With the UAE becoming a lifestyle destination, there has been an influx of expat talent in the market, many of whom do not have a job secured upon arrival. This is making the market more competitive for candidates and putting employers in a strong position, which has resulted in salaries in the sector falling by an average of 2.07%.  While average salaries have fallen, employers recruiting for senior financial and accounting talent may not be securing talent with the experience they need. Those with UAE experience are able to command higher salaries, above what employers are prepared to offer, and as a result they are often hiring mid-level talent looking to step up rather than established senior leaders. Following the introduction of corporate tax in June 2023, companies that were previously outsourcing their tax affairs are now looking to bring them in-house, which is driving demand for financial reporting and technical accounting roles.  There is also significant movement in junior to mid-level financial planning and analysis roles as employers look to increase headcount.
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Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.
Corporate accounting Accounting operations
Position title 25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile Chief Financial Officer (SME) 198000 264000 335000 Chief Financial Officer (Large company) 229000 294250 425000 Finance Director (SME) 158000 197500 238000 Finance Director (Large company) 198000 248000 296000 Financial Controller (SME) 81750 123000 152500 Financial Controller (Large company) 99000 147500 175750 Chief Accountant (SME) 60000 72000 81750 Chief Accountant (Large company) 73000 80000 104500 Financial Planning and Analysis Director (SME) 147250 160500 173500 Financial Planning and Analysis Director (Large company) 165000 191000 229750 Financial Planning and Analysis Manager (SME) 98000 109000 127500 Financial Planning and Analysis Manager (Large company) 98000 123500 138000 Treasurer Director (SME) 167000 196000 229750 Treasurer Director (Large company) 196250 228750 261500 Treasurer (SME) 140500 158250 173250 Treasurer (Large company) 171000 199750 222250 Finance Manager (SME) 66000 90500 115000 Finance Manager (Large company) 82000 123000 140000 Tax Director (SME) 163500 189750 197000 Tax Director (Large company) 196000 228500 298000 Tax Manager (SME) 81250 91000 117000 Tax Manager (Large company) 96000 107000 131000
25th Percentile
The applicant has limited or no experience in the position and is still developing their skills.
50th Percentile
The applicant has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.
75th Percentile
The applicant has above-average experience, has (nearly) all necessary skills, and may also have specialised qualifications.

Top jobs in finance and accounting

Financial planning and analysis manager Financial planning and analysis director Tax manager Tax director

Top skills and experience in finance and accounting

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) Bi-lingual (Arabic / English) Chartered (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) Corporate tax experience

How much should I pay or earn?

Top certifications and degrees in finance and accounting

ACA ACCA / CIMA AAT CTA

Top industries for finance and accounting specialists

Manufacturing Retail Real estate / property / facilities Utilities / Renewable energy

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the United Arab Emirates. The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels. Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is from two online surveys developed by Robert Half and conducted by research consultancy Savanta. In May 2024, Robert Half commissioned a survey of 103 senior business decision makers in the UAE with hiring responsibilities. In August 2024, Robert Half commissioned a survey of 521 professionals living and working in the UAE. Both surveys used an online data collection methodology, and drew respondents from different business sectors and areas of the UAE.
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