Head of Accounting

Role Overview

Head of Accounting at Airbus Defense and Space, based with Airbus Helicopters Arabia for Aircraft Maintenance. This is a fixed-term professional-level position in the Accounting job family.

Role Purpose

Lead the accounting operations and financial reporting function to ensure timely, accurate financial statements, regulatory compliance, and effective coordination with internal and external audit processes across local and multinational environments.

Key Responsibilities

Financials & Reporting

• Prepare Financial Statements reports and submit them in a timely manner.
• Prepare and consolidate reports for Group reporting purposes, including ICART and FACTS+.
• Coordinate and communicate regularly with the Group Consolidation team.
• Review joint ventures and analyze general ledgers on a regular basis.
• Ensure Airbus processes and compliance regulations are in place.
• Conduct deviation analysis of financial statements on a monthly basis to support local and headquarters Finance queries.

Coordination for Annual Audits

• Lead coordination of the Annual Financial Audit, both internal and external.
• Prepare various statements as requested by auditors.
• Manage audit schedules and requirements by following up with team members and departments including Finance Controller, Operations, and Procurement & Logistics Manager.
• Communicate and liaise with auditors to organize meetings across Controlling, Procurement, HR, and Operations, and bridge any gaps between parties.
• Support the Tax Manager in finalizing Annual Income Tax Returns, including identifying revenue, foreign and local purchases, and subcontracting costs.

Supervision of Accounting Operations & Closing Activities

• Manage banking payments and treasury matters.
• Provide guidance and support to the accounting team, overseeing day-to-day operations, reviewing work for accuracy and completeness, and promoting professional development.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing by supervising accounting operations and coordinating with Controlling to book all cost center and project-related expenses and revenues.
• Participate in payroll projects, withholding tax applications, payable and receivable controls, and monitor cash flow.
• Manage people and create a team capable of delivering desired results.
• Provide vacation backup support and manage ad-hoc requirements assigned by headquarters Finance.

Implementation, Monitoring & Upgrading of Accounting Standards & Processes

• Understand and implement changes in financial reporting due to organizational structure changes.
• Continuously develop and improve accounting and control procedures and policies.
• Support assignments related to tax assessment and advise Tax Manager on tax authority requirements.
• Monitor cash flow, payables, receivables, affiliated companies, and government utilities.
• Improve accounting and reporting processes.

Facilitation, Support & Cross-Functional Communication

• Monitor and verify intercompany balances, clearing strategies, and intercompany reconciliation with the Accounts Receivable accountant.
• Coordinate with Group team members to address issues and improve processes and procedures.
• Support Regional One Roof Finance initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor degree in accounting (minimum).
• CPA or SOCPA certification (preferable).
• Minimum 10 years' experience in accounting with exposure to local and multinational cultural environments.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, internal control, compliance, IFRS, local taxation, and local commercial laws.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.
• Ability to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
• Advanced Excel proficiency; SAP experience required.
• Leadership skills.
• Ability to quickly analyze and interpret data.
• Flexible, adaptable, enthusiastic, motivated, and self-confident.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Experience working in local and multinational cultural environments.

Additional Information

• Employment Type: Fixed term.
• This role requires awareness of potential compliance risks and commitment to act with integrity as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation, and sustainable growth.
• Airbus is committed to workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment, welcoming all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.
• Airbus supports flexible working arrangements wherever possible to stimulate innovative thinking.