Accountant

Practice Group / Department:

Finance & Operations - Dubai

Job Description

Were Norton Rose Fulbright - a global law firm with over 50 offices and 7,000 employees worldwide. We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. At Norton Rose Fulbright, our strategy and our culture are closely entwined. We know that our expansion will mean little unless it is underpinned by truly global collaboration and we understand that pioneering work only takes place when our people have room to move and think beyond boundaries. As well as the relevant skills and experience, were looking for people who are innovative, commercial and value the work that they do.

The Role

The Accountant is a hands-on, multi-faceted role responsible for providing end-to-end accounting support across the full financial cycle, from transaction processing and period-end close through to monthly and annual reporting for the offices in the Middle East. The role ensures the accuracy of the books, maintains compliance with internal policies and procedures, and operates with a high degree of independence and accountability.

The high-volume transactional processing, such as accounts payable, is managed by specialist teams outside of the UAE; however the role carries full capability across these areas, stepping in to support time-critical transactions as the business demands. This is a true all-rounder position, spanning a wide range of accounting disciplines and acting as the bridge between financial accounting and the business.

Essentially this role will act as the systems champion in a true sense to resolve systems related challenges coupled with excellent communications skills assisting both their local finance team but also the fee earners and business support team.

As part of an international firm, the role involves regular coordination on transactional accounting matters with counterparts across the EMEAPAC network and globally, requiring confident and articulate communication at all levels.

The Finance team is a well-integrated and highly regarded function within the firm, known for a strong standard of service where no problem goes unsolved. Roles are performed with a high degree of independence on a trust basis, within a collegiate team culture. This is a multi-tasking environment underpinned by strong organisational discipline, commercial awareness, and a thorough grasp of local operational requirements. Excellence in delivery is the standard.

The Finance Team

The Finance function for the Middle East region operates under the leadership of the Head of Finance and Operations (Middle East) and supports offices in Dubai and Riyadh. Day-to-day finance activities in Dubai are overseen by the relevant Finance Managers.

The department is structured across two primary functions: the Revenue Function, which manages billing and collections across the business; and the Core Accounting and Finance Function, which oversees all other areas of financial accounting, control and reporting.

Core accounting responsibilities for the Middle East are delivered by the Dubai‑based accountants, with workstreams spanning payroll, transaction accounting, reporting and analysis, taxation, cash management, and client accounting. This role reports directly to the Dubai Finance Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Processing:

• Prepare and execute payments to suppliers including employee expenses in line with internal policies and approval limits.
• Perform supplier reconciliations, investigating and resolving any variances.
• Record payments in the accounting system and maintain accurate supporting documentation.
• Complete daily bank reconciliations and perform monthly company credit card reconciliations.
• Maintain up‑to‑date inter-company reconciliations and arrange settlements in accordance with company policy.
• Review cost ledgers monthly to ensure costs are recorded accurately and in line with internal guidelines.
• Liaise with international offices regarding recharges and cost allocations.
• Review unallocated client payments daily and coordinate with the Revenue team to ensure timely and accurate allocation.
  
  

Reporting:

• Prepare monthly cash flow forecasts.
• Compile month‑end and year‑end accounts, including general ledger reconciliations.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts as required.
• Monitor compliance with firm policies, including the recovery of employee personal costs (e.g., mobile phone charges, personal travel costs).
• Review and reconcile monthly cost statements for Business Services Team leaders and investigate variances from budget.
• Perform ad‑hoc cost analysis to support business decisions, address queries, and provide insights as required.
  
  

Taxation:

• Prepare VAT filings for UAE and KSA, in accordance with local regulatory requirements.
• Review the general ledger monthly to ensure appropriate classification of non‑deductible items for tax purposes.
• Prepare and file monthly withholding tax returns in KSA.
  
  

Other Functions

• Respond to finance‑related queries from employees, suppliers, the international accounting team, and internal/external auditors.
• Support audits and ad‑hoc finance projects as required including the integration of the new FMS project.
• Provide training to the wider business to develop best practice in transaction accounting and systems management.
  
  

Skills And Experience Required

Essential:

• A hands-on accountant, fully or part-qualified in ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CPA, or CMA.
• Technical proficiency and relevant experience — a minimum of 3 years relevant accounting experience and an understanding of practical accounting principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise across multiple workstreams and systems.
• Highly numerate, meticulous, and analytical, with strong attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams and all Office applications.
• UAE resident applicants only.
  
  

Desirable but not essential:

• Prior law firm experience is highly advantageous
• Knowledge of SRA rules relating to client monies.
• Experience with SAP, Aderant, or another similar financial management system would be an advantage.
  
  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

To attract the best people, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, have a sense of belonging, and realize their full career potential.

Our new enabled work model allows our people to have more flexibility in the way they choose to work from both the office and a remote location, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of service. We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies and provide access to programmes and services aimed at nurturing our people’s health and overall wellbeing. Find more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams. We strive to create an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any tailored adjustments or accommodations, please let us know here.

---