Chief Accountant – Real Estate Developer (Off-Plan)

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Chief Accountant with a strong background in real estate development, off-plan property sales and property leasing accounting. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing day-to-day accounting operations, overseeing financial reporting, ensuring accurate project and property-level accounting, and maintaining compliance with IFRS and applicable financial regulations. The role requires hands-on experience in off-plan unit sales accounting, real estate development transactions, and property financial management, along with strong ERP and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Key Responsibilities Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting • Manage and oversee day-to-day accounting operations across the company and its real estate properties. • Review accounting transactions, journal entries, payments, receipts and reconciliations. • Manage monthly, quarterly and annual financial closing processes. • Prepare accurate financial statements, management reports and property-level financial reports. • Maintain and review General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and bank reconciliations. • Monitor intercompany accounts and related-party transactions. Real Estate Development & Property Accounting • Manage accounting activities related to off-plan property sales, unit bookings, sales collections and customer payment schedules. • Ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of property sales, customer advances and project-related transactions. • Oversee property leasing accounts, rental income, service charges, security deposits and tenant receivables. • Monitor outstanding customer and tenant balances and ensure timely reconciliation. • Review accounting treatment for property acquisitions, disposals, investments, CAPEX and depreciation. Financial Control & Compliance • Ensure compliance with IFRS, applicable accounting standards and internal financial policies. • Coordinate with external auditors and provide supporting schedules and documentation. • Support annual budgeting, financial forecasting, cash-flow projections and variance analysis. • Establish and maintain effective internal accounting controls and procedures. • Identify accounting discrepancies and implement corrective measures. Team Management • Supervise, guide and review the work of junior accounting staff. • Ensure accuracy and timely completion of accounting activities and financial reporting. • Coordinate with internal departments to ensure smooth financial operations. • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline. • Minimum 10 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably within real estate development companies. • Mandatory UAE accounting experience. • Proven hands-on experience in real estate development and off-plan unit sales accounting. • Strong knowledge of property leasing, rental income and property management accounting. • Solid understanding of IFRS and financial reporting principles. • Experience in month-end and year-end financial closing. • Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel. • Strong analytical, reconciliation and problem-solving skills. • Previous experience supervising or reviewing accounting teams. • ACCA, CPA, CMA or an equivalent professional qualification is an advantage.