Michael Page is a leading global recruitment consultancy, specializing in connecting top-tier executive talent with premier organizations. This exclusive search is for a prominent engineering organization with a global reach, based in Dubai. They are seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Accounting and Tax to lead and modernize their finance function. This is a senior management role requiring a unique blend of technical accounting expertise, international market experience, and proven leadership.
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Job Title: Head of Accounting and Tax via Michael Page (UAE)
Full-Time , Permanent
📍 Location: Dubai, UAE 🇦🇪
Company: Michael Page (on behalf of a prominent engineering client)
Apply nowPosition Overview: Head of Accounting and Tax
Michael Page’s client is looking for a Head of Accounting and Tax to provide strategic leadership over all accounting and tax operations within their Dubai headquarters. This role goes beyond compliance; it is about ensuring financial integrity, driving process efficiency, and providing strategic insights to support global business objectives. The ideal candidate will be a qualified finance leader with specific, hands-on experience navigating the African and European markets, crucial for supporting the company’s international operations.
Key Responsibilities
As the financial control leader, you will be entrusted with the following strategic duties:
- Financial Leadership & Control: Oversee all accounting operations, including AP, AR, GL, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and adherence to international standards.
- Global Tax Strategy & Compliance: Manage all tax planning, reporting, and compliance activities across multiple jurisdictions, with a focus on mitigating risk and optimizing the company’s tax position.
- Policy, Procedure & Team Development: Develop, implement, and enforce robust accounting policies and procedures. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of accounting professionals.
- Stakeholder Reporting & Collaboration: Prepare and present accurate financial statements to senior management and external stakeholders. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support strategic business objectives.
- Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, automation, and effectiveness of the entire accounting and tax function.
Candidate Requirements (Mandatory)
| Requirement Category | Specific Qualification |
|---|---|
| Education & Certification | A degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, plus a relevant professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent). |
| Market Experience | Must have demonstrable professional experience working within both the African market and the European market. This is a critical, non-negotiable requirement. |
| Technical Expertise | Strong expertise in IFRS/accounting standards and international tax regulations. |
| Leadership Experience | Proven leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing, developing, and mentoring a finance team. |
| Skills & Proficiency | Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills. Proficiency with major financial software and ERP systems. |
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal leader for this role will be:
- A strategic financial controller with a deep understanding of the operational and regulatory complexities in Africa and Europe.
- A hands-on leader and developer of talent, capable of building a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the finance team.
- Meticulously detail-oriented on compliance, yet able to provide high-level strategic insights to guide business decisions.
- A proactive and resilient professional, comfortable operating in a complex, multinational engineering or industrial environment.
Job Offer & Benefits
- Competitive Salary: A monthly salary ranging from AED 40,000 to AED 47,000.
- Prestigious Organization: The opportunity to work within a leading, globally active engineering organization based in Dubai.
- Career Growth: Clear path for professional growth in a supportive and structured corporate environment.
- Comprehensive Package: A full benefits package, details of which will be confirmed during the offer stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is experience in both Africa and Europe mandatory?
The client is a global engineering firm with significant operations across these two distinct regions. Direct experience with the specific accounting practices, tax regimes, and business cultures in Africa and Europe is essential to manage compliance, risk, and reporting effectively for the organization.
2. Is this role focused more on accounting or tax?
This is a combined leadership role. You will be the ultimate owner and expert for both the accounting function AND the tax function, requiring balanced expertise in both disciplines.
3. What industry experience is required?
The client is in the engineering sector. While specific engineering experience may be advantageous, the primary requirements are technical accounting/tax expertise and the specific geographic market experience.
4. Who is the hiring company?
The client is a prominent, globally-reaching engineering organization based in Dubai. Michael Page is conducting this search confidentially on their behalf. Further details will be shared with qualified candidates during the process.