Top 10 High-Paying Finance Jobs in the UAE

June 16, 20165 min read

Qualified finance professionals are in high demand in Dubai and the UAE. Dubai is a global business hub and the UAE has a flourishing economy, which means that there are exciting and high-paid opportunities for careers in finance in the UAE. Openings in corporate finance, financial services, banking, wealth management, accountancy, compliance and more can all offer you excellent remuneration packages.

If you are considering getting a job in finance or accounting, you will be keen to make sure that you are well-rewarded for your time spent learning new skills and studying for a career. Here are the top 10 high-paying finance jobs in the UAE that you can work towards.

10 Finance Jobs in Dubai with a High Salary

These are 10 of the best-paying finance roles in the Middle East in order of average pay, for the benefit of those planning to get into finance or accountancy as a career. Actual salaries could be lower or much higher according to experience.

1. Compliance Officer

Compliance officers navigate the complex regulatory landscape of UAE finances. They must have thorough knowledge of international laws, too. As well as being responsible for a company adhering to external regulations and avoiding penalties, a compliance officer may also be charged with ensuring internal policies are followed.

Average compliance officer salary in Dubai: AED 12,500 per month

2. Financial Analyst

The role of a financial analyst is to analyze a company’s financial position and help form strategy. They’ll dissect cash flows, expenditures, budgets and more to help direct operations and ensure the good financial health of the company. Financial analysts help their organizations navigate the complex financial landscape, making predictions and problem-solving along the way.

Financial analysts can work across multiple industries, within government agencies and other nonprofit organizations. The role therefore offers diverse opportunities and is often a step towards the higher levels of responsibility, such as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role.

Average financial analyst salary in Dubai: AED 15,000 per month

3. Taxation Specialist

Taxation specialists advise companies on tax matters. In the UAE, this largely means helping businesses understand and handle their VAT obligations.

Average taxation specialist salary in the UAE: AED 15,000 per month

4. Finance Manager

Finance managers develop and lead the finance team within a business. They are responsible for timely and accurate reporting, and will oversee the financial activities of the company. The finance manager must work with the compliance team to ensure that financial regulations are met.

A career as a finance manager can take you into multiple industries in Dubai, like real estate, tech, or trading.

Average finance manager salary in UAE: AED 20,000 per month

5. Client Relationship Manager

Working within banking and investment environments, relationship managers are a point of contact for clients and offer support and guidance. Relationship managers must understand the complexities of the financial world and be excellent communicators.

Average client relationship manager in Dubai: AED 20,000 per month

6. Corporate Accountant

A corporate accountant works within a business and is responsible for tracking of all financial assets. Corporate accountants must prepare, maintain and monitor the corporation’s financial records and help ensure that the business’s finances are compliant with tax laws and other regulations.

Corporate accountants must have a meticulous eye for detail, be highly organized, and be well-trained in handling financial records. It is a position of great responsibility, hence the excellent salary.

Average corporate accountant salary in Dubai: AED 22,500 per month

7. Risk Manager

As a risk manager, you are required to analyze all financial risks faced by the company. This will involve identifying all potential risks, assessing their likelihood and potential impact, and reporting this to senior executives. The role of risk manager helps protect businesses against turbulent market conditions, fraud, credit risks, and many more adversities.

Average risk management salary in the UAE: AED 24,000 per month

8. Asset Manager

Asset managers look after financial assets on behalf of wealthy individuals or businesses. An asset manager will help with portfolio selection, monitor its performance, and advise a client on necessary adjustments. The aim is to maximize returns on investments while also minimizing risk.

Average asset manager salary in UAE: AED 24,000 per month

9. Investment Banker

Investment bankers help their clients raise capital through strategic investing. They facilitate complex financial transactions, monitoring their risks and forecasting profits. A Dubai investment banker must have a strong grasp of the ever-evolving regional and global financial landscapes.

Average investment banker salary in Dubai: AED 29,500 per month

10. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

A CFO is the lead finance role within a corporation and a position to aspire to. CFOs provide key financial insights to other key roles within the business and lead on financial strategy. As such, their expertise and analytical skills must be second-to-none.

The level of responsibility and prestige means that CFO is one of the best-paying finance roles in the Middle East.

Average CFO salary in Dubai: AED 42,000 per month

A Career Path in Finance

How do you set yourself on the right path for finance jobs in Dubai with a high salary?

First of all, complete a high standard of general education at school. Most finance professionals then move onto a bachelor’s degree in a related subject, such as business, mathematics or finance.

You’ll find it crucial to get a more specialist accounting or finance qualification next. Here are two popular and well-regarded options.

ACCA

The ACCA course is a globally recognized accounting qualification. Graduates of the course have expertise in accounting methods and practices, compliance and ethics. The course also teaches strategic thinking, technical skills and the professional values you’ll need to succeed in accounting and finance careers.

Successful ACCA students move onto varied career paths across multiple industries and often end up in expert positions as corporate accountants, financial analysts, consulting roles, taxation specialists, and many more.

CFA

The CFA is also an internationally recognized qualification that is associated with high-paying finance jobs in the UAE.

The CFA course teaches investment management and financial analysis. It enables you to work in the fast-paced world of wealth and asset management and banking. CFA graduates frequently gain decision-making roles in the finance industry and work as investment bankers or portfolio managers.

Preparing for Top Finance Careers in the UAE 2025

When you enroll in a CFA or ACCA course with Phoenix Financial Training, you can be certain that you are in the hands of experts who will help you reach your dream role in finance. You will:

Receive expert teaching from full-time Phoenix Financial Training tutors.
Learn from tailor-made study notes.
Be offered a lifetime pass guarantee on face-to-face courses.
Be able to choose from in-person or online financial training courses.
Enjoy professionally filmed teaching videos, not recorded live classes.
Find an engaging and sociable learning environment.
Study with the longest-standing ACCA Platinum provider.
Receive expert help from Phoenix FT’s recruitment team to find the best-paying finance roles in the Middle East.