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Accountants, AI developers top roles in UAE for 2020

Accountants, risk managers, and artificial intelligence (AI) experts are among the most sought after roles in the UAE in 2020, new research by Robert Half has shown.
As businesses prepare for the impact that a resurgent UAE economy will have on the war for talent, Robert Half has shared a list of the UAE's top 10 in-demand roles for the first half of 2020, and the trends expected to influence the jobs market. According to Robert Half UAE's 2020 Salary Guide, management accountants take up the top spot, followed by chief financial officers (CFOs), and risk managers.
The findings showed that demand for accounting professionals is growing in the UAE, as start-ups and large multinational companies seek professionals with accountancy experience to establish and develop their financial processes. With a talent deficit threatening hiring strategy across the finance and accounting sector, organisations are looking for CFOs to lead from the top and deliver business targets, with a focus on market regulation and increased return on investment. One of the most in-demand professions is risk managers, as awareness of the dangers posed by new technologies and processes becomes a priority.
Heads of digital transformation took the next spot on the list, followed by AI developers. HR business partners, talent acquisition specialists, legal counsel, legal assistants, and security analysts respectively rounded up the remaining five spots in the top 10 list.
"With economic growth in the UAE set to accelerate this year, it is unsurprising to see faster evolution of the workplace. As companies adjust to the challenges and opportunities presented to their business, the need not only for top talent, but a meaningful 'business fit' for candidates, intensifies," said Gareth El Mettouri, associate director of Robert Half UAE. "Employers are seeking candidates with specialist skills, industry experience, and systems knowledge. The most in-demand of these being mid-level, specialised roles such as security analysts and AI developers."
He added that candidates applying for these jobs can expect to enjoy some negotiating room on flexible working and starting salaries within their remuneration packages. "The search for bilingual candidates in the legal and finance sectors is also set to increase, as companies look to comply with international best practice standards."
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com