Dubai’s finance market is paying more at the top, but landing those roles has become tougher. The Finance jobs in Dubai outlook for 2026 shows clear gains for senior pay, yet employers now pick candidates with local know-how and technical depth. Recruiters report a shift from volume hiring to targeted searches as firms adapt to new rules and a changing economy.
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Senior finance leadership drives premium pay in Finance jobs in Dubai
Executive roles show the biggest jumps this year. Corporate tax, IPO pipelines and non-oil growth are forcing boards to hire leaders who can steer complex strategy and compliance. That’s pushed group and regional CFO packages up sharply at multinational firms, while smaller companies still lag by a wide margin.
- Group / Regional CFO
- MNCs: AED 110,000 – AED 200,000 per month
- SMEs: AED 70,000 – AED 120,000 per month
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- MNCs: AED 80,000 – AED 120,000 per month
- SMEs: AED 60,000 – AED 90,000 per month
Boards now expect CFOs to manage governance, investor relations and digital transformation. It’s a heavier brief than it used to be.
Accountant salary in Dubai shows steady, controlled growth
Operational roles didn’t get lost in the headlines. General ledger, payroll and treasury functions have seen steady rises. Employers favour applicants who can close the month quickly and cleanly — and who can help with system upgrades.
- General Ledger Accountants
- MNCs: AED 15,000 – AED 20,000
- SMEs: AED 13,000 – AED 18,000
- Junior Accountants
- MNCs: AED 14,000 – AED 18,000
- SMEs: AED 10,000 – AED 15,000
- AR/AP Managers
- MNCs: AED 25,000 – AED 32,000
- SMEs: AED 20,000 – AED 25,000
I’ve seen teams prioritise people who can handle multiple functions. That versatility sells.
Specialised tax and audit roles gain strategic importance
The arrival of the federal corporate tax changed hiring fast. Tax directors and internal audit heads now command a premium because firms need them on day one. Experience with free zones and mainland rules is especially prized.
- Tax Directors
- MNCs: AED 80,000 – AED 115,000
- SMEs: AED 60,000 – AED 80,000
- Heads of Internal Audit
- MNCs: AED 60,000 – AED 85,000
- SMEs: AED 40,000 – AED 60,000
Regulatory nuance matters. Candidates who can translate rules into controls are in demand.
Banking and investment roles maintain high ceilings
Banks and investment firms still pay top dollar for senior talent. Wholesale banking heads remain among the highest paid, and financial analysts are moving into more strategic, decision-making roles in private markets.
Senior hires in investment functions report substantial packages. That’s driven by continued deal activity across the region.
Hiring patterns shift across multinational and local firms
The market is changing in ways beyond pay. Shared services centres are growing, bringing steady demand for automation and reporting skills. Local experience is now a key filter in many searches. Start-ups and mid-market firms increasingly use fractional CFOs to access expertise without the full salary burden. And despite modest annual pay rises, staff turnover remains a headache.
The immediate outlook
Finance jobs in Dubai still offer strong pay, but there’s notable variation by sector and firm. Those with local experience and specialist skills continue to command the best packages. Employers that balance clear progression with competitive total rewards will have the edge in 2026.
