Lead Accounts Officer

About the role

The Lead Accounts Officer will act as the primary liaison between the accounts payable function, internal stakeholders, and external vendors. Reporting to the Head of Accounts Payable and the Finance Director, this role ensures timely processing of payments and supports continuous improvement of AP processes.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for all accounts payable inquiries.
• Review, approve, and monitor payments to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain and analyse AP dashboards, vendor balances, aged payables, and outstanding advances.
• Reconcile vendor statements and employee expenses, resolving discrepancies.
• Escalate critical issues to senior finance leadership for prompt decision‑making.
• Collaborate with IT to automate and streamline AP workflows and reporting.
• Enhance existing reports and create new ones based on business needs.
• Develop and enforce AP policies and procedures.
• Train and mentor AP staff on best practices.
• Coordinate with external auditors and support VAT and tax audits.
• Perform ad‑hoc projects as assigned by the Head of Accounts Payable.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years of experience in accounts payable or a similar finance role.
• Semi‑qualified Chartered Accountant, Bachelor/Master of Commerce, or equivalent qualification.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team of accountants.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with vendors and internal customers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and Arabic.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational abilities.

Required skills