So, you’ve cleared all your ACCA exams. Congrats! That’s a massive achievement.
But now comes the real test: finding a job.
If you’re an ACCA affiliate, you already know the struggle. Endless applications, ghosting and don’t even get started on visa requirements or unpaid internships.
You are not alone. Hundreds of ACCA students are actively hunting for ACCA affiliate jobs in Dubai or anywhere across the UAE. Some are still studying, while others are waiting to complete their Practical Experience Requirement (PER). But all of them have one thing in common—they want a foot in the door.
And Dubai seems like the perfect place for it, right? A thriving finance hub, tax-free salaries, exposure to global firms. But how do you actually get there?
That’s where this guide comes in.
In the next sections, we’ll break down exactly what jobs are available for ACCA affiliates in Dubai, where to apply, how to boost your chances, and what salary you can expect. And yes—we’ll show you that even without prior experience, you can still get hired.
The job market in Dubai has changed a lot in the last few years. More and more companies are offering ACCA affiliate jobs in Dubai—especially for junior and trainee-level roles. As the region continues to grow into a global financial hub, the demand for trained professionals in finance, audit, and compliance keeps rising.
That’s good news if you’re just starting out. Because Dubai continues to attract global businesses with its almost 100% tax-free economy, world-class infrastructure, international work exposure, and a multicultural environment.
Some of the in-demand sectors for ACCA affiliates:
- Audit & consulting firms
- Accounting & bookkeeping firms
- FMCG and retail companies
- IT, logistics, and manufacturing firms
- Real Estate & Construction Finance
- Banking & Financial Services
- Tech Startups & Retail
Most of these roles are entry-level. But with time and experience, many affiliates grow into mid-level positions within a year or two. Today, companies don’t just want degrees. They want people who can work with numbers, meet deadlines, and understand systems like VAT, IFRS, and financial reporting.
If you’ve passed all ACCA exams, that already gives you an edge.
Common job titles for affiliates include:
- Trainee Accountant
- Audit Associate
- Finance Treasurer
- Accounts Assistant
- Finance Intern
- Junior Auditor
Where Can You Apply For ACCA Affiliate Jobs In UAE With Approved Employers?
One of the smartest ways to start your ACCA journey is by targeting ACCA-approved employers in the UAE. To apply for acca affiliate jobs in UAE, you can explore live listings on job portals like:
- ACCA Careers Dubai
- Indeed UAE
- Glassdoor
Pro tip: Create alerts on these platforms with the keywords “ACCA affiliate jobs in UAE” or “ACCA internships.” You’ll get daily updates straight to your inbox.
On these plaforms, you will find openings in sectors like:
- Audit and Assurance
- Accounting
- Taxation
- Banking and Financial Services
- Management Consulting
- Real Estate and Construction
And it’s not just about Big 4 firms anymore. Mid-tier and local companies are hiring, too. From boutique accounting firms to MNCs in logistics, tech, and real estate—there’s a wider range of employers on the lookout for fresh finance talent. Additionally, many companies treat these as probation roles. If you perform well, they often lead to full-time positions or even support for your full ACCA membership process.
ACCA affiliates who moved to Dubai on a six-month visit visa were able to find entry-level jobs within 2–3 months. It all depends on how well you customise your application and how proactive you are with follow-ups.
And remember—employers here are used to seeing international candidates. So your qualification must speak volumes on your CV.
Which Companies Are Hiring For ACCA Affiliate Jobs In Dubai Right Now?
Companies currently hiring for ACCA affiliates are:
- Big 4 Audit Firms (EY, PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG) – These global powerhouses regularly list entry-level roles and graduate programs specifically for ACCA Affiliates in departments like:
- Assurance and Audit
- Indirect and direct Taxation
- Risk Advisory
- Audit and accounting local firms – TGS KOYA, Biz Easy DMCC, and Russell Bedford frequently seek ACCA Affiliates for audit roles.
- Real estate sector – MHM Real Estate hire for financial management, strategic management and leadership roles.
- Multinational Corporations – Companies in sectors such as real estate, fintech, logistics, and retail frequently open positions in financial reporting, budgeting, and internal audit for candidates holding ACCA Affiliate status.
You can track the job openings through LinkedIn, ACCA Careers, and Indeed.
Can An ACCA Affiliate Get A Job In Dubai Without Prior Experience?
Yes, you can land entry-level ACCA affiliates jobs in Dubai even without prior work experience. While initial salaries may be modest, many firms ACCA candidates for internship and junior-level roles like:
- Associate Account Assistant (intern level)- AED 1500/month
- Trainee Accountant – AED 2,500/month
- Audit Assistant – AED 4,000/month
- Junior Auditor / Audit Associate – AED 45,000/month
- Finance Intern / Graduate Trainee – AED 3,000/month
Infact, companies like EY, KPMG, and smaller audit firms regularly post exchange graduate prgrams and summer internships for ACCA affiliates from India, Pakistan and ofcourse UAE nationals with decent stipends.
Here are a few live examples of acca affiliate jobs in UAE:
- EY Dubai Audit – Fresh Graduates
- PwC Audit and Assurance Summer Internship
- EY Dubai Indirect Tax Graduate Program
- Assurance Graduates – Watani Programme (Dubai/Abu Dhabi)
- PwC Tax & Legal Services, Graduate Programme ( Middle East)
If you are a fresher with no experience then, here’s how to strengthen your job application:
- Highlight exam progress and completion.
- Include internships experience (even unpaid) or academic projects in your resume.
- Add soft skills like communication, Excel proficiency, or ERP systems.
- Build a professional LinkedIn profile and apply through ACCA Careers regularly.
Get recommendation letters from tutors or mentors.
What Is The Starting Salary Of An ACCA Affiliate In Dubai Or UAE?
If you’re an ACCA affiliate eyeing opportunities in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, you’re entering a job market that not only values international qualifications but also offers competitive salaries—especially in a tax-free environment.
Based on research from Glassdoor and industry salary trends, the average starting salary for ACCA affiliates jobs in Dubai ranges between AED 100,000 to AED 120,000 per year. i.e (around AED 8,000 to AED 10,000 per month).
Some internships and training roles (e.g., Finance Intern, finance executive, or Accounts Assistant) may start slightly lower, in the AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 monthly range. But these often lead to permanent roles with better pay. For instance, after gaining 2-3 years of experience and achieving full ACCA membership, professionals can progress to roles like Financial Analyst or Senior Accountant, with salaries ranging from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 per month.
Below is a brief salary structure:
Position Level | Job Titles | Estimated Monthly Salary (AED) | Annual Salary (AED) |
Entry-Level | Junior Accountant, Audit Associate | 8,000 – 10,000 | 100,000 – 120,000 |
Mid-Level | Financial Analyst, Audit Manager, Senior Accountant | 12,000 – 25,000 | 180,000 – 240,000 |
Senior-Level | Finance Director, CFO, Senior Audit Manager | 35,000 – 45,000+ | 250,000 – 350,000+ |
Note – The salaries are taken after researching reliable UAE-based salary reports and online portals like Glassdoor, payscale etc. These salaries can differ of different location, company size (MNC vs startup), industry and your visa status.
Is ACCA Worth It In Dubai For Long-Term Career Growth?
Absolutely—ACCA is highly worth it in Dubai. Dubai offers one of the world’s most promising job markets with an all-time high demand for ACCA professionals. So, employers are looking for professionals with global standards, ethical training, and practical experience, which ACCA delivers.
Secondly, ACCA’s strongest selling point is its global recognition. It is recognised across all GCC countries, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. So, whether you’re in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, or Oman, your ACCA qualification remains relevant. This kind of mobility matters. It gives you options to shift roles or relocate without having to requalify.
Lastly, being a top global business hub, Dubai’s economy continues to diversify and attract multinational companies, startups, and financial institutions. From financial planning and auditing to regulatory compliance, ACCA members are equipped to handle complex roles in both the private and public sectors.
Is ACCA Recognized By Employers And Authorities In UAE?
Yes, ACCA is officially recognised in the UAE—both by employers and regulatory authorities. Contrary to popular belief, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy officially recognises the ACCA qualification as equivalent to other global professional accountancy bodies. Moreover, its members hold key roles in UAE’s financial sector.
ACCA professionals can now:
- Apply for 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 (EAAA) membership.
- Obtain a UAE audit license.
- Gain signing authority for audit reports across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Support employment visa eligibility in alignment with the UAE’s criteria.
Today, ACCA affiliates are hired by top companies like Big 4 firms, multinational companies (MNCs) like Grant Thornton, Embassy Group, and PepsiCo, and local enterprises in Dubai.
Some top industries hiring ACCA affiliates in Dubai are:
- Audit and consulting firms
- Banking and insurance firms
- IT and manufacturing sector
- Private & public sector companies
- Oil and Gas Industry
All in all, employers in the UAE value ACCA for its global standards, technical knowledge, and practical training. The qualification is often seen as a sign of international expertise and ethical professionalism, especially in audit, tax, compliance, and financial management roles.
Final Thoughts
Getting your ACCA affiliate status is a huge step, and this guide shows you just how many doors it opens in Dubai. It’s clear there are great opportunities, even without prior experience, across many exciting industries. With competitive, tax-free salaries and a qualification recognized globally, building a successful finance career in Dubai is definitely within reach!
If you are planning to build a finance career in the Middle East, ACCA gives you the right start.
Need help with ACCA coaching, career guidance, or Dubai job prep? Ikka Classes can guide you every step of the way. Contact us for any assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACCA Affiliate Jobs In Dubai
Titles like financial consultant, accountant, tax auditor and financial analyst are among the best ACCA affiliate jobs in Dubai. You can hunt for these jobs on Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Payscale and ACCA’s official careers page.
As an ACCA affiliate, you can easily land internships and trainee-level jobs in Dubai AND complete your Practical Experience Requirement (PER).