Accounting Associate

Roles and responsibilities

• Manage bookkeeping tasks including but not limited to accounts payable, accounts receivable and fixed assets ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Collaborate in month-end and year-end financial statement closing processes (FSCP) to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Assist in maintaining audit schedules and coordinating with external auditors throughout the audit process, and other requirements in their examination of statutory financial statements as required by local laws;
• Assist in the preparation and analysis of financial statements, ensuring compliance with IFRS, other applicable standards and local regulations.
• Support in developing and maintaining dashboards that provide insightful information to clients.
• Participate in budgeting and forecasting processes, providing accurate financial data to help guide decision-making.
• Stay abreast of changes in IFRS and payroll regulations and best practices to ensure continuous compliance and improvement.
• Support digital finance transformation initiatives by implementing new technologies and processes to enhance financial reporting and operational efficiency.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with VAT regulations, a critical aspect for businesses operating in the UAE.
• Work alongside the VAT team to manage VAT filings accurately and on time.
• Support the CIT team by assisting in the preparation and delivery of financial statements that will be required for corporate income tax filings.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Certification in Accounting & Finance. (CA / ACCA / CPA equivalent)
• 5-6 years of professional experience in financial statement preparation, dashboarding, budgeting, forecasting, bookkeeping and audit.
• Thorough knowledge of IFRS is a must, with specific experience in application of IFRS-9, IFRS-15 and IFRS-16.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software preferably “Dynamics 365 Business Central” or “Oracle ERP” .
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and cross functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• English language is an essential requirement.
• Knowledge on PBI is a plus.
• Knowledge or previous experience with the GCC market is a plus.

Desired candidate profile

1. Payroll Expertise:

• Proficiency in managing payroll systems and software (e.g., ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks, Ceridian).
• In-depth knowledge of payroll laws and regulations, including FICA, FUTA, state taxes, overtime laws, and employee benefits.

2. Accounting and Financial Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), accounting systems, and procedures.
• Experience with general ledger entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with financial tools and software, such as Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, or enterprise-level accounting systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

3. Tax Knowledge:

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations related to payroll, including withholding taxes, benefit deductions, and year-end reporting (W-2, 1099).
• Familiarity with payroll tax filings and compliance requirements (e.g., 941, 940, state unemployment tax filings).

4. Attention to Detail and Accuracy:

• High attention to detail to ensure accurate payroll processing and financial reporting, minimizing errors in employee pay and benefits.
• Ability to identify discrepancies in payroll records and resolve them efficiently.

5. Time Management and Organization:

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple payroll and accounting tasks simultaneously, especially during peak payroll periods (e.g., month-end, year-end).
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.

6. Problem-Solving:

• Strong problem-solving skills to address payroll discrepancies, tax issues, or employee inquiries in a timely manner.
• Ability to work through complex payroll issues and find practical solutions.

7. Communication Skills:

• Effective communication skills to interact with employees regarding payroll or benefits issues, and collaborate with HR, finance, and other departments.
• Ability to explain complex payroll or accounting issues to non-financial colleagues.

8. Confidentiality and Integrity:

• Strong sense of professionalism and confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive employee payroll and financial data.
• High ethical standards in ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining data integrity.

Tools and Technologies Used by an Accounting & Payroll Senior Associate:

• Payroll Software: ADP, Paychex, Ceridian, QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto, Ultimate Software (UltiPro), etc.
• Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Xero, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.
• Excel: Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis, and financial reporting).
• Time and Attendance Software: Kronos, Toggl, Workforce Software, etc.
• Tax Filing Software: TaxSlayer, Intuit Tax Online, or similar payroll tax software for tax form submissions.