Chief Accountant (Arabic Speaking)

Job Category: Finance & Accounting Location: Riyadh, Onsite A prestigious and well-known group of schools is seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to oversee accounting operations, strengthen financial controls, and deliver accurate financial reporting across its schools. This role requires strong technical accounting expertise, hands-on experience in financial consolidation, and a thorough understanding of IFRS and Saudi regulatory requirements. Arabic fluency is mandatory. Key Responsibilities · Oversee daily accounting operations across the group’s schools, ensuring accurate records and consistent application of accounting policies. · Lead month-end, quarterly-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting for each school and the group. · Prepare standalone financial statements for each school and consolidated financial statements for the group, in accordance with IFRS. · Establish and maintain a unified chart of accounts, reporting structure, accounting policies, and financial reporting templates across all schools to ensure consistency, comparability, and efficient consolidation. · Manage intercompany reconciliations, consolidation adjustments, and elimination entries to ensure accurate group reporting. · Review general ledger entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and supporting schedules, resolving discrepancies and outstanding balances promptly. · Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, school fee accounting, and collections reporting. · Prepare budgets, monitor actual performance against budgets on a monthly basis, analyze variances, and prepare management information system (MIS) reports for management. · Ensure compliance with VAT, ZATCA requirements, and other applicable Saudi regulations, including coordination with relevant government authorities and platforms. · Coordinate internal and external audits and prepare accurate supporting documentation. · Strengthen internal controls, identify process improvements, and promote consistent financial practices across the schools. · Guide the accounting team and collaborate with school leadership and other departments to deliver reliable financial information. Qualifications and Experience · Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. · Professional accounting or audit qualifications such as CMA, CIA, ACCA, CPA, or CA are preferred. · Proven experience as a Chief Accountantor in a comparable role, preferably within the education sector or a group with multiple entities. · Demonstrated experience preparing standalone and consolidated financial statements, including intercompany reconciliations and elimination entries. · Strong knowledge of IFRS, financial reporting, accounting principles, and internal controls. · Hands-on experience with VAT, ZATCA requirements, and relevant Saudi government platforms. · Fluency in Arabic is required, with strong written and verbal communication skills. · Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in accounting systems or ERP platforms. · Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail. · Ability to lead a team, manage competing priorities, and meet reporting deadlines. · Internal audit experience is an advantage, but is not required. How to Apply Join an established education group and play a key role in strengthening financial reporting, improving consistency across schools, and supporting informed decisions at both school and group levels. To apply, please send your CV to [email protected], using “Chief Accountant – Arabic Speaking” as the subject line. #Hiring #ChiefAccountant #AccountingJobs #FinanceJobs #EducationSector #RiyadhJobs #SaudiArabia #IFRS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. Professional accounting or audit qualifications such as CMA, CIA, ACCA, CPA, or CA are preferred. Proven experience as a Chief Accountant or in a comparable role, preferably within the education sector or a group with multiple entities. Demonstrated experience preparing standalone and consolidated financial statements, including intercompany reconciliations and elimination entries. Strong knowledge of IFRS, financial reporting, accounting principles, and internal controls. Hands-on experience with VAT, ZATCA requirements, and relevant Saudi government platforms. Fluency in Arabic is required, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in accounting systems or ERP platforms. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail. Ability to lead a team, manage competing priorities, and meet reporting deadlines.

Oversee daily accounting operations across the group’s schools, ensuring accurate records and consistent application of accounting policies. Lead month-end, quarterly-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting for each school and the group. Prepare standalone financial statements for each school and consolidated financial statements for the group, in accordance with IFRS. Establish and maintain a unified chart of accounts, reporting structure, accounting policies, and financial reporting templates across all schools to ensure consistency, comparability, and efficient consolidation. Manage intercompany reconciliations, consolidation adjustments, and elimination entries to ensure accurate group reporting. Review general ledger entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and supporting schedules, resolving discrepancies and outstanding balances promptly. Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, school fee accounting, and collections reporting. Prepare budgets, monitor actual performance against budgets on a monthly basis, analyze variances, and prepare management information system (MIS) reports for management. Ensure compliance with VAT, ZATCA requirements, and other applicable Saudi regulations, including coordination with relevant government authorities and platforms. Coordinate internal and external audits and prepare accurate supporting documentation. Strengthen internal controls, identify process improvements, and promote consistent financial practices across the schools. Guide the accounting team and collaborate with school leadership and other departments to deliver reliable financial information.