Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant – PSA Academy

Location: Sharjah, UAE

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

PSA Academy is a leading multi-sport training organisation operating across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman since 2014. We deliver gymnastics, football, swimming, basketball, and tennis programmes to thousands of students across multiple locations. As a service-based business with recurring enrolments, seasonal programmes, and multi-site operations, our finance function plays a critical role in the academy’s continued growth.

The Role

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Accountant to lead and take full ownership of the academy’s end-to-end accounting function. This is a leadership position — you will be responsible for driving the finance process, producing management-level reporting, and overseeing a junior accountant in day-to-day operations.

The ideal candidate comes from a service-based or subscription-based business environment and has a deep understanding of revenue recognition, deferred income, multi-location cost allocation, and seasonal cash flow management. Proficiency in Xero is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full accounting cycle end-to-end across multiple entities and branches
• Supervise, mentor, and manage a junior accountant, ensuring accuracy and timely completion of tasks
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) for management and stakeholders
• Develop and maintain financial forecasts, budgets, and variance analysis to support strategic decision-making
• Produce detailed centre-wise and programme-wise revenue, cost, and profitability analysis
• Manage revenue recognition, deferred income tracking, and term-based billing cycles typical of a service-based academy model
• Prepare and file VAT returns in compliance with UAE FTA requirements
• Manage WPS payroll processing and ensure timely, accurate salary payments
• Lead the annual audit process, preparing all schedules, reconciliations, and documentation for external auditors
• Maintain, optimise, and take ownership of the Xero accounting system across all entities
• Handle intercompany transactions, reconciliations, and group-level consolidation
• Liaise with banks, government authorities (MOHRE, FTA, SEDD), auditors, and external stakeholders
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen financial controls and reporting accuracy

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a senior accounting or finance role
• Previous experience in a service-based, subscription-based, or academy/education business is strongly preferred
• Proven experience leading the accounting function and managing junior finance staff
• Proficiency in Xero is essential — candidates without Xero experience will not be considered
• Strong expertise in financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and management accounts
• Solid understanding of revenue recognition and deferred income in a service environment
• In-depth knowledge of UAE VAT legislation and FTA filing procedures
• Experience with WPS payroll processing
• Familiarity with multi-entity, multi-branch accounting environments
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to build financial models and dashboards
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work independently
• Strong communication skills in English (Arabic is a plus)
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. Professional qualifications (ACCA, CMA, CA, or equivalent) are strongly preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• A senior role with real ownership and influence over the finance function
• A dynamic, growing organisation at an exciting stage of development
• Supportive leadership and a collaborative team environment

To Apply

Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience with Xero, service-based accounting, and team management.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: AED4,500.00 - AED6,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have in a senior accounting or finance role?
• Do you have hands-on experience using Xero accounting software?
• Have you previously worked in a service-based, subscription-based, or education/academy business?
• Do you have experience preparing financial forecasts, budgets, and management reports?
• Have you managed or supervised junior accounting staff?
• Are you familiar with UAE VAT legislation and have you filed VAT returns with the FTA?

• Do you have experience with WPS (Wage Protection System) payroll processing in the UAE?
• Have you managed accounting across multiple branches or entities simultaneously?
• What is your visa status?
• What is your expected monthly salary (AED)?

Work Location: In person