General Accountant

Job description / Role

Description

Job summary

The general accountant is responsible for managing and overseeing accounting and financial reporting activities for real estate development projects. The role ensures accurate financial records, compliance with IFRS and UAE regulations, and timely reporting to management. The position requires strong experience in project accounting and effective use of Microsoft 365 (M365) tools to support collaboration, reporting, and data management.

Key responsibilities

Financial accounting & reporting

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with IFRS.
• Manage general ledger activities, reconciliations, accruals, and month-end/year-end closing.
• Prepare management reports and financial analyses using Excel (M365) and Power BI where applicable.

Project & development accounting

• Track and control project costs including land acquisition, construction, consultants, and financing costs.
• Maintain WIP schedules, capitalization of development costs, and revenue recognition.
• Utilize Excel, SharePoint, and Teams to manage project documentation, cost trackers, and approvals.

Accounts payable & receivable oversight

• Oversee AP and AR processes, ensuring accuracy of contractor payments, progress claims, and collections.
• Review payment certificates, retention balances, and invoicing using shared M365-based workflows.

Compliance & controls

• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT laws, IFRS, and internal financial controls.
• Prepare VAT returns, reconciliations, and supporting schedules using Excel and SharePoint.
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining organized digital records within M365.

Budgeting & forecasting

• Assist in preparing project budgets, feasibility studies, and cash flow forecasts.
• Perform variance analysis and present insights using Excel dashboards and collaborative M365 tools.

Audit & stakeholder coordination

• Coordinate with auditors, banks, consultants, and internal departments.
• Share reports and audit documentation securely via SharePoint and OneDrive.

Team support & collaboration

• Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff.
• Collaborate with finance, projects, and management teams using Microsoft Teams for communication and reporting.

Qualifications & experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• ACCA, CPA, or CA preferred.
• 5–8 years of accounting experience, preferably in real estate development or construction.
• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft 365 (Excel advanced functions, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams; Power BI is an advantage).

Skills & competencies

• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, financial modeling).
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.