Senior Accountant/Tax Lead

We are looking for a Senior Accountant / Tax Lead to own our finance and tax backbone across Dawia Family Office and the Dawia Group of Companies, and to support selected client structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounting and Control
• Oversee day-to-day bookkeeping in Zoho Books (or similar) for multiple entities within the Dawia Group of Companies.
• Ensure timely bank reconciliations across all in-scope entities.
• Lead month-end and year-end close; ensure all ledgers are accurate and complete.
• Maintain proper documentation: invoices, contracts, receipts, tax files, and audit trails.
• Tax (VAT and Corporate Tax)
• Own all VAT and Corporate Tax processes for in-scope entities.
• Review and file returns on time, with correct treatments and supporting schedules.
• Maintain a clear tax calendar and ensure no missed deadlines.
• Prepare and organize documentation for FTA queries and audits.
• Reporting and Analysis

Prepare monthly management reports

Profit & Loss

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow

• Variance analysis vs budget
• Commentary on key movements and risks
• Maintain cash flow forecasts (weekly for priority entities and regular forecasts for others).
• Process and Systems

Document and improve SOPs for

• Bookkeeping and reconciliations
• Client and vendor invoicing
• VAT and Corporate Tax
• Month-end close and reporting
• Work with the Zoho expert to automate recurring work and reduce manual errors.
• Leadership and Collaboration
• Supervise junior accountants; review and sign off on their work.
• Partner with Account Managers to translate business activity into correct accounting and tax treatments.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with management – no surprises.

Requirements

Experience

• 7–12 years of accounting/finance experience.
• Strong UAE experience (mandatory).
• Proven, hands-on experience with UAE VAT and Corporate Tax.
• Experience with multi-entity / group structures (holdings, SPVs, family groups, etc.).
• Prior involvement in external audit preparation.

Technical Skills

• Solid understanding of IFRS / IFRS for SMEs.
• Strong working knowledge of the UAE VAT and Corporate Tax framework.
• Comfortable designing and managing a chart of accounts and tax mappings.
• Proficient with Zoho Books (or similar cloud accounting systems) and Excel/Sheets.
• Behavioral and Culture Fit
• Proactive and comfortable owning deadlines.
• Very detail-oriented and structured; loves clean books and clear checklists.
• Calm under pressure during filings, audits and peak periods.
• Discreet and professional with sensitive financial and family information.
• Enjoys mentoring junior staff and working in a lean, entrepreneurial environment.
• Comfortable working with African entrepreneurs and families.