School Accountant

Kent College Dubai is seeking a highly skilled School Accountant to support the organization with its financial operations and contribute to Aldar Education's growth and success.

As the leading education group in Abu Dhabi, we are committed to providing inclusive and innovative learning experiences that inspire and empower communities. We offer a diverse range of educational brands serving learners of all ages, from nursery through to adult education.

Based at Kent College Dubai, this role will oversee a variety of financial functions, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Cash & Bank Reconciliation, and the safeguarding of school assets.

You will collaborate to review monthly MIS reports, assist with the preparation of the annual budget, and provide support to both school staff and HQ finance on any finance-related matters. The successful candidate will be focused on exceeding both internal and external customer expectations, optimizing financial performance, and enhancing the return on capital investment, all while aligning with Aldar Education's Core Values.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in Accounting
• Accounting certifications are a plus (CPA, CA, CMA, CFA, etc)

Minimum Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in a finance function, or a professional qualification with 5+ years of experience in a similar role.

Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong knowledge of advanced accounting principles.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and administrative skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software (Oracle, SAP, etc).

What We Offer

Aldar Education, a family of world-class, child-centred, and innovative schools based in the UAE. We educate over 38,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational, and dedicated school leaders. We offer an attractive remuneration package. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training.

This job description is not all-inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are dedicated to our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.

Strategic Responsibilities:

• Prepare the annual school budget in coordination with relevant departments.
• Ensure accurate and timely payments to suppliers, maintaining clean vendor accounts with proper reconciliation before payments.
• Ensure Accounts Receivable GL accounts are accurate and collections are made within the due date.
• Submit daily, weekly, monthly, and periodic financial reports to HQ finance, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Review monthly MIS reports with the Principal and ensure alignment with financial goals.
• Achieve KPIs set to drive finance excellence.

Functional Responsibilities:

• Prepare and submit the school's annual budget and periodic forecasts to HQ finance in a timely manner.
• Ensure all invoicing (tuition fees, exam fees, trips, and other charges) is completed accurately and on time. Regularly follow up with parents for payment collection.
• Issue receipts daily to ensure accurate bank reconciliation, and provide bank statements with receipt numbers to HQ finance for cash clearing.
• Handle supplier payments accurately and promptly, ensuring proper vendor reconciliation.
• Manage petty cash in accordance with company policies and the Delegation of Authority (DOA).
• Ensure revenue recognition and accuracy of Accounts Receivable GL accounts before month-end closure. Coordinate with IT to resolve any interface transaction errors.
• Support HQ finance staff in the accurate and timely completion of monthly closing activities.
• Ensure all reporting requirements (daily, weekly, monthly, and ad hoc) are met within specified timelines.

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure that the school team adheres to policies and procedures, providing support wherever needed.
• Assist the school Principal as required to ensure smooth financial operations.
• Supervise and monitor the performance of the Junior Accountant for assigned tasks (if applicable).

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior accounting role, ideally within an educational or service-oriented industry.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices, with expertise in Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and reconciliation.
• Ability to manage and coordinate financial reporting and budget preparation.
• Proficiency in accounting software and systems, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• A commitment to ensuring compliance with all financial policies and procedures.