Accountant Job Description in the GCC: Roles, Requirements & Responsibilities

Accountant Role Overview

Accountants in the GCC region play a critical role in maintaining financial transparency across one of the world's most dynamic economic corridors. With the UAE's implementation of Corporate Tax (9% effective June 2023), Saudi Arabia's ongoing economic diversification under Vision 2030, and the introduction of VAT at 5% across most Gulf states, the demand for skilled accountants has surged dramatically.

The GCC accounting landscape is shaped by unique regulatory requirements. Each country maintains its own tax authority — the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in the UAE, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) in Saudi Arabia, and the General Tax Authority (GTA) in Qatar. Accountants must navigate these frameworks while adhering to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are mandatory across the GCC for listed companies and widely adopted by private firms.

As of 2026, the GCC finance sector employs over 180,000 accounting professionals, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia representing approximately 75% of demand. Major employers include the Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), all of which maintain significant GCC operations, alongside regional firms like BDO, Grant Thornton, and Baker Tilly. Beyond audit firms, banks such as Emirates NBD, Al Rajhi Bank, and Qatar National Bank employ large accounting teams, while oil and gas giants like ADNOC, Saudi Aramco, and Qatar Energy require specialized petroleum accountants.

The profession is experiencing rapid digital transformation. Cloud-based accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho Books), ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Financials), and AI-driven automation tools are reshaping daily workflows. Accountants who combine technical IFRS knowledge with proficiency in these platforms command premium salaries and greater career mobility.

Key Responsibilities

An accountant working in the GCC typically manages a broad range of financial duties that vary by seniority, industry, and company size:

Core Financial Duties

• Prepare and maintain financial statements in accordance with IFRS standards. This includes balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and statements of changes in equity. Monthly, quarterly, and annual closing cycles are standard across GCC organizations.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely processing of invoices, vendor payments, and customer collections. In the GCC, payment terms of 60-90 days are common in construction and government sectors, requiring careful cash flow management.
• Perform bank reconciliations and maintain accurate general ledger entries. Multi-currency transactions are routine in the GCC given the region's international workforce and trade relationships.
• Process payroll including end-of-service gratuity calculations, housing allowances, flight ticket provisions, and Wage Protection System (WPS) compliance — a mandatory electronic salary transfer system in the UAE and other Gulf states.

Tax & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and file VAT returns through the FTA portal (UAE), ZATCA portal (Saudi Arabia), or relevant authority. Accurate classification of zero-rated, exempt, and standard-rated supplies is essential.
• Manage Corporate Tax compliance in the UAE, including calculating taxable income, identifying qualifying free zone income, transfer pricing documentation, and filing annual returns with the FTA.
• Ensure compliance with Zakat regulations in Saudi Arabia for Saudi-owned entities, and Corporate Income Tax for foreign-owned businesses.
• Support external audit processes by preparing audit schedules, responding to auditor queries, and implementing audit recommendations. GCC regulators increasingly mandate annual audits for companies above certain revenue thresholds.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Prepare management reports including budget vs. actual analysis, variance reports, and financial KPIs for senior leadership and board meetings.
• Coordinate with department heads on budgeting and forecasting cycles, often incorporating economic indicators specific to the GCC such as oil price projections and government spending plans.
• Liaise with banks for facility management, trade finance documentation (letters of credit, bank guarantees), and treasury operations.
• Support internal stakeholders with financial data, cost analysis, and business case preparation for new projects or investments.

Required Qualifications

Education

GCC employers universally require a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a closely related field. Degrees must be attested through the appropriate chain (home country notarization, foreign affairs, embassy attestation, MOFA) for visa processing. Graduates from recognized universities in the UK, Australia, India, Philippines, and Pakistan form the largest talent pools in GCC accounting departments.

A master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or an MBA with a finance concentration is preferred for senior roles and can accelerate career progression, particularly at the Big Four and multinational corporations.

Technical Skills

• IFRS proficiency: Thorough understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards, particularly IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments), IFRS 15 (Revenue Recognition), IFRS 16 (Leases), and IFRS 17 (Insurance Contracts for insurance sector roles).
• ERP systems: SAP (most demanded in large enterprises and government), Oracle Financials, Microsoft Dynamics 365. Proficiency in at least one enterprise ERP is expected for mid-level and senior roles.
• Accounting software: Tally ERP 9/Tally Prime (widely used in SMEs across the GCC), QuickBooks, Zoho Books, Xero.
• Tax compliance: UAE VAT and Corporate Tax filing, ZATCA compliance, Excise Tax procedures. Hands-on experience with FTA and ZATCA portals is highly valued.
• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, financial modeling, and macros. Excel remains the universal tool across all GCC accounting departments.
• Data analysis: Increasing demand for Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools for financial reporting and dashboarding.

Experience Levels & Salary Ranges

• Junior Accountant (0-2 years): Handles data entry, invoice processing, bank reconciliations, and assists with VAT filing. Typical salary: AED 6,000-10,000/month.
• Accountant (3-5 years): Manages full accounting cycle, prepares financial statements, handles tax compliance independently. Typical salary: AED 10,000-18,000/month.
• Senior Accountant (5-8 years): Leads month-end close, manages team members, liaises with auditors, handles complex transactions. Typical salary: AED 18,000-25,000/month.
• Finance Manager/Chief Accountant (8+ years): Oversees entire finance function, strategic financial planning, board reporting. Typical salary: AED 25,000-35,000/month.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, these qualifications significantly enhance a candidate's competitiveness in the GCC accounting market:

• Professional certifications: CPA (US), ACCA (UK), CMA (US), CA (India/UK/Australia). The ACCA and CPA are the most recognized in the GCC. CMA certification is increasingly valued for management accounting roles. Some firms sponsor certification for promising employees.
• Arabic language skills: Essential for government accounting roles, auditing Arabic-language documents, and communicating with Arabic-speaking clients. Bilingual accountants command 15-25% salary premiums.
• GCC work experience: Familiarity with local regulations (WPS, free zone reporting, end-of-service gratuity calculation) and business culture reduces onboarding time significantly.
• Industry-specific knowledge: Oil and gas accounting (joint venture accounting, production sharing agreements), real estate (IFRS 15 for off-plan sales, escrow account management), or banking (IFRS 9, Basel III reporting) are highly specialized and command premium compensation.
• Free zone knowledge: Understanding JAFZA, DAFZA, DMCC, and other free zone financial reporting requirements and exemptions.

Work Environment & Benefits

Accounting positions in the GCC typically offer comprehensive compensation packages that extend well beyond base salary:

• Base salary plus annual performance bonus (typically 1-2 months salary at Big Four firms, up to 3 months at banks and oil companies)
• Housing allowance or company-provided accommodation (AED 3,000-10,000/month depending on seniority and city)
• Annual flight ticket to home country for employee and eligible dependents
• Health insurance covering employee and family, with dental and optical coverage standard at larger firms
• 30 days annual leave plus 10-13 public holidays depending on country
• End-of-service gratuity calculated per UAE Labour Law: 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years, 30 days per year thereafter
• Professional development: Many employers sponsor certification exams (ACCA, CPA, CMA), provide study leave, and cover exam fees
• Overtime provisions: During audit season (January-March) and tax filing periods, extended hours are common. Some firms offer overtime pay or compensatory time off.

Work schedules are typically Sunday to Thursday in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Friday-Saturday weekends. Banking sector accountants may work Saturday mornings. Audit firm accountants should expect 50-60 hour weeks during peak season.

How to Stand Out as a Candidate

The GCC accounting job market attracts candidates globally, creating intense competition. To differentiate yourself:

• Obtain UAE Corporate Tax certification: With Corporate Tax being new (effective June 2023), certified professionals are in extremely high demand. The FTA's registered tax agent program and AAOIFI's Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA) are valued credentials.
• Highlight VAT experience: If you've handled VAT filing, audit defense, or voluntary disclosure, showcase this prominently. VAT knowledge remains a top-three requirement in GCC accounting job postings.
• Showcase ERP proficiency: List specific modules and transaction types you've worked with. "SAP FI/CO with 3 years of experience" is far more compelling than "ERP experience."
• Quantify your impact: "Reduced month-end close from 12 days to 5 days" or "Managed AED 50M annual revenue across 3 entities" demonstrates tangible value.
• Network through professional bodies: ACCA UAE, CPA Society chapters, and the UAE Accountants & Auditors Association host regular events. LinkedIn networking with GCC recruiters (Robert Half, Michael Page, Hays) is also effective.
• Build sector expertise: Specialize in a high-demand sector — oil and gas, real estate, banking, or healthcare — and become the go-to candidate for those roles.

Sample Accountant Job Description Template

Use this template to craft your own job description or to understand exactly what GCC employers expect when reviewing accounting job postings:

Position: Accountant

Department: Finance / Accounting
Reports to: Finance Manager / CFO
Location: [City], [Country]
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented Accountant to join our finance team in [City]. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring regulatory compliance (VAT, Corporate Tax), and supporting month-end and year-end closing processes across [number] entities in the GCC region.

What You'll Do

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS
• Manage VAT return preparation and filing through the FTA/ZATCA portal
• Process accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely vendor payments and collections
• Perform bank reconciliations and maintain the general ledger
• Support annual audit processes and implement audit recommendations
• Prepare management reports, budget variance analysis, and financial KPIs
• Ensure WPS compliance for payroll processing
• Maintain fixed asset register and calculate depreciation schedules

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce
• [X]+ years of accounting experience, preferably in the GCC
• ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CA qualification (completed or in progress)
• Proficiency in [SAP/Tally/QuickBooks] and advanced Microsoft Excel
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, UAE VAT law, and Corporate Tax regulations
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills

Nice to Have

• Arabic language proficiency
• Experience with [industry: oil & gas / real estate / banking] accounting
• Knowledge of free zone reporting requirements
• Power BI or Tableau experience for financial dashboarding

What We Offer

• Competitive salary + annual performance bonus
• Housing allowance
• Annual flight tickets for employee and family
• Premium health insurance
• 30 days annual leave
• Certification sponsorship (exam fees + study leave)
• Modern office in [location]

Tailoring Your Resume to Accountant Job Descriptions

When applying for accounting roles in the GCC, align your resume precisely with the job description to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:

1. Mirror regulatory terminology: If the JD mentions "VAT return filing," use that exact phrase — not "tax compliance" or "indirect tax." GCC accounting roles have specific regulatory language that ATS systems scan for.
2. List certifications prominently: Place ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CA credentials right after your name or in a dedicated section near the top. In the GCC, certifications often matter more than the university name.
3. Quantify financial scope: "Managed accounts for 5 entities with combined revenue of AED 120M" or "Processed 500+ monthly invoices" demonstrates capacity.
4. Highlight software proficiency with specifics: "SAP FI/CO — GL posting, asset accounting, period-end closing" is far stronger than just listing "SAP."
5. Show regulatory evolution: If you transitioned companies through VAT implementation (2018) or Corporate Tax preparation (2023-2024), this demonstrates change management ability that GCC employers value highly.