to the Finance closing calendar.Prepare and review balance sheet and GL reconciliations.Review accruals, provisions, depreciation, prepayments, and other closing entries.Follow up on outstanding and aged reconciliation items.Support the preparation of financial statements and management reports.Analyze significant account movements and provide explanations when required.Retail & Inventory AccountingEnsure accurate accounting treatment of inventory, COGS, stock adjustments, write-offs, and provisions.Coordinate with Supply Chain, Warehousing, Retail Operations, Procurement, and Commercial teams on inventory-related accounting matters.Review inventory reconciliations between operational and financial systems.Support physical inventory counts and investigate material variances.Ensure appropriate accounting treatment of supplier and customer transactions.Financial Controls & ComplianceEnsure compliance with IFRS, company accounting policies, Delegation of Authority, and local regulatory requirements.Maintain effective financial controls and proper segregation of duties.Ensure complete supporting documentation and audit trails for financial transactions.Support internal and external audits and provide required schedules and documentation.Follow up on audit findings and ensure timely corrective actions.Support VAT, Zakat, tax, and other statutory requirements as applicable.Financial Reporting & AnalysisPrepare and review periodic accounting and financial reports.Provide accurate financial information to the Accounting Manager, Financial Controller, and management.Analyze variances, unusual transactions, and significant account movements.Support budgeting and forecasting processes with accurate historical and accounting information.Team ManagementLead, supervise, and develop accountants and accounting officers.Allocate responsibilities and monitor team workload.Review the team's work to ensure accuracy and compliance.Provide technical accounting guidance and support.Monitor deadlines and ensure timely completion of accounting activities.Develop team capabilities and promote accountability and continuous improvement.Systems & Process ImprovementEnsure accurate accounting transactions and controls within SAP/ERP systems.Identify opportunities to improve, standardize, and automate accounting processes.Work with Finance, IT, and other departments to resolve system-related accounting issues.Support finance transformation and process improvement initiatives.Improve closing efficiency, reconciliation processes, and reporting accuracy.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.CPA, CMA, ACCA, CA, SOCPA or equivalent professional qualification is preferred.8–12 years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory/team leadership responsibility.Strong hands-on experience in General Ledger, month-end closing, reconciliations, and financial reporting.Strong knowledge of IFRS and financial controls.Experience within retail, distribution, building materials, home improvement, or another high-volume transactional business is highly preferred.Strong SAP/ERP experience is preferred.GCC experience is an advantage.Apply now and take the first step towards an exciting career with ABYAT!