How to Find a Job in Dubai as Accountant in 2025
The quick guide for Accountants and Finance Professionals to search and get jobs in Dubai - By Divyesh Dave
A few days ago, one of our community members messaged me,
“Divyesh, are you in Dubai? How did you get there? Can you guide me on how to find a job?”
I helped him with a detailed reply, but this is a question I receive almost every week from accountants and finance professionals on LinkedIn who want to move to Dubai and don’t know where to begin. That’s when I thought, why not write a small, quick guide that everyone can benefit from?
So here I am writing for anyone in accounting or finance who dreams of building a successful career in Dubai but feels lost about where to start.
Tell me, are you an accountant or an aspiring finance professional dreaming of a dynamic career in one of the world’s most exciting business hubs - Dubai?
Let me tell you, you’re not alone.
Every year, thousands of qualified professionals from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian countries set their sights on the UAE.
The reason is clear: Dubai offers global exposure, tax-free income, and a chance to work in a truly international business environment.
But here’s the truth that many professionals learn too late:
Landing a job in Dubai is not just about applying online or forwarding your resume to dozens of recruiters. The market works slightly differently here than in India. What got you hired in India may not work in Dubai.
You need a strategic approach - a resume optimized for Dubai’s ATS systems, a clear career positioning, the right networking strategy, and an understanding of how the market operates.
So, if you’ve been wondering, “How do I start?”, this blog is your step-by-step guide - from understanding Dubai’s job market to writing an ATS-proof resume and acing interviews confidently.
Let me begin with a simple approach that you can start with for a successful accounting and finance career in Dubai.
🏙️ Understanding the Dubai Job Market
Dubai’s financial ecosystem is robust, international, and constantly evolving. Dubai is becoming a financial hub for the world, and that is why for us, as Accountants, it is a golden chance to move here.
It’s home to thousands of multinational companies, financial institutions, and trading firms operating in sectors like:
Gold and diamond trading
Logistics and shipping
Real estate and construction
Retail and hospitality
Manufacturing and trading
Oil & energy
Fintech and startups
Accountants and finance professionals play a central role in every one of these industries. Whether you are into bookkeeping, auditing, FP&A, taxation, or compliance, there’s a strong demand but also high expectations.
💼 Few Common Finance Roles in Dubai:
Accountant / Senior Accountant
Accounts Payable / Receivable Officer
General Ledger Accountant
Finance Executive / Analyst
Internal Auditor / Compliance Officer
FP&A Analyst or Finance Manager
Treasury Executive / Cost Accountant
VAT Specialist
ERP / Financial Systems Analyst
However, the real difference between professionals who “get by” and those who “stand out” is preparation and presentation.
From my personal experience I can say that, in Dubai Face to face-to-face interviews and meeting get the best chances to hire but do not worry. You can still apply online from India.
Dubai employers prefer candidates who bring more than basic accounting knowledge. So don’t stick to accounting and Tally software. You might get an entry-level job but the pay is very low and you will face hardship in survival because Dubai is one of the costliest city to live, because it offers safe and pleasant lifestyle. Everything comes with a cost. So let’s come to the Dubai Employers, the demand these days. They want professionals who understand:
IFRS standards
ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, TallyPrime)
VAT compliance and reporting
Data analytics and visualization (Power BI, Excel modeling)
Financial storytelling and management reporting
Communication and leadership
So before you apply, make sure your resume, profile, and mindset reflect not just what you did, but what value you bring. And if you wish to learn these things please do not forget to join my community where I bring US GAAP and IFRS, and other mini series for community members. You will find link at the end of this blog.
📄 Crafting an ATS-Friendly Resume (Your Key to Getting Shortlisted)
Here’s something most job seekers overlook: Over 90% of Dubai companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). This is really important point which most of the professionals missed.
ATS Friendly means your resume is first read by software, not a human. So it should have the right keywords and format which works here in Dubai for your preferred job or requirements by the Employer.
If it doesn’t contain the right keywords, format, and structure, it may never even reach a recruiter’s screen.
So, how do you make your resume stand out in Dubai?
✅ 1. Use Role-Based Keywords
If you’re applying for an Accounts Manager position, your resume must reflect the right technical and managerial phrases that match job descriptions.
For example:
Accounts Manager, IFRS Reporting, Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting, Financial Analysis, Audit Coordination, ERP Implementation, Month-End Closing, Variance Analysis, MIS Reporting, Team Leadership, Compliance, Internal Controls.
These terms tell the ATS (and recruiter) that you have exactly the expertise they’re searching for. Even if you change little bit every time before applying that is worth to update resume for every job application, rather than forwarding the same CV everywhere. Treat every job application as a unique and precious opportunity.
✅ 2. Structure Your Resume Simply
Avoid fancy designs, columns, or graphics.
These days AI are so smart, and these AI ATS bots can’t read them properly.
So, Stick to a clean Word or PDF format with simple section titles:
Professional Summary
Key Skills
Work Experience
Education & Certifications
Technical Tools (ERP/Software)
Keep it 2 pages maximum and use professional fonts (Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica).
✅ 3. Quantify Your Achievements
Instead of writing “Handled accounts,” try:
“Led month-end closing and reporting for a $20M company, improving accuracy by 15% and reducing reporting time by 20%.”
Numbers make your experience real and credible.
✅ 4. Customize for Each Role
Again I would recommend that you don’t send same resume to all companies.
Study the job description and tweak keywords for every role. If a job mentions “budgeting and variance analysis,” ensure those exact terms appear in your CV.
Well, you have ChatGPT and Gemini now a days, so use smart AI technology for this task.
✅ 5. Write a Powerful Professional Summary
Start your resume with a 3-5 line professional summary that sets the tone:
“Results-driven Accountant with 8+ years of experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance under IFRS. Skilled in SAP and Excel-based automation. Passionate about supporting business growth through insights and accuracy.”
This one section determines whether your resume will be read or skipped.
✅ 6. Include UAE-Relevant Skills
Dubai employers appreciate familiarity with:
IFRS
UAE VAT
MIS / Management Reporting
ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Tally, QuickBooks)
Excel dashboards
Team management
Even if you learned these in India, highlight them prominently. But make sure you do not fake it. If you really learned it, that only add otherwise in Interview or after job you might face some challenges. Lie’s never stay long.
🌐 Top 10 Job Sites for Dubai Accounting Jobs
Before diving into applications, it’s important to use authentic, active job portals.
Here are the top sites I personally recommend — verified and widely used by recruiters:
LinkedIn – Your strongest tool. Follow companies, connect with finance managers, and apply directly.
Bayt. com – A leading Middle East job portal, highly focused on finance and business roles.
GulfTalent – Perfect for mid to senior-level finance professionals.
Indeed (UAE) – Aggregates listings from multiple sources; excellent for consistent monitoring.
NaukriGulf – Great for Indian professionals entering the Gulf market.
Dubai Dubizzle Jobs – A wide platform for entry to mid-level opportunities.
Dubai Careers – Official government portal for finance and accounting positions within government entities.
Foundit Gulf (Monster Gulf) – Reliable for private sector jobs.
Laimoon – Combines job listings with relevant learning and certification opportunities.
Oliv. com – Great for internships and entry-level roles for fresh graduates.
🤝 Top 10 Job Consulting & Recruitment Firms in Dubai
If you’re targeting mid-to-senior finance roles, recruitment firms can make a big difference. They know which companies are hiring and often work directly with HR teams.
Here are the most trusted agencies to follow and connect with:
Michael Page – Global leader in professional recruitment; strong presence in Dubai.
Hays – Known for connecting finance and accounting professionals across GCC.
Adecco Middle East – Offers staffing and executive placements.
BAC Middle East – One of the oldest and most respected firms (since 1979).
Charterhouse – Reputed for high-quality recruitment and advisory.
Guildhall Agency – Works with top-tier companies for leadership roles.
Randstad Middle East – International HR service with local expertise.
ManpowerGroup Middle East – Global agency providing end-to-end workforce solutions.
Cooper Fitch – GCC-focused, known for executive finance placements.
Mindfield Resources – Specializes in finance, operations, and senior recruitment.
Always connect with consultants on LinkedIn, study their company websites, and avoid any that demand upfront money.
💡 Here’s Pro Tip:
Do not blindly follow any job listing. Research carefully. Always verify the job listing’s authenticity and avoid any that ask for payment or “processing fees” or any kind of advance. Do not fall into any type of job trap. It’s very simple here, once you get a job confirmation, the employer pays for your visa, travel and insurance and salary as per the terms discussed in the interview.
💼 7-Step Framework to Build Your Dubai Career Strategy
So far I believe you have basic idea about how to apply. Now Here’s I would like to give a small framework I use to guide accountants and finance professionals aiming to move to Dubai.
It’s not about applying to 500 jobs — it’s about building a strategy that works.
Step 1: Research Before You Apply
Start by identifying industries that align with your background. Because it is better for the industry that you have worked in, you can use that experience here as well. For example:
If you have manufacturing experience → target trading and industrial companies.
If you’ve worked in audit → aim for consulting firms and internal audit roles.
If you understand VAT and compliance → look for DPMS, gold, or retail sectors.
The best way is go online. Spend some time researching. Each research minute is worth spending, if you really have a goal for Dubai. You can Visit company websites directly and study their career sections. Knowing where you fit gives you an edge in interviews.
Step 2: Create a UAE-Ready Resume
Use the resume guidelines mentioned earlier.
Keep your format simple, add your WhatsApp number (with country code), and mention your availability or visa status if you’re already in Dubai.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a short but professional cover email that summarizes your strengths in 3 lines and ends with gratitude. Example:
“Dear Hiring Manager,
I am an experienced Senior Accountant with 7 years in financial reporting, VAT compliance, and ERP implementation. I have attached my resume for your kind review and would appreciate an opportunity to contribute to your team.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]”
You can also add more, just search Dubai Accountant Job ATS Friendly Resume and cover letter, and you will find so many templates available online. But this small professionalism makes a big impression.
Step 3: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
I love LinkedIn. It is a Gem for us. I get so many offers directly in my Inbox. But since I am focusing on my exams, I politely say no to this offer. I would highly recommend using LinkedIn wisely.
Start with a LinkedIn profile. Your LinkedIn profile is your digital resume — and recruiters check it before shortlisting.
Here’s what to fix:
Use a clean, professional profile photo.
Write a headline that includes keywords (e.g., “Accountant | IFRS | VAT | SAP | FP&A”).
Fill in your experience section completely with measurable results.
Add a strong About summary in first person, showing your career journey and goals.
Then - start networking smartly:
Follow Dubai-based accounting and finance pages.
Engage on posts from recruiters and HR professionals.
Connect with Accountants and Finance professionals working in Dubai
Write insightful comments and share your thoughts on finance topics, just like I do. Check my latest post on LinkedIn and follow me “Divyesh Dave”
Another best thing you can do is join The Accountant Hub, my community where I share useful job openings and tips every week. Here’s the link: The Accountant Hub. Send a request now, and I will invite you personally to the community.
Remember: Recruiters notice who contributes intelligently.
Step 4: Apply Strategically — Not Randomly
Don’t apply to 100 jobs a day.
Instead, choose 10–15 quality applications every day and personalize each one.
Before applying, read the job description carefully and tweak your CV title, summary, and keywords. This small effort can triple your response rate.
Keep a simple Excel or Zoho sheet tracker:
Company name
Role
Date applied
Status
Recruiter contact
This will keep you organized and motivated.
Step 5: Prepare for Virtual Interviews
Most interviews start online via Zoom, MS Teams, or Google Meet.
Be ready for 3 things:
Your Introduction: A 45-second self-introduction highlighting your experience and skills.
“I’m a qualified accountant with 8 years of experience in IFRS reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis. I’ve managed month-end closings and reporting for manufacturing and trading sectors, and I’m looking forward to contributing my expertise to a dynamic finance team in Dubai.”
Key Achievements: Share 2–3 quantifiable results.
Why Dubai: Show genuine motivation, not desperation.
Interviewers in Dubai appreciate calm confidence and clarity.
Also, research the company before the interview - know their sector, business model, and recent news.
Step 6: Master the “Why Dubai?” Question
This question appears in almost every interview.
Here’s how to answer effectively:
“Dubai is a global financial hub offering exposure to multinational standards, advanced business systems, and diverse cultures. I want to be part of that environment where I can apply my financial expertise and continue to grow with international exposure.”
This shows both motivation and maturity.
Step 7: Follow Up and Build Relationships
After each interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
It shows professionalism and keeps you memorable.
If you don’t get the job, don’t be discouraged. Politely ask for feedback and stay connected with the recruiter on LinkedIn.
Over time, recruiters begin to recognize persistent, respectful candidates — and often consider them first when new openings arise.
⚙️ Practical Checklist Before You Start
Here’s what to prepare before beginning your Dubai job hunt:
✅ Update your passport and ensure at least 6 months validity.
✅ Have digital copies of all certificates (education + experience).
✅ Prepare a professional photo (passport size and LinkedIn style).
✅ Create both Word and PDF formats of your CV.
✅ Get a basic understanding of UAE labor laws and visa rules.
✅ Stay active daily on job portals — consistency matters more than intensity.
✨ Pro-Tips for Aspirants
Highlight IFRS, VAT, and ERP experience on every profile.
Keep learning-Power BI, advanced Excel, and financial modelling are in huge demand.
Always mention soft skills - communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
If possible, plan a visit visa trip to Dubai for 30-60 days - it helps in walk-in interviews and networking. And you will get much higher success rate in Interviews.
Avoid paying any “agency” promising guaranteed jobs. Legitimate recruiters never charge candidates. and fall into Job/Vacancy traps and frauds.
🌍 Here’s my Final Thoughts
I hope this small blog post will help you to start with. See, Dubai rewards professionals who combine skills, clarity, and consistency. If you approach your job search with strategy - not just luck - success will follow. Dubai is in centre of the world right now, and give safe and professional global working environment with ZERO INCOME TAX on SALARY. Isn’t it great. So start preparing today and work hard toward your Dubai Dream, if you have any.
And, It’s not about sending 1,000 resumes in a month but It’s all about sending 10 powerful ones to the right companies with confidence and clarity using the right intention and strategy. It worked for me, and I wish it will work for you as well.
Every success story begins with preparation. If someone has achieved it you can also. Always Remember,
“Opportunities come to those who are ready. The more prepared you are, the luckier you seem.”
🤝 Please Do Join My Community
If you’re serious about building a global career in accounting or finance and want guidance on every step - from resume to interviews to skill building in US GAAP, Excel, IFRS, and all join The Accountant Hub Community.
We share resources, success stories, and mentorship to help you grow with clarity and confidence.
👉 Join The Accountant Hub LinkedIn Group Here
I wish you a great successful Career and may you achieve your Dubai Dream.
Your Friend and fellow professional.
Divyesh Dave
The Accountant Hub