Senior Accountant @ ESM Dubai

ESM is looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our team in Dubai, UAE. This role is responsible for taking end-to-end ownership of the sports academy's accounting cycle and financial analysis, from transaction recording through to statutory reporting and tax compliance, while delivering timely, accurate insights that support profitability, cost efficiency, and strategic decision-making across coaching, events, facility rental, and league operations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting business growth, and driving informed decision-making across the organisation.

Key Objectives

• Own the full accounting cycle for the academy, from source documents to finalized, audit-ready financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Take full responsibility for tax matters (VAT/corporate tax computation, filing, and compliance) and act as the primary point of contact for auditors and tax authorities.
• Provide precise financial analysis and impactful reporting to aid strategic decision-making, with a focus on boosting profitability and optimizing cost efficiency across programmes (swimming, football, athletics, basketball) and revenue lines (coaching, leagues, events, facility rental).
• Engage in detailed financial due diligence of potential coaching academy acquisitions, focusing on risk evaluation and data verification to inform safe, strategic investments.
• Ensure efficient and compliant revenue recognition, timely invoicing, and proactive collections to maintain healthy cash flow across all group companies.
• Collaborate with teams across the group to standardize accounting and accounts receivable procedures, reducing overdue balances and strengthening internal controls.
  
  
  

• Professional degree in Accountancy or Finance.
• A professional qualification (CA, ACCA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent) is strongly preferred given full ownership of accounting and tax.
  
  
  

• Proven, sufficient experience managing a full accounting cycle end-to-end, including tax filings, ideally in a multi-entity or fast-paced services, sports, or leisure environment.
  
  
  

• Strong command of accounting standards (IFRS/local GAAP), general ledger management, and financial statement preparation.
• Working knowledge of tax regulations (VAT/corporate tax) and experience managing filings and audits.
• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems and advanced Excel/financial modelling.
• Ability to interpret financial data to make informed decisions.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and dashboards for strategic decision-making.
• Ability to evaluate potential acquisitions through thorough financial analysis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to non-disclosure agreements.
• Demonstrate proactive, deadline-driven, and problem-solving behaviour suited to a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.
  
  
  

• A competitive salary package
• Annual flight allowance
• Private medical insurance
• End of service benefit
• Access to lifestyle discounts