Accountant

The Accountant is the sole owner of ABtalks' financial operations, reporting directly to the Business Director. This is a hands-on, execution-first role: the person in this seat personally records transactions, issues and chases invoices, reconciles accounts, runs payroll, and keeps the company compliant with UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, and Labor Law; there is no supporting team or shared function to delegate to. The ideal candidate is a qualified ACCA or CPA who is equally comfortable with day-to-day bookkeeping as they are with tax filings and statutory compliance, and who takes personal accountability for the accuracy and integrity of the company's entire financial record. Duties and Responsibilities Bookkeeping and General Ledger • Record all day-to-day financial transactions and maintain accurate, complete accounting records. • Prepare and post journal entries and maintain the general ledger. • Review accounting documents and ensure supporting documentation is complete and audit-ready. • Own the chart of accounts and ensure consistent, correct coding of all transactions. Accounts Payable, Receivable and Collections • Process supplier invoices and payments in line with agreed terms. • Prepare and issue client and sponsor invoices accurately and on schedule. • Proactively monitor outstanding payments and follow up directly with clients on collections. • Reconcile supplier and customer accounts on a regular basis. Cash Flow Management • Manage and monitor the company's cash flow to ensure sufficient funds are available for day-to-day operations. • Track incoming and outgoing payments and maintain accurate cash flow records. • Plan for upcoming payments, travel bookings, purchases, and other business expenses. • Manage and monitor petty cash, ensuring all expenses are properly recorded and supported by documentation. • Flag upcoming financial commitments or cash flow concerns to the Business Director. Reconciliations • Perform regular bank and account reconciliations. • Review transactions to identify discrepancies, and investigate and resolve them independently. Payroll and UAE Labor Law Compliance • Own end-to-end monthly payroll processing, from calculation through disbursement. • Ensure full compliance with UAE Labor Law and the Wages Protection System (WPS) for every payroll cycle. • Maintain accurate payroll records, including leave, gratuity accruals, and end-of-service calculations. • Review and record employee expense reimbursements and maintain petty cash records. VAT, Corporate Tax and Regulatory Compliance • Maintain VAT records and supporting documentation in line with Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements. • Prepare and file VAT returns and support Corporate Tax filings and compliance. • Ensure the company's financial practices remain aligned with current UAE tax regulations, flagging changes in legislation that affect the business. • Prepare documentation required for external audits and regulatory reviews. Financial Reporting • Lead month-end and year-end closing. • Prepare accounting schedules, cash flow summaries, and financial reports for the Business Director. • Support the preparation of financial statements and provide the Business Director with clear, timely visibility into the company's financial position. • Maintain accurate records to support reporting, budgeting, and audit purposes. Financial Planning and Advisory • Continuously review financial processes and structures and recommend areas for improvement. • Support the implementation and improvement of financial policies and processes. • Prepare monthly financial reports with recommendations for the months ahead. • Prepare financial forecasts and provide visibility on upcoming financial needs. • Support department budget allocation and monitor spending against budgets. • Provide financial input and recommendations to support the company s growth plans. • Work closely with the Business Director on financial planning and the implementation of agreed financial strategies. Personal Attributes • A true doer , someone who wants to own and run the finance function personally, not delegate or manage it through others. • Trustworthy and comfortable handling confidential financial and payroll information. • Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and a low tolerance for errors. • Able to prioritize independently and meet recurring deadlines (payroll, VAT, month-end) without close supervision. • Proactive, resourceful, and comfortable being the only person accountable for the finance function. • Clear communicator who can translate financial detail into plain-language updates for the Business Director. • A team player with a positive, solutions-oriented attitude, even when working solo on the finance side. • Qualified ACCA or CPA (ACCA Affiliate or CPA Candidate who has passed all examinations will also be considered). • 2 3 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 1 year in the UAE strongly preferred. • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. • Strong working knowledge of UAE VAT and Corporate Tax, and confidence managing filings independently. • Solid understanding of UAE Labor Law and hands-on experience running payroll through the Wages Protection System (WPS). • Demonstrated experience owning accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reconciliations end-to-end. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard accounting software. • Strong written and spoken English.