Assistant Financial Accountant - Central Finance

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 an Assistant Financial Accountant to join the Financial Accounting team within the Middle East Shared Services Function (SSF or more commonly known as Central Finance). The Assistant Financial Accountant will report to the two Finance Managers in charge of Financial Accounting. The Financial Accounting team is currently made up of 2 Finance Managers, 2 Senior Accountants, 1 Accountant (all fully qualified), 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 Assistant Accountant will assist in the day to day operations of the Financial Accounting team and support the team’s Finance Managers with any ad-hoc tasks.

Core responsibilities will include:

• Responsibility for one or more key financial reporting processes across all Middle East companies;
• Ensure compliance with Group Finance Manual and use of best accounting practices;
• Preparation of periodical reports and reconciliations to be submitted to the business and / or Group;
• Coordinating with, and providing samples to, internal and external auditors.
• Assistance in the preparation of Financial Statements for local statutory reporting;
• Ensure accuracy of workflow and completion within the specified deadlines;
• Develop strong working relationships with team members and other key stakeholders within Central Finance;
• Ad-hoc support to relevant business improvement projects;
• 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

• Partial / Fully Qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CPA or other recognised Western Accounting qualification;
• Minimum of 3 years, experience within a Finance Environment.
• Competent accountant with good understanding of double entry and accounting best practices.
• Experience in preparing General Ledger journal entries and accounts reconciliations.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel (ability to build custom models is an advantage).
• 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;
• Experience of working within a multi-cultural environment;
• Proven ability to develop strong working relationships and communicate effectively at all levels.

Desirable

• Some Big 4 experience as an associate or above (PwC/EY/KPMG/Deloitte);
• Some exposure to preparing statutory returns and financial statements.
• Working knowledge of JD Edwards, Hyperion Finance Management (HFM), Smart View and other specific IT systems and databased

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:

• A competitive salary
• Accommodation allowance
• Transportation allowance
• Medical and life insurance cover
• Company gratuity scheme
• 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

Apply and the process:

We are in the process of shortlisting the candidates and will advise you on your status soon