Assistant Manager Financial Accounting Forensics

Job description / Role

Role overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced financial accountant or auditor to join our forensic advisory team in Dubai. As an assistant manager, you will play a key role in leading forensic investigations, interpreting financial statements, and providing expert financial analysis to support our clients. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your forensic skills and work on a variety of challenging and high-profile engagements.

Typical experience/qualifications:

Minimum of 3-4 years of audit or financial accounting experience, preferably in Big Four or in any reputable multinational or local organization. You must be a chartered accountant or studying towards a qualification.

Key responsibilities:

• Independently handle small to medium range assignments.
• Lead and manage forensic investigations into allegations of fraud, corruption, and financial misconduct.
• Analyse and interpret complex financial statements and accounting records to identify irregularities and potential risks.
• Conduct forensic accounting procedures, including data analysis, document review, and interviews.
• Utilise email review platforms (e.g., Relativity) and ERP tools to gather and analyse relevant data.
• Prepare clear and concise reports summarising findings and providing recommendations.
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team to deliver high-quality results.
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders; participate in client meetings; clearly understand the objective and scope of work.
• Assist in the development of forensic accounting methodologies and best practices.
• Contribute and assist management with respect to the business development activities of the department and assist the team with preparation of proposals and terms of reference for the client.
• Build knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and PowerPoint and related forensic software/tools (e.g., I2 Chart).
• Read and stay updated on forensic material circulated internally and externally, such as newspapers and professional magazines.
• Continuously develop skills and knowledge in areas of fraud investigation, anti-bribery and corruption, fraud risk assessment, dispute advisory services, etc.
• Coach less experienced staff in the department, especially with reference to risk management procedures, technical guidance on assignments, preparation of working paper files, and collection of relevant supporting documents.
• Report to the respective performance manager, team leader, or manager on day-to-day activities including assignments.

Qualifications and experience:

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CPA).
• Solid background in audit or financial accounting is essential.
• Experience in fraud investigations and forensic accounting is desirable.
• Proficiency in using email review platforms (e.g., Relativity) and ERP tools is desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Relevant advisory skills and behaviors:

In addition to the skills and behaviors above:

• Learns about the latest trends in the market, including competitor activity.
• Identifies possible business opportunities and advises manager or partner.
• Initiates action to move a situation forward.
• Works autonomously with minimal need for guidance.
• Takes responsibility and accountability for the work and performance of others.
• Volunteers for extra or additional responsibilities when the department needs help.
• Identifies, documents, and shares knowledge that might be useful to others.
• Seeks out developmental opportunities (new projects, training, work with experienced and knowledgeable professionals).
• Provides clear directions to others.
• Coaches others.
• Adapts behavior to different situations or different people.
• Maintains good relationships with others even in difficult situations.
• Looks for opportunities to work productively with others.
• Uses a range of techniques to analyze an issue.
• Identifies ways to analyze information quickly and efficiently.
• Suggests innovative and creative solutions to problems.
• Reviews the accuracy of team members’ assumptions and conclusions.
• Communicates honestly and openly, even with difficult messages.
• Expresses ideas and self with clarity; sticks to the key points.
• Notifies a manager or partner when a request seems against company values, standards, and practices.
• Uses previous experience and technical knowledge to the benefit of the client.
• Plans tasks effectively by breaking down projects into manageable tasks, setting milestones, and identifying resources.
• Monitors how projects are progressing against the budget and deadlines.

Person specifications:

• Strong accounting background. Experience in related forensic fields (accounting, law enforcement, forensic technology, and legal experience preferred) is desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (proposal/report writing, presentations).
• Fluent English – verbal and written.