As Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic transformation under Vision 2030, the role of the accountant has evolved from back-office function to strategic enabler. With unprecedented public and private investment—spanning giga-projects, financial sector reform, and corporate expansion—there is sustained demand for qualified accountants across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and emerging economic zones.

No longer confined to bookkeeping or compliance, today’s finance professionals are expected to support budgeting, internal controls, audit readiness, tax planning, and digital reporting systems. Employers are hiring not just for technical accuracy, but for adaptability, familiarity with international standards, and fluency in digital tools like SAP, Oracle, and Power BI.

The job market is competitive. While nationals are prioritised through Saudization (Nitaqat) policies, experienced expatriates remain in demand—particularly in senior, specialist, or transitional roles where local talent pipelines are still developing.

Below are the top companies hiring accountants in Saudi Arabia, the roles they seek, and what candidates need to succeed in this fast-moving environment.

1. Saudi Aramco – The Benchmark for Corporate Finance

As the world’s most valuable company and the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s economy, Saudi Aramco sets the standard for financial governance and operational scale.

• Roles in Demand:

  • Financial analysts

  • Cost accountants

  • Internal auditors

  • Tax compliance officers

  • Project accountants (for large-scale engineering projects)

• Key Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

  • Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CMA preferred)

  • Experience with ERP systems (SAP highly valued)

  • Strong understanding of oil & gas cost structures

Aramco hires both Saudis and expatriates, though leadership roles increasingly go to nationals. The company runs structured graduate programmes such as the Accounting & Finance Development Program, which trains young Saudi professionals for long-term careers.

Work culture is formal, process-driven, and aligned with global reporting standards. Salaries are among the highest in the region, with additional benefits including housing, healthcare, and education allowances.

2. SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation)

A global leader in chemicals and industrial manufacturing, SABIC operates complex supply chains and multi-billion-dollar assets—requiring robust financial oversight.

• Hiring For:

  • Management accountants

  • Budget and forecasting specialists

  • Fixed asset accountants

  • Consolidation and group reporting staff

  
  

• Tech & Systems:

  • Heavy reliance on SAP FI/CO modules

  • Integration with manufacturing execution systems (MES)

  • Monthly close processes across international subsidiaries

SABIC values precision, audit readiness, and experience in multinational environments. It recruits from both local universities and international institutions, often favouring candidates with exposure to IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards).

The company also supports professional development, sponsoring employees pursuing ACCA or CPA qualifications.

3. Al Rajhi Bank – A Leader in Financial Sector Hiring

As the largest Islamic bank in the world by market capitalisation, Al Rajhi Bank maintains a vast network of branches and digital services—driving consistent demand for finance professionals.

• Commonly Advertised Roles:

  • General ledger accountants

  • Treasury accountants

  • Regulatory reporting officers

  • Internal control analysts

  
  

• What Sets It Apart:

  • Strict adherence to Sharia-compliant accounting principles

  • High-volume transaction environments

  • Integration of digital banking data into financial statements

Candidates must understand the nuances of Islamic finance—such as profit-sharing models (Mudarabah), lease-based financing (Ijara), and Zakat calculations. Knowledge of these frameworks, combined with technical skills in Excel and ERP systems, improves employability.

Al Rajhi also participates in government workforce programmes, offering training tracks for Saudi nationals entering the finance field.

4. Public Investment Fund (PIF)

As the engine of Vision 2030, PIF oversees a portfolio worth over $900 billion—from NEOM and Red Sea Global to stakes in Uber, Lucid Motors, and major domestic firms.

While much of its finance team consists of strategists and investment analysts, PIF also hires accountants for:

• Portfolio company oversight

• Consolidated financial reporting

• Audit coordination

• Compliance with sovereign fund governance standards

These roles require advanced technical knowledge, attention to detail, and discretion. Candidates typically have Big Four audit experience (PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte) and professional certifications.

Though hiring is selective, positions at PIF offer significant career visibility and influence over national economic direction.

5. Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG – The Big Four Accounting Firms

All four major international accounting firms operate in Saudi Arabia, primarily out of Riyadh and Jeddah, serving government entities, listed companies, and large family conglomerates.

• Services Driving Demand:

  • External audits

  • Tax advisory

  • IFRS implementation

  • SOCPA (Saudi Organisation for Chartered and Professional Accountants) compliance reviews

  
  

• Entry-Level to Senior Hires:

  • Fresh graduates with accounting degrees

  • Experienced auditors from other GCC markets

  • Specialists in transfer pricing, VAT, and digital taxation

The Big Four are key gateways for career growth. They provide rigorous training, international secondments, and pathways to leadership. Many mid-career accountants in corporations began their careers at one of these firms.

Fluency in English and Arabic is often required, along with eligibility for SOCPA membership.

6. NEOM and Its Subsidiaries (Red Sea Global, ROSHN, etc.)

The futuristic city projects under NEOM and affiliated companies represent some of the fastest-growing employers of finance talent in the Kingdom.

• Types of Accounting Roles Open:

  • Project cost controllers

  • Procurement accountants

  • Grant and subsidy tracking specialists

  • Sustainability reporting officers (linked to ESG metrics)

  
  

• Employment Model:

  • Short-term contracts for expatriates

  • Long-term career paths for Saudis

  • Emphasis on transparency, anti-corruption protocols, and donor accountability

Given the scale of funding and international scrutiny, financial controls are strict. Accountants here work alongside engineers, planners, and sustainability experts—requiring strong communication and cross-functional awareness.

ERP systems like Oracle Cloud and Workday are widely used, and familiarity with them is a hiring advantage.

7. STC (Saudi Telecom Company)

As one of the largest publicly traded companies in the Kingdom, STC maintains a sophisticated finance function that supports telecom operations, fintech ventures (like stc bank), and digital innovation.

• Hiring For:

  • Revenue accountants (complex billing cycles)

  • Fixed asset and depreciation specialists

  • Financial planning & analysis (FP&A) staff

  • SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) compliance officers

STC values digital fluency—especially in data visualisation tools like Power BI and Tableau—and hires accountants who can interpret financial data for business decisions.

The company also invests in upskilling and has internal academies focused on digital finance transformation.

8. Family-Owned Conglomerates and Holding Companies

Large Saudi business groups—such as Olayan Group, Al-Futtaim (KSA operations), BinDawood, and Almajal Alarabi—operate across retail, real estate, automotive, and industry.

These organisations often maintain central finance offices that consolidate results from multiple subsidiaries.

• Common Needs:

  • Consolidation accountants

  • Payroll and VAT specialists

  • Internal auditors

  • Controllers with SME oversight experience

They tend to hire bilingual accountants (Arabic/English) who understand both traditional family business practices and modern regulatory requirements.

While less formal than multinationals, these firms offer stability and long-term relationships—appealing to professionals seeking continuity.

Licensing and Certification: A Must-Have

All accountants working in Saudi Arabia must register with the Saudi Organisation for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA).

Key steps include:

• Degree attestation

• Passing SOCPA exams (or obtaining exemption via ACCA, CPA, CMA)

• Gaining supervised experience (typically 2–3 years)

• Annual continuing professional development (CPD)

Many employers sponsor certification and cover exam fees—especially for Saudi nationals.

Knowledge of Zakat and VAT regulations is essential, particularly in audit, compliance, and corporate finance roles.

Market Trends Shaping Hiring

• Digital Transformation: ERP systems, robotic process automation (RPA), and AI-driven forecasting are reshaping accounting workflows. Employers now test Excel mastery and basic data analysis.

• Saudization Pressure: Private companies must meet Nitaqat quotas. This has increased hiring of Saudi graduates—even if junior—while retaining expatriates in mentorship or specialist roles.

• Project-Based Recruitment: With so much capital tied to Vision 2030 initiatives, many accounting roles are contract-based, lasting 1–3 years depending on project phase.

• Remote Work Flexibility: Some firms allow hybrid arrangements, especially for consolidation, reporting, or audit preparation roles.

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Final Note

Accounting in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a quiet revolution. Once seen as a routine function, it is now central to fiscal discipline, investor confidence, and the success of national megaprojects.

For finance professionals, the Kingdom offers unmatched scale, growth potential, and alignment with long-term economic goals. Whether working on the books of a giga-city, auditing a sovereign fund, or ensuring compliance in a rapidly expanding bank, accountants in Saudi Arabia are not just balancing ledgers—they are helping build a new economy.