Chief Accountant

Job Overview

The Chief Accountant is responsible for directing the entire finance function within the Qatar operations, ensuring strict adherence to Qatari commercial laws and tax guidelines. This leadership role encompasses key areas such as accounting, treasury, budgeting, and financial planning, prioritizing accuracy, effective controls, and timely financial reporting. Candidates should possess significant experience under Qatari regulatory frameworks and proficiency in ERP systems, ideally SAP Business One, to enhance operational transparency and financial management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all finance activities including accounting, treasury, budgeting, and reporting processes.
• Formulate and execute financial strategies that support the company's objectives.
• Ensure robust financial governance and implement internal controls throughout all operations.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities, including journal entry verification and reconciliation reviews.
• Prepare comprehensive financial statements such as balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, and cash flow statements compliant with IFRS standards.
• Generate and provide detailed financial analyses and reports to senior leadership.
• Guarantee compliance with Qatar's commercial law, tax regulations, and Central Bank requirements.
• Coordinate with external auditors, government entities, and other regulatory bodies, maintaining required audit documentation.
• Direct budgeting and financial forecasting processes; monitor and analyze budget performance and variance.
• Manage company liquidity, oversee cash flow, and optimize working capital management including receivables and payables.
• Administer ERP financial systems operations, focusing on SAP Business One, improving accuracy, controls, and automation.
• Supervise accounts payable and receivable to ensure prompt payments and collections, and enforce credit control policies.
• Oversee intercompany transactions and reconciliations involving GCC and international entities and support group consolidation and reporting.
• Lead, develop, and appraise the finance team, encouraging high accountability and aligning with labor laws.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
• Preferred: Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, or CMA.
• Minimum of 10 to 15 years in finance, with at least 5 years as a Chief Accountant.
• Extensive knowledge of Qatari or GCC financial laws and compliance protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in mid-sized to large organizations with structured finance departments.
• Track record of managing end-to-end financial operations and reporting.
• Experience interacting with GCC auditors and regulatory agencies is advantageous.

Skills and Competences

• Effective leadership and team management skills.
• In-depth understanding of Qatar financial legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical capabilities and financial reporting expertise.
• Proficiency in ERP system operations, especially SAP Business One.
• Solid command of IFRS and financial controls.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Fluent English is mandatory; Arabic language skills are a plus.