Finance Jobs in the UAE: Your Complete Guide to Getting Hired in Banking & Corporate Finance

The UAE offers excellent opportunities for finance professionals in banking, accounting, auditing, and corporate finance. This guide explains top roles, salaries, employer expectations, and smart steps to increase your chances of getting hired in the UAE.

WD Desk
Updated on

The UAE is one of the strongest financial hubs in the Middle East, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi hosting global banks, investment firms, fintech companies, and large corporations. Demand for skilled finance professionals continues to rise as companies grow and compliance standards become stricter.

If you’re planning a finance career in the UAE, this guide covers everything you need — top roles, salaries, expectations, and how to get hired faster.

Why Finance Professionals Prefer the UAE

✔ Tax-free income
✔ High salaries + growth opportunities
✔ Global banks & multinational companies
✔ Big demand for accountants & auditors
✔ Rapid fintech expansion
✔ Stable career environment
✔ International exposure

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) make the UAE one of the region’s top finance destinations.

Most In-Demand Finance Roles in the UAE

1. Accounting & Audit

  • Accountant
  • Senior Accountant
  • Accounts Assistant
  • Internal Auditor
  • External Auditor
  • VAT/Compliance Accountant

2. Banking & Financial Services

  • Relationship Manager
  • Customer Service (Banking)
  • Personal Banker
  • Teller / Cashier
  • Credit Analyst

3. Corporate Finance

  • Financial Analyst
  • Finance Manager
  • FP&A Analyst
  • Investment Analyst
  • Treasury Analyst

4. Compliance & Risk

  • AML Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Compliance Officer
  • KYC Specialist

5. Payroll & Bookkeeping

  • Payroll Accountant
  • Bookkeeper
  • Accounts Payable / Receivable Officer

Skills UAE Finance Employers Look For

✔ Strong accounting knowledge
✔ UAE VAT compliance understanding
✔ Excel & advanced financial analysis
✔ ERP software (SAP, Oracle, Tally, Zoho)
✔ Attention to detail
✔ Good communication skills
✔ English mandatory; Arabic optional
✔ Certifications (ACCA, CPA, CMA, CFA) — BIG advantage

Finance Salary Guide in UAE (Approx Monthly)

Role Salary (AED)
Accounts Assistant 2,500 – 4,500
Accountant 4,000 – 8,000
Senior Accountant 6,000 – 12,000
Internal Auditor 6,000 – 14,000
Compliance Officer 8,000 – 20,000
Bank Teller 3,000 – 6,000
Relationship Manager 8,000 – 22,000
Financial Analyst 6,000 – 14,000
Finance Manager 12,000 – 28,000+
Investment Analyst 12,000 – 30,000+

Finance roles in the UAE offer excellent growth and long-term stability.

Top Companies Hiring Finance Professionals

Banks

  • Emirates NBD
  • FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank)
  • ADCB
  • Mashreq
  • Dubai Islamic Bank

Audit & Consulting Firms

  • Deloitte
  • PwC
  • EY
  • KPMG
  • Grant Thornton

Corporate Companies

  • ADNOC
  • Emaar
  • Majid Al Futtaim
  • Al Futtaim Group
  • Etisalat Group

Fintech & Startups

  • Tabby
  • YAP
  • Telr
  • Checkout.com

⚠️ Common Mistakes Finance Job Seekers Make

❌ Poorly formatted accounting CV
❌ No UAE VAT experience
❌ Not mentioning software expertise
❌ No achievement-based bullet points
❌ Applying for roles outside expertise
❌ Weak LinkedIn presence

Your CV must show accuracy, responsibility, trustworthiness, and financial skills.

🔥 How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired

✔ Mention VAT filing, compliance, and accounting software
✔ Add numbers to achievements (e.g., “Reduced reporting errors by 30%”)
✔ Keep your CV clean and 2 pages max
✔ Get one certification (CMA, ACCA, CPA)
✔ Build a strong LinkedIn profile
✔ Apply to banks, corporate companies & finance departments directly
✔ Follow up politely with HR

Best Places to Apply for Finance Jobs in UAE

  • LinkedIn
  • Naukri Gulf
  • Indeed UAE
  • Bayt
  • Company career portals
  • Recruitment agencies
  • Work Direct – Middle East
    → sends your CV directly to finance HR teams

Boost Your Finance Job Search With Work Direct – Middle East

Finance roles require visibility, trust, and precision.
Work Direct helps by sending your CV straight to verified HR managers in banking, accounting, finance, and audit companies.

✔ Direct HR reach
✔ Faster responses
✔ Zero middlemen
✔ Maximum visibility

Perfect for accountants, auditors, analysts, and finance managers.

Final Words

Finance jobs in the UAE offer stability, high earnings, and long-term growth. With the right CV, relevant certifications, and smart job search strategies, you can secure a strong career in banking or corporate finance.

This Finance Jobs Guide gives you everything you need to get hired faster and confidently.