The 2026 Finance Skills Gap in the UAE: What Employers Should Know

The 2026 Finance Skills Gap in the UAE: What Employers Should Know

The UAE finance sector is changing quickly. Regulatory reforms, digital transformation, and stronger governance standards are reshaping how finance teams operate.

While organizations continue investing in systems and controls, a bigger challenge is emerging: a growing gap between available talent and the skills required for a 2026-ready finance function.

This gap is no longer limited to technical accounting knowledge. Employers are finding it difficult to hire professionals who combine financial expertise, regulatory awareness, digital capability, and commercial judgment.

As expectations increase, the impact is visible in compliance quality, reporting accuracy, and decision-making speed.

Understanding the Finance Skills Gap

The finance skills gap is the difference between what employers need and what the current workforce can deliver.

In the UAE, several factors are widening this gap:

• Rapid corporate tax implementation and regulatory updates
• Increased focus on VAT, AML, and governance standards
• Greater use of ERP systems and automation
• Rising expectations for finance teams to support strategy

Many candidates have strong qualifications. However, practical experience in areas such as corporate tax frameworks, AML controls, advanced reporting systems, and cross-functional collaboration is often limited.

This slows transformation initiatives and increases pressure on existing teams.

Why the Skills Gap Requires Immediate Attention

1. Regulatory and Compliance Risk

Stronger regulations around corporate tax, VAT, AML, and financial reporting mean organizations must maintain accurate and structured compliance processes.

Gaps in internal capability can result in:

• Errors in reporting
• Delayed filings
• Increased regulatory scrutiny

Companies cannot rely solely on external advisors. Internal accountability is essential.

2. Impact on Strategic Decision-Making

Modern finance teams are expected to deliver insights, not just reports.

Limited data analytics capability or uncertainty around regulatory interpretation can:

• Slow planning cycles
• Reduce confidence in forecasts
• Lead to cautious or reactive leadership decisions

Strong internal expertise improves decision quality and business agility.

3. Pressure on Top Performers

When capability gaps exist, top performers often carry additional workload.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Burnout
• Higher turnover
• Repeated hiring cycles
• Increased recruitment costs

Addressing the skills gap improves retention and team stability.

Top Skills UAE Finance Teams Need in 2026

1. Regulatory and Compliance Expertise

Employers need professionals who understand:

• UAE corporate tax implementation
• VAT management
• AML controls
• Evolving financial reporting standards

More importantly, they must be able to convert regulations into practical processes and internal controls.

2. Digital Finance and Automation Skills

Technology is central to modern finance functions.

High-demand capabilities include:

• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics
• Working knowledge of dashboards and reporting tools
• Use of Power BI for financial analysis
• Understanding automated reconciliations
• Familiarity with RPA and system-based control frameworks

Professionals who can interpret system-generated data and identify anomalies add significant value.

3. Commercial and Business Partnering Skills

Finance teams are expected to work closely with operations and leadership.

This requires:

• Clear and concise communication
• Commercial awareness
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights
• Confidence in challenging assumptions constructively

These skills strengthen the finance function’s strategic influence.

4. Governance and Risk Awareness

Boards and regulators are placing greater emphasis on risk management and ethical standards.

Professionals who understand how financial decisions align with governance frameworks help build long-term organizational resilience.

Practical Strategies to Close the Skills Gap

Organizations can take proactive steps to strengthen capability.

1. Update Role Design and Expectations

Job descriptions should reflect:

• Digital proficiency
• Regulatory execution
• Cross-functional collaboration

Clear expectations attract more relevant candidates.

2. Implement Targeted Upskilling

Focused training in:

• Corporate tax updates
• ERP optimization
• Data analytics
• Risk and compliance

Structured development programs support retention and internal progression.

3. Adopt Flexible Talent Models

Interim finance leaders, project specialists, and regulatory consultants can address immediate gaps without long-term cost commitments.

This approach allows internal teams to build sustainable expertise over time.

4. Strengthen Leadership Integration

Encouraging regular interaction between finance, operations, and risk teams improves business understanding and enhances the quality of recommendations provided to leadership.

How Finstorm Supports UAE Employers

Finstorm partners with organizations to strengthen finance capabilities in line with UAE regulations and operational requirements.

Our services include:

• Interim finance leadership
• Specialist project support
• Regulatory advisory
• Targeted talent solutions

We focus on practical execution, helping organizations reduce regulatory risk, improve decision-making, and build future-ready finance teams.

Take the Next Step

The finance skills gap will not close on its own.

Organizations that act early will strengthen compliance, improve reporting quality, and build more resilient finance functions.

Connect with Finstorm today to assess your finance team and build a future-ready finance function.

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