Accountant Jobs Dubai — Requirements & Salary 2026

# Accountant Jobs Dubai — Requirements & Salary 2026 Dubai's position as a global financial hub means the demand for qualified accountants, auditors, and finance professionals remains consistently high. From Big Four audit firms in DIFC to SMEs in Deira and Jebel Ali Free Zone, accountant roles span every sector and seniority level. This 2026 guide covers qualifications, salary benchmarks, and exactly how to find and apply for accountant jobs in Dubai. ## Types of Accounting Roles Available in Dubai General accountants handle day-to-day bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, accounts payable, and receivable functions. Junior accountants or accounts assistants are entry-level roles that typically require a commerce degree and one to two years of experience. Senior accountants manage month-end close, financial statements, and supervise junior staff. Financial controllers and finance managers oversee entire finance functions, manage reporting to group level, and interact with auditors and banks. Chief Financial Officers lead strategic financial decisions. Audit roles at Big Four firms — Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and EY — operate in DIFC and Downtown Dubai and handle statutory audits for listed companies and multinationals. Tax advisory roles have grown significantly since the UAE introduced VAT in 2018 and corporate tax in 2023. VAT consultants, corporate tax specialists, and transfer pricing advisors are in strong demand. Cost accountants and management accountants serve the manufacturing, retail, and real estate sectors. ## Salary for Accountants in Dubai 2026 Junior accountants with one to three years of experience typically earn AED 5,000 to AED 9,000 per month. Mid-level accountants with four to seven years of experience and a professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, or CMA earn AED 9,000 to AED 16,000. Senior accountants and financial controllers earn AED 15,000 to AED 25,000. Finance managers in medium to large companies earn AED 18,000 to AED 35,000. CFOs and VPs of Finance at established companies in DIFC or Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) can earn AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 and above. Big Four senior associates and managers earn AED 12,000 to AED 28,000 depending on grade and specialisation. Packages typically include health insurance, annual flights for some employers, and an end-of-service gratuity payment. Unlike many other markets, there is no income tax in the UAE, which means the take-home value is substantially higher than equivalent gross figures in the UK, India, or the Philippines. ## Qualifications and Certifications Required A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or commerce is the baseline requirement for most Dubai accounting roles. However, professional certifications are what set candidates apart. The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the most widely recognised qualification among Dubai employers. The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is valued by US-linked firms. The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is popular for management accounting and controllership roles. CA qualifications from India (ICAI), the UK (ACA), or Australia (CA ANZ) are respected, particularly for audit and financial reporting roles. For tax-specific positions, the UAE Tax Agent Diploma from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is valuable. Many senior roles now expect candidates to have both a degree and a professional qualification. Proficiency in accounting software is essential. QuickBooks, Tally ERP, SAP, Oracle Financials, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are the most commonly required systems. Advanced Excel skills — including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modelling — are expected in all mid-to-senior roles. ## Top Employers Hiring Accountants in Dubai Big Four firms — Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and EY — operate large offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and recruit accountants and auditors at all levels. Mid-tier firms such as Grant Thornton, Mazars, BDO, and Crowe also have strong UAE presences. Large conglomerates such as Al-Futtaim, Majid Al Futtaim, and Emaar Properties maintain significant finance teams. Banks including Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and international banks in DIFC hire finance professionals continuously. Real estate developers, logistics firms, retail groups, and manufacturing companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone all have ongoing accounting recruitment. ## How to Apply for Accountant Jobs in Dubai Post your profile on DdotsMediaJobs and upload a CV that prominently features your qualifications, certifications, systems experience, and specific achievements — for example, "reduced month-end close from 15 days to 7 days" or "managed VAT compliance for a AED 500M revenue business." Quantified achievements get accountant CVs shortlisted. LinkedIn is essential for finance and accounting roles. Senior positions in DIFC and ADGM are often filled through direct LinkedIn outreach by recruiters. Specialist finance recruitment agencies including Michael Page, Robert Half, Heidrick and Struggles, and Cooper Fitch place accountants at mid-to-senior levels. Register with two or three agencies in addition to applying directly through portals. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is ACCA recognised in Dubai? Yes, ACCA is one of the most respected accounting qualifications in Dubai and the UAE. It is recognised by UAE employers across all sectors and is particularly valued in audit, financial reporting, and corporate finance roles. ACCA members and affiliates are actively sought by Big Four firms and major corporates. ### Do I need UAE experience to get an accounting job in Dubai? UAE experience is preferred but not always required. Candidates with strong international qualifications and relevant industry experience can secure roles without prior UAE experience. Demonstrating knowledge of UAE VAT, corporate tax, and free-zone structures in your interview will give you an advantage. ### What is the average salary for a senior accountant in Dubai? A senior accountant in Dubai with five to eight years of experience and a professional certification such as ACCA or CPA typically earns between AED 12,000 and AED 20,000 per month. This is tax-free, making the effective value comparable to significantly higher gross salaries in taxed markets. ### Which accounting software is most used in Dubai? SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are most common in large enterprises. QuickBooks and Tally ERP are widely used in SMEs, particularly among Indian and Pakistani business communities. Proficiency in at least one major ERP alongside Excel is expected for most roles above entry level. ### Can a fresh graduate find an accounting job in Dubai? Yes, entry-level and accounts assistant roles are available for fresh graduates with a commerce or accounting degree. Having even partial ACCA or CMA progress alongside your degree significantly improves your chances. Applying through DdotsMediaJobs and targeting SMEs and growing companies is the most effective route for fresh graduates.