Finance Manager

Finance ManagerJob Summary

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Finance Manager to oversee the School's financial operations and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial management. The Finance Manager will lead the Finance team, manage accounting and reporting functions, monitor cash flow, strengthen financial controls, and provide financial insights to support management decision-making.

The ideal candidate should have strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work closely with senior management and various departments across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities1. Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee the day-to-day financial and accounting operations of the organisation.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Review financial statements, schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Analyse financial performance, variances, trends, and key financial indicators.
• Provide meaningful financial analysis and recommendations to management.
• Ensure accurate month-end and year-end closing processes.

2. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting and financial planning process.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and financial projections in collaboration with department heads.
• Monitor actual performance against approved budgets.
• Investigate significant budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Support management in financial planning and resource allocation.

3. Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Monitor daily and monthly cash flow requirements.
• Ensure sufficient funds are available to meet operational commitments.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and liquidity reports.
• Monitor bank balances, payments, receipts, and fund transfers.
• Review and approve payment processes in accordance with internal controls.

4. Accounts Receivable & Credit Control

• Oversee the Accounts Receivable function and collection activities.
• Monitor outstanding student/customer balances and ageing reports.
• Ensure timely billing, payment allocation, reconciliation, and collection.
• Develop strategies to reduce overdue and long-outstanding receivables.
• Work with Admissions, Sales, and relevant departments to resolve billing and collection issues.

5. Accounts Payable & Procurement

• Oversee Accounts Payable processes, including invoice verification, payment processing, and supplier reconciliation.
• Ensure payments are properly authorised and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Monitor supplier balances and payment schedules.
• Review procurement-related financial processes and expenditure controls.

6. Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish, review, and strengthen financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure financial transactions comply with company policies and applicable accounting requirements.
• Monitor potential financial risks and recommend appropriate controls.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties and approval processes.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of financial information.

7. Audit & Taxation

• Coordinate internal and external audit activities.
• Prepare audit schedules, supporting documents, and management responses.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax agents, company secretaries, banks, and other professional advisers.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of required financial and tax-related information.
• Assist management in addressing audit findings and implementing recommendations.

8. Finance Team Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and develop the Finance team.
• Allocate responsibilities and monitor individual and team performance.
• Review the accuracy and quality of work performed by Finance team members.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and technical support to the team.
• Establish clear KPIs and performance expectations.
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

9. Management Support & Business Partnering

• Provide financial advice and insights to senior management.
• Support management in evaluating new initiatives, investments, and operational decisions.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and improved financial efficiency.
• Work closely with HR, Operations, Sales, Admissions, and Academic departments on financial matters.
• Prepare financial presentations and reports for management meetings when required.

10. Process Improvement & Systems

• Review and improve accounting processes, workflows, and reporting systems.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive finance processes.
• Ensure accurate and efficient use of accounting/ERP systems.
• Improve data accuracy, reporting efficiency, and financial visibility across departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, MIA, or equivalent is an advantage.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant accounting and finance experience, with at least 2–3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting, management reporting, budgeting, cash flow, AR, AP, and financial controls.
• Experience managing and developing a Finance team.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Experience in the education, school, or multi-campus environment will be an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Financial Management
• Management Accounting & Reporting
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Cash Flow Management
• Accounts Receivable & Credit Control
• Accounts Payable
• Financial Controls & Risk Management
• Audit & Tax Coordination
• Team Leadership
• Financial Analysis
• Process Improvement
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Stakeholder Management