Job Purpose:
The Accounting & Tax Unit Head is responsible for managing the Company’s accounting operations and statutory tax and Zakat compliance. The role oversees the integrity of the general ledger, monthly and year-end closing, complex IFRS accounting entries, financial statement preparation and consolidation, while ensuring accurate treatment and timely compliance for Zakat, VAT, Withholding Tax (WHT), Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT), E-Invoicing and other applicable ZATCA requirements. The role coordinates with internal teams, external and internal auditors, tax advisors and regulatory authorities, and supports management with reliable financial and tax reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
A. Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting Manage and supervise day-to-day accounting operations, including the general ledger and the accounting activities of AP, AR and treasury, ensuring transactions are accurately and timely recorded. Lead the monthly, quarterly and year-end closing process, including review of journals, reconciliations, accruals, provisions and other closing entries. Review complex accounting entries, including IFRS revenue recognition and cost recognition, loan interest accruals, management fee amortization and other significant accounting estimates. Review accounting entries recorded by accountants and ensure appropriate supporting documentation, approvals and account classification. Prepare and finalize quarterly and annual standalone and consolidated financial statements for the Company and its subsidiaries in accordance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements. Prepare the initial English and Arabic drafts of the financial statements and support the preparation of quarterly regulatory announcements and related reporting requirements. Perform and review quarterly financial statement analysis and key ratios to support management assessment of financial performance, liquidity and profitability. Calculate and review Expected Credit Loss (ECL) on receivables and ensure appropriate accounting treatment and disclosures. Coordinate with the AR team to analyze sales and ensure revenue is reported, recorded and recognized accurately and in the correct accounting period. Ensure accurate and timely issuance and accounting of customer invoices and support follow-up of receivables and collections. Provide ad hoc accounting and financial reports and analysis requested by Finance leadership and management.
B. Tax, Zakat, VAT & Regulatory Compliance Manage all Zakat and tax matters, assessments, audits, inquiries and correspondence with ZATCA and other relevant authorities. Ensure accurate Zakat, VAT, WHT and RETT treatment across revenue, expense, asset and other transactions in compliance with Saudi tax regulations. Prepare, review and submit VAT and WHT returns and other applicable statutory tax filings within required deadlines. Manage RETT registrations, exemptions/refunds and related requirements applicable to real estate transactions and development activities. Review AP, AR, treasury and other accounting postings to ensure appropriate VAT and tax treatment and correct tax coding. Monitor E-Invoicing compliance and ensure invoices and related processes meet ZATCA requirements. Reconcile VAT input and output balances to the general ledger and statutory returns and resolve identified differences on a timely basis. Manage VAT refund processes and other recoverable tax positions to support working capital and cash flow efficiency. Manage Zakat and tax appeals and coordinate responses to authority requirements with external tax advisors where required. Conduct ongoing Zakat and tax risk assessments for existing and future projects and transactions, identifying exposures and recommending appropriate mitigation actions. Determine and review the tax and Zakat position of the Company and its subsidiaries for quarterly and annual financial reporting and year-end procedures. Maintain appropriate tax documentation, reconciliations, working papers and supporting records to ensure audit readiness and strong tax governance.
C. Audit, Governance & Stakeholder Coordination Coordinate with external auditors for quarterly reviews and annual statutory audits, including preparation of audit schedules, supporting documents and timely responses to audit requirements. Coordinate with internal auditors and provide the required accounting, tax and financial information and supporting documentation. Support Audit Committee reporting and presentations and respond to inquiries relating to financial statements, accounting matters, tax and regulatory compliance as required. Act as the key Finance contact for tax authorities, external tax advisors and auditors on accounting and tax matters. Support regulatory financial reporting and disclosures, including applicable Tadawul/IFSAH reporting requirements. Ensure accounting and tax processes operate in accordance with approved policies, internal controls, delegation of authority and regulatory requirements.
D. Managerial Responsibilities Supervise, coach and develop accounting staff and allocate responsibilities to ensure effective segregation of duties and timely completion of accounting and tax deliverables. Establish clear closing, reporting and tax compliance calendars and monitor performance against deadlines. Drive process improvements, standardization and automation across accounting and tax activities to improve accuracy, efficiency and control. Promote strong collaboration between Finance and other departments to resolve accounting and tax matters and improve the quality of financial information. Proactively identify accounting, tax and control risks and escalate material issues to the Finance Line Manager/CFO with recommended corrective actions.
Key Competencies Strong knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting Strong knowledge of Saudi Zakat, VAT, WHT, RETT and ZATCA regulations Accounting operations and financial closing Consolidation and financial statement preparation Tax risk management and regulatory compliance Leadership and team management Analytical thinking and problem solving Attention to detail and result orientation Communication and stakeholder management
Recommended Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline; professional accounting/tax qualification is preferred. Relevant experience covering both accounting operations/financial reporting and Saudi tax and Zakat compliance. Hands-on experience with ZATCA filings, tax audits/assessments, IFRS financial statements, external audit coordination and ERP/accounting systems. Experience in real estate, development, investment or a similarly complex corporate environment is advantageous.