As a provider of multi-disciplined technical services to the built environment, Atkins is committed to design excellence in the delivery of first class solutions which combine innovation, imagination and best practice.
We operate at the forefront of transport, property and infrastructure sectors and are one of the world’s leading Engineering consultancies. Using a flexible and multi-disciplinary approach, we provide an independent service in key areas: consulting and project management.
We are looking for a Financial Accountant to join the Financial Accounting team within the Middle East Shared Services Function (SSF or more commonly known as Central Finance). The Financial Accountant will report into the two Finance Managers in charge of Financial Accounting. The Financial Accounting team is made up of a number of chartered accountants and currently includes: 2 Finance Managers, 2 Senior Accountants, an Accountant and 2 Assistant Accountants.
The Financial Accounting team is responsible for creating entries in, and managing the, general ledger for all Middle East companies and ensuring Group reporting deadlines are met. The team is responsible for the preparation of internal financial reports for Group submission as well as the preparation of financial statements and tax filings for local statutory purposes. The team also ensures compliance with the Group Finance Manual and maintains and evaluates internal controls which govern the core financial processes.
Responsibilities
The Financial Accountant will be the team lead for regional Tax processes that are managed by the Financial Accounting team, including, but not limited to, VAT (throughout MEA), Incomes Taxes, WHT, WVAT, GOSI and the related internal reporting or statutory filings of the same. They will also be required to support the day to day operations of the Financial Accounting team, including month end reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
Core responsibilities will include:
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Responsibility for all key tax reporting processes across all Middle East and Africa companies;
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Responsibility for one or more key financial reporting processes across all Middle East companies;
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Ensure compliance with Group Finance Tax Manuals and use best accounting practices;
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Preparation of periodical reports and reconciliations to be submitted to the business and / or Group;
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Coordinating with, and providing samples to, internal and external auditors.
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Assistance in the preparation of periodical and statutory Financial Statements and tax filings;
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Ensure accuracy of workflow and completion within the specified deadlines;
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Develop strong working relationships with the Group tax function, along with team members and other key stakeholders within Central Finance;
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Ad-hoc support to relevant business improvement projects;
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Seek opportunities to learn new skills and aspire to develop within the team.
Atkins has been established in the Gulf for over 40 years, having first carried out design and supervision commissions in the Gulf area in 1967. The regional head office (Dubai) was established in 1979.
We provide a full range of design, engineering and project management services for buildings, transportation and other infrastructure programmes.
Atkins in the Middle East now employs around 2,000 staff serving Gulf clients across all market sectors from offices in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Manama, Muscat, Riyadh, and Sharjah.
Requirements
Technical Competencies
Essential
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Part / Fully Qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CPA or other recognised Western Accounting or Tax qualification;
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Minimum of 5 years, experience within a Finance Environment.
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Competent accountant with good understanding of double entry and accounting best practices.
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Experience in preparing General Ledger journal entries and accounts reconciliations.
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Experience in local and Group periodic reporting.
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Experience in contributing towards budgets and forecasts.
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Experience in preparing statutory Financial Statements, and / or, statutory tax filings.
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An understanding or awareness of local taxes in the Middle East (Income Tax, WHT, Zakat).
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Ability to understand and work with ERP systems (JD Edwards and Hyperion is an advantage).
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High standard of (numerical) presentation skills.
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Strong reporting skills, advanced in Excel and can evaluate and improve financial processes.
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Excellent communication in English (both written and oral).
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Experience of interacting with multiple businesses and finance functions.
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Experience of working within a multi-cultural environment.
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Proven ability to develop strong working relationships and communicate effectively at all levels.
Desirable
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Big 4 experience as an associate or above (PwC/EY/KPMG/Deloitte);
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Some exposure to Tax Reporting and Statutory Tax filings;
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An understanding of VAT and the preparation of VAT returns;
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Some ability to speak / read / write Arabic an advantage but not essential.
Behavioural
Essential
Initiative – Able to work independently with minimum supervision, make suggestions on best practice and improving current processes and procedures.
Problem Solving – Can think of creative solutions to problems.
Strong management and interpersonal skills – Able to develop productive internal working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
Analytical – Able to analyse large volumes of date and clearly communicate findings.
Teamwork – Willingly cooperate with others towards the same goals and objectives.
Communication skills – Clear, concise and relevant in both the verbal and written form.
Time Management – Able to prioritise, plan ahead and achieve objectives within strict deadlines.
Influencing – Confident liaising with and influencing at all levels within the organisation.
Cultural Awareness – Able to work within a diverse team and to engage all colleagues.
Capable of intelligent debate – challenge colleagues in a constructive manner, communicate complexity clearly, avoid being abrasive or judgemental.
Rewards & Benefits
We offer an excellent package which includes:
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A competitive salary
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Accommodation allowance
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Transportation allowance
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Medical and life insurance cover
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Company gratuity scheme
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Discretionary bonus scheme
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Annual flight allowance to point of origin
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Employee Well-Being Programme – 24 hour free advice on financial, legal and family care specialists and also access to personal health, fitness and nutrition consultants
Apply and the process:
We are in the process of shortlisting the candidates and will advise you on your status soon
