Financial Accountant – Tax and Compliance

AtkinsRealis offers exciting opportunities for growth and development in the thriving markets of the Middle East. With offices in major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh, we are well-positioned to provide our employees with a diverse range of projects and experiences.

We are looking for a Financial Accountant to join the Middle East Finance Operations Team to assist the Finance Manager Statutory Compliance and regional tax team in ensuring ME&A tax compliance.

Middle East Finance Operations team is responsible for managing the technical accounting, transactional processing and statutory compliance for all AtkinsRéalis’ companies operating in the Middle East & Africa region, ensuring all internal and external reporting deadlines are met. The team also assists regional tax team in preparation of tax returns and documentation supporting tax assessments and audits. The team ensures compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures and maintains and evaluates internal control which govern the core financial processes.

Responsibilities:

• The Financial Accountant will join an existing team of finance and compliance experts within the Finance Operations who ensure a delivery of a high quality statutory and tax compliance function for all ME&A entities. The Financial Accountant will focus on preparation (and review, as applicable) of documentation, schedules and reconciliations required for the tax compliance activities across the ME&A region, assisting the regional tax team in preparing tax returns and tax assessments & audits. The role will also assist with statutory compliance including, but not limited to, financial statements, financial audits, reconciliations and corporate reporting.
• Prepare schedules and reconciliations to support Corporate Income tax and transfer pricing returns for the ME&A entities, mainly operating in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt.
• Lead the preparation of VAT and WHT returns for the ME&A entities, with assistance from team members.
• Assist with tax inspections and audits, and respond to questions and queries from the regional tax team as they relate to finance data and schedules prepared/maintained by Finance Operations team.
• Work closely with the regional tax team and serve as the point of contact for tax compliance matters for ME&A region.
• Initiate, implement and manage processes to ensure data and documentation is maintained to meet tax compliance requirements in the ME&A region.
• Assist regional tax team with periodic tax forecasts, deferred tax calculations and postings required internally.
• Manage and assist with, as required, with statutory and regulatory finance compliance e.g. ESR notifications, e-invoicing, CbCR etc for the ME&A region.
• Assist Finance Operations team with other statutory compliance and financial accounting matters as needed.
• Ensure compliance with Group’s Standard Operating Procedures and best practices;
• Coordinating with, and providing samples to, internal and external auditors;
• Develop strong working relationships with team members and other key stakeholders;
• Ad-hoc support to relevant business improvement projects.

Technical Competencies

Essential

• Fully Qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CPA or other recognised Accounting qualification;
• Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience, preferably in the Middle East, with some experience of working in a tax role for a construction/engineering consultancy organisation;
• Sound knowledge of Middle East tax regulations and requirements;
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of other Microsoft Office tools;
• High standard of (numerical) presentation skills;
• Excellent communication in English (both written and oral).
• Experience of interacting with multiple businesses and finance functions.

Desirable

• Working knowledge of JD Edwards, Enterprise Planning Management (EPM) and Oracle.
• Knowledge of Data Modelling, PowerPivot and PowerBI tools is an advantage.
• Big 4 experience as a senior associate.
• Grasp over Arabic language will be an added advantage.

Behavioural Competencies

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.
• Analytical - Able to analyse large volumes of data and clearly communicate findings.
• Strong interpersonal skills - Able to develop productive internal working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
• 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 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.

Salary & Benefits

• A competitive salary;
• Accommodation allowance;
• Transportation allowance;
• 22 calendar days annual leave (based on 5 day working week);
• Medical and life insurance cover;
• Discretionary bonus scheme;
• Annual flight allowance to point of origin;
• 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.

Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforces. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.
• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues, and customers are treated equally and with respect.