Finance Jobs

Explore Finance jobs within leading law firms — from billing and accounts to financial planning and analysis — and find your next role with a top legal employer.

Finance Jobs in Dubai and the Middle East

Finance in an international law firm is not like finance elsewhere. The terminology is different, the commercial logic is different and the expectations are high. If you have worked in law firm finance, you already know this. Billing cycles, matter management, revenue recognition and client account oversight all require a particular kind of expertise, and professionals who bring that expertise to the Middle East are genuinely valued.


Barratt Galvin has been placing finance professionals into international law firms across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha since 2007. We understand this market, we know what firms are looking for at every level and we hear about roles before they are widely advertised. The best time to register with us is before you are actively looking. Every time a new job comes in, the first place we look is our existing network. If we already know you, we are giving you first access to roles that are not even advertised.

Woman holding books in a bright office by floor-to-ceiling windows

Why Register With Barratt Galvin for Finance Jobs

Law firm finance is a specialist field and we recruit within it specifically. We are not a generalist finance recruiter who occasionally fills a law firm role. We work exclusively within the legal sector and we understand the difference between a strong finance candidate and one who is genuinely equipped for the particular demands of law firm finance in the Middle East.


When a firm comes to us with a finance brief, we go straight to the people we already know. Finance roles in international law firms are often filled quickly and quietly. If you are in our network, you are in that first conversation. If you are not, you may miss out on a job that is perfect for you.


When we put your name forward to a firm, we do not just send your CV. We brief the firm on your technical background, your specific experience within law firm finance and why we believe you are the right fit for their office and culture. We take the time to understand what you are looking for, what your career goals are and how to position you well for the move that makes sense.


We are also straight with you. If your profile is not the right fit for a particular role, we will tell you clearly. If the market is moving in a direction that affects your options, we will share that with you. We would rather have an honest conversation early than set unrealistic expectations.

Are You the Right Fit

Direct experience in law firm finance is the foundation we look for. The finance professionals who perform best in international law firms in the Middle East combine technical precision with a genuine understanding of how law firms generate and manage revenue. If the following sounds like you, we would love to talk.


You are accurate, reliable and comfortable working within the particular rhythms of a legal billing cycle. You understand matter-based accounting, you communicate clearly with partners and fee earners and you hold yourself to the high standards that international firm life demands. You are not fazed by complexity and you take ownership of your work.


At assistant and coordinator level, exposure to legal billing software and an understanding of matter-based accounting is a strong advantage. At manager and controller level, we are looking for candidates who can oversee billing and revenue processes, produce financial reports for local and central leadership and manage client accounts with precision and authority. In most Middle East offices, the most senior finance professional on the ground carries real responsibility and needs to be genuinely capable of owning it.


Familiarity with finance and billing systems used in international law firms is beneficial. Commonly used platforms include Elite 3E, Aderant, SAP and Chrome River. Experience with any of these, or with comparable legal finance systems, is a genuine advantage in this market.

Finance Roles in International Law Firms

Roles We Place

We recruit across the full range of finance roles for international law firms, including:

Finance Assistant

Finance Coordinator

Billing Specialist

Revenue Controller

Finance Manager

Financial Controller

We focus particularly on roles that require direct law firm finance experience, including billing, revenue recognition and matter management, as these are the positions where sector-specific knowledge makes the greatest difference to placement success.

Aerial view of a tropical resort on a small island, surrounded by turquoise water and a sandy beach.

Where the Roles Are

We recruit finance professionals for international law firms across the Middle East, with the strongest volume of roles in:

  • Dubai, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
  • Abu Dhabi, including Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
  • Riyadh
  • Doha

Considering a Move to the Middle East

If you are based abroad and you are thinking about a move to the Middle East, we are happy to hear from you. Finance roles in international law firms in the region do attract candidates from abroad, and for the right person it can be an excellent career move.


Firms are selective and the candidates who make successful moves tend to have solid finance experience specifically within a law firm environment. Familiarity with legal billing systems and an understanding of matter-based accounting are the things firms look for most. If that describes you and you are genuinely open to the region, get in touch and we will give you an honest picture of the current market and what your profile looks like within it.

Man smiling at a table with a laptop, tablet, and coffee while another person points at the screen

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does the process work when I register with Barratt Galvin?

    The first step is a meeting with us via Microsoft Teams. Once you get in touch and share your CV, we will arrange a time to connect properly. We want to understand your finance background, the systems and environments you have worked in, what you are looking for in your next role and what your timeline looks like. From there, we will brief you on any live roles that may be a match, or keep you in mind as new jobs come in. We will never put your name forward without speaking to you first.

  • Is law firm finance experience essential, or will general finance experience be considered?

    For billing, revenue control and matter management roles, law firm finance experience is important and we screen for it specifically. The terminology, the systems and the commercial logic of legal billing are distinct enough that candidates without prior exposure tend to take considerably longer to settle in. For more generalist finance roles at assistant and coordinator level, strong commercial finance experience combined with the right aptitude can work well. We will always give you an honest view of how your profile sits in the current market.

  • What finance systems should I be familiar with for law firm roles?

    The most commonly used finance and billing platforms in international law firms include Elite 3E, Aderant, SAP and Chrome River. Experience with any of these is a genuine advantage. If you have worked with comparable legal finance systems, that transferable knowledge is also valued. We factor system familiarity into our conversations with every finance candidate we work with.

  • How does the finance function typically sit within a Middle East law firm?

    Finance in most international law firms in the region operates as a standalone function. The most senior finance professional on the ground typically oversees billing and revenue management, matter accounting, client account oversight, financial reporting and compliance with local financial regulations. They report into both local office leadership and a central finance function based in the firm's home jurisdiction, which is often London or New York. It is a role that requires both technical strength and the confidence to operate with genuine autonomy.

  • What salary can I expect in a finance role in Dubai?

    Finance salaries in Dubai vary depending on your seniority, the scope of the role and the firm's profile. We publish an annual salary report covering finance and legal business services roles across the Middle East. Get in touch and we will share the latest data with you.

  • I am currently based outside the UAE. Is it realistic to find a law firm finance role in the Middle East?

    It is possible, and we do place candidates from abroad into finance roles in the region. The candidates who make successful moves tend to have direct law firm finance experience, familiarity with legal billing systems and a realistic understanding of what the relocation involves. We will give you an honest picture of your chances and help you think through the best approach if a move is something you are seriously considering.

Ready to Explore Your Next Finance Role?

Law firm finance in the Middle East is a specialist market and the right opportunities do not stay open for long. If you have the background and you are thinking about your next move, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch, share your CV and let us have a conversation about what is out there and what your options look like.

You can upload your CV directly via the contact form on our website.