Senior Accountant - Finance, Accounts Payable

Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, The First Group is a dynamic, integrated global property developer with a fast-growing portfolio of upscale hotels, residential properties, F&B brands and real estate asset management services. Since our launch in 2005, we have carved a highly successful niche offering unrivalled property investment opportunities in high-growth markets to clients from more than 70 countries worldwide.

We were among the first developers to identify the tremendous potential in providing private investors the opportunity to purchase hotel guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments in our collection of upscale properties located in highly popular locations across Dubai. We back up our success with a list of International Property awards along with strategic partnerships with companies such as Wyndham Hotel group, Millennium Hotels, Emirates Airlines and Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts.

To successful candidates, we offer a diverse progressive corporate working environment with clear growth potential along with award winning sales & marketing tools, a state of the art showroom featuring Dubai’s only virtual helicopter tour and endorsements from a number of international sporting celebrities.

The Senior Accountant – Accounts Payable is responsible for leading and overseeing the end-to-end procure-to-pay (P2P) cycle, ensuring that vendor invoices are processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with company policies, while maintaining proper ledger accuracy and supporting AP reporting requirements. The role strengthens financial controls, supports month-end close activities, and acts as a key AP business partner to internal stakeholders.

• Own and ensure compliance with the end-to-end P2P process, maintaining strong internal controls at all times.
• Review and validate vendor invoices for correctness and completeness prior to posting in the ERP.
• Ensure adherence to approval matrix and delegated authorities; coordinate invoice approvals with departments to ensure timely and appropriate authorization.
• Lead payment run preparation and review (payment proposals, prioritization, due-date planning), ensuring payments are accurate, approved, and executed on time.
• Maintain strong payment controls including segregation of duties, bank detail verification, and audit trails for payment files/approvals.
• Manage vendor statement reconciliations; investigate and resolve discrepancies and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Govern vendor master data requests/changes (as per process): ensure required approvals, documentation, and fraud-prevention checks are completed.
• Monitor and manage AP aging, blocked invoices and overdue items; drive resolution with internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Act as escalation point for Accounts Payable issues and drive root-cause resolution with stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance AP efficiency, accuracy, and compliance (process redesign, automation opportunities, SOPs).
• Prepare AP reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation for audit and management reporting.
•  Support monthly close requirements and ensure adherence to deadlines and reporting standards

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Typically 5+ years AP/finance operations experience (UAE experience preferred); strong knowledge of accounting principles and reconciliation procedures.
• Experience using ERP systems (e.g., D365, CRM, TAS) and advanced Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or supervise a small accounting/AP team.