Chief accountant

Founding Chief Accountant – Finance Leadership Role in a High-Growth Mobility Company

We are seeking a seasoned and proactive Chief Accountant to join our founding team and establish the financial infrastructure of a rapidly expanding mobility and car-rental technology enterprise. This is a unique opportunity to take full ownership of the finance function from the ground up, shaping the company’s financial strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving data-driven decision-making. Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will be responsible for building and managing all financial operations, implementing robust accounting systems, and providing critical insights that will guide the company’s growth trajectory. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, analytical professional who thrives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and is eager to contribute to the company’s success from its earliest stages.

Core Responsibilities

As the Chief Accountant, you will be the sole architect of our financial function. Your responsibilities will encompass the entire spectrum of accounting and financial management, including:

• Establishing and Managing the Accounting Function: Develop and oversee the full accounting cycle from scratch, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable/receivable, month-end close processes, and comprehensive financial reporting.
• Ensuring Full Compliance with Saudi Regulations: Take complete ownership of all statutory and regulatory filings, including ZATCA requirements (VAT, e-invoicing via Fatoorah, Zakat, and corporate tax), GOSI contributions, and WPS payroll processing. You will personally manage these filings through the relevant government portals to ensure full adherence to local laws.
• Financial Modeling and Strategic Planning: Design and maintain sophisticated financial models to support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis. Your models will be instrumental in tracking burn rate, optimizing cash flow, and informing key business decisions.
• Cash Flow Management and Financial Reporting: Develop and implement robust cash flow management strategies to maintain financial stability and extend the company’s runway. Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for internal stakeholders and external parties, including investors and board members.
• Investor Relations and Due Diligence Readiness: Maintain impeccable financial records and prepare comprehensive reports to support investor communications, fundraising efforts, and potential due diligence processes.
• Establishing Financial Controls and Systems: Implement and enforce strong financial controls, develop accounting policies, and select and configure the appropriate ERP and accounting systems, including the setup of e-invoicing infrastructure.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a hands-on, self-motivated professional with a strong foundation in accounting and a passion for building financial systems in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• Expertise in Accrual Accounting and IFRS: Proven experience in accrual-based accounting and a deep understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This role requires more than basic bookkeeping; it demands strategic financial leadership.
• In-Depth Knowledge of Saudi Tax and Compliance: Practical, hands-on experience with ZATCA regulations, including VAT, e-invoicing (Fatoorah), Zakat, and corporate tax, as well as GOSI and WPS payroll. You should be comfortable navigating government portals and ensuring full compliance independently.
• Advanced Financial Modeling Skills: Exceptional proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling, with the ability to construct complex models, perform scenario analysis, and derive actionable insights from financial data.
• Analytical and Commercial Mindset: A natural curiosity for understanding the ‘why’ behind financial figures, coupled with a keen interest in contributing to strategic business decisions. You should be comfortable translating financial data into business insights.
• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in both Arabic and English is essential, as government filings and portals are conducted in Arabic. Strong communication skills are required to liaise with local authorities and internal teams.
• Self-Sufficiency and Organizational Excellence: The ability to operate independently in a founding-team environment, managing the entire finance function with minimal oversight while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

While professional qualifications such as SOCPA, CPA, ACCA, or CMA are advantageous, we place greater emphasis on practical experience and demonstrated ability. Candidates with the following background will be highly regarded:

• Prior experience in a startup or high-growth company, with a deep understanding of cash burn management, financial runway, and investor reporting.
• Hands-on experience supporting fundraising initiatives or financial due diligence processes.
• Familiarity with revenue recognition in SaaS, marketplace, or subscription-based business models.

If you are a proactive, detail-oriented finance professional with a passion for building systems and driving financial strategy in a dynamic startup environment, we invite you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of mobility and contribute to the growth of a company poised for significant impact in the region.