Accounts & Tax Manager

Job Description

• Role summary

Own end-to-end delivery for a portfolio of UAE clients across accounting close, VAT, Corporate Tax and advisory. Lead a high-performing team, strengthen internal controls, and act as the key escalation point for complex matters.

Key responsibilities

• Own end-to-end client delivery for a portfolio of UAE clients across bookkeeping review, month/quarter close, VAT and Corporate Tax workstreams – ensuring zero slippage on deadlines.
• Lead a team of 10-15+ members (UAE + offshore) – task allocation, coaching, performance feedback, and building a strong review culture.
• Build workflows and implement robust processes: SOPs, checklists, templates, review notes, and control gates to ensure consistent quality and audit-ready files.
• Accounting review & reporting: review reconciliations, accruals/provisions, ledger hygiene, and finalize management packs (P&L;/BS/CF) with clear commentary.
• UAE VAT leadership: review VAT workings and returns; advise on treatment (exports, reverse charge, credit notes, disallowances) and handle FTA clarifications as needed.
• UAE Corporate Tax leadership: guide CT readiness, computations, schedules and documentation; oversee filing support and ensure defensible positions.
• Advisory mindset: identify insights (margin, working capital, cashflow, cost control), and recommend practical improvements tailored to each client.
• Multi-industry exposure: confidently handle multiple clients across diverse industries, adapting approach and controls to each business model.
• Client communication & escalation: act as primary escalation point; run client calls, manage expectations, and drive closure of open items.
• Quality & compliance: ensure documentation, evidence, and sign-offs are complete; maintain high standards and a strong track record of delivery.

Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years in accounting/tax/compliance, with UAE experience strongly preferred (VAT + Corporate Tax exposure required).
• Leadership: proven experience managing and developing teams of 10-15+; able to set structure, accountability and cadence.
• Process excellence: demonstrated ability to build workflows, implement SOPs, and improve turnaround time and accuracy.
• Technical strength: strong accounting fundamentals (IFRS awareness preferred) + solid command over UAE VAT and Corporate Tax.
• Track record: consistent, high-quality delivery across multiple clients and deadlines; strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Communication: confident client-facing professional; clear writing, stakeholder management and presentation skills.
• Tools: strong Excel; experience with cloud accounting systems (Zoho Books / Xero / QuickBooks) is a plus. Qualification: ACCA / CA / CPA (preferred).