Operations Accountant

Role overview

This opportunity is with a fast-moving international trading company focused on agrochemicals in African and other emerging markets. The business is looking for an Operational Management Accountant for its Dubai operations. The role is not suited to a conventional bookkeeping profile; instead, it calls for a commercially driven, CIMA-qualified accountant who is comfortable working close to operations. You will connect finance, supply chain, and commercial decision-making, with a focus on safeguarding margins, improving stock control, and giving the CEO practical, forward-looking insight.

Operational stock control

You will monitor, evaluate, and report on the movement of high-value inventory across multiple countries and warehouse locations. A key part of the job is spotting slow-moving stock and recommending whether it should be liquidated or moved elsewhere.

Management information and reporting

The role requires you to create and keep updated strong MIS tools. You will turn raw operational data into clear daily and weekly dashboards for the CEO, with visibility into cash flow, margin pressure, and bottlenecks in the business.

Commercial forecasting

You will build flexible financial models for upcoming agricultural seasons. These forecasts should cover cash needs for bulk inventory purchases, freight expenses, and the delayed collection patterns that are common in emerging markets.

Margin and pricing analysis

You will assess total landed cost, including freight, customs, and demurrage, against local selling prices in order to protect profitability before goods are shipped.

Cross-functional problem solving

You will act as the financial link between logistics, sales, and the CEO. When operational issues arise, you will quickly model the financial effect of an alternative plan and support decision-making.

Qualifications and experience

The client is specifically seeking a fully qualified CIMA professional with a background in management or operational accounting. Candidates with a traditional audit-led CA profile are not the right match for this position. A minimum of 5 years in operational finance is required, ideally in trading, logistics, FMCG, or physical commodities. Experience in African or other emerging markets is considered a strong advantage.

Additional requirements

You should be highly analytical, adaptable in fast-changing environments, and confident challenging commercial stakeholders when numbers or inventory movements do not add up. Advanced ERP capability and strong Excel / financial modelling skills are essential.