Financial Analyst jobs continue to be among the most in-demand finance roles in Dubai, with the midpoint Financial Analyst salaries at 16,000 AED per month to 23,000 AED per month for small to medium sized companies and 20,000 AED per month to 35,000 AED per month for larger MNC’s.
Companies rely on experienced financial analysts to support business growth by identifying trends in financial data and helping senior management make informed decisions.
The trend toward a more strategic and analytic finance function requires a Financial Analyst to make more frequent, tangible contributions across departments.
Whether you are just starting your career or have experience in this position, here is some vital information to help guide you in your job search or your career path, starting with the Financial Analyst salary in Dubai.
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What is a Financial Analyst salary in Dubai this year?
Just starting out in this role? A Financial Analyst in corporate accounting with less than a year of experience can expect a salary of $48,000 at a small to medium company, according to the Robert Half UAE Salary Guide.
For those with several years of experience in the role of a Financial Analyst, tenured professionals can earn from $82,000 for SMEs, to $98,000 for MNCs in the UAE.
What is driving demand for financial analysts in the UAE?
Employers in the UAE are looking for specialists who can identify opportunities for increasing business in the years ahead and can interpret financial data and turn it into solid business recommendations.
So, what is driving the demand?
1. Today's business decisions require financial expertise
Most companies in Dubai require an expert to deal with financial business decisions. This expert should be able to forecast where the company's money is coming from now, and in the future, then help managers decide how to invest it in ways that generate the greatest return.
2. War for talent
The finance sector is currently rebuilding its workforce after pandemic-related headcount reductions and salary cuts. Many companies in the UAE underwent significant restructuring during the pandemic with finance roles taking a hit.
These are both important factors to consider when negotiating your Financial Analyst salary in Dubai.
What are the duties and expectations of financial analysts?
Many CFOs say there is an increasing need for specialised knowledge and for professionals who can "drill down" on all financial data collected and quickly provide analyses to enable better business decisions, project a company’s future earnings and make recommendations to management based on their findings.
A financial analyst needs top-notch decision-making skills. And they need to be able to contribute to department-specific and overall business strategies and provide data-based solutions grounded in solid analysis.
They are also expected to translate reports and forecasts into easy-to-understand advice that streamlines processes, improves efficiency, saves time and money, and prepares the company for growth.
Related: How to answer: “What is your expected salary?”
Robert Half Recruiter Tips:
Financial analyst candidates in the UAE market should concentrate on portraying their key achievements within their CV in order to be recognised for roles that are of interest. Highlighting work that has been done for the companies they have worked for, will give an easier insight for future employers to see where that particular candidate will add value for their company.
- Darren Lee-Pickett, Practice Director - Finance & Accounting
What professional experience and skills are needed for a financial analyst?
Managers hiring for Financial Analyst jobs in Dubai typically write job descriptions that call for someone with a professional qualification alongside a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, and often an MBA, particularly for senior-level positions.
Accounting certifications, such as the CFA, ACCA, CPA and CMA, are commonly required in financial services, demonstrate knowledge and expertise to prospective employers and clients.
The Robert Half UAE Salary Guide highlights technical skills such as digital knowledge, fluency in Arabic and financial modelling as hard-to-find traits in the candidate market.
In addition, hiring managers expect financial analysts to have knowledge of current financial software, including Microsoft Excel and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. They should also have data analytics skills, including the ability to observe meta-patterns.
Financial analysts also must have strong interpersonal skills in order to convey their recommendations clearly and effectively. A detail-oriented approach, decision-making abilities and communication skills involving collaboration, tact and diplomacy are also important.
Financial analysts should be self-starters willing to dig deep into research. They should be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Are you a Financial Analyst preparing to negotiate your salary in Dubai? Access the Robert Half UAE Salary Guide for more information about what remuneration you should be earning or you can contact us today.
