Finance Manager

Purpose of the Job:

To provide strategic leadership and management of the school's finance function, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, compliance with regulations, and effective support for strategic decision-making. The Finance Manager is responsible for leading the finance team, maintaining robust systems and controls, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the school.

The role requires close collaboration with key stakeholders — including the Head of Finance & Operations, the School Director, the Leadership Team, and the Board of Trustees — on all matters relating to finance, compliance, and risk management.

Job Description:

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop the finance team (Accountant, Accounts Clerk, Procurement Officer), ensuring clarity of responsibilities, accountability, and succession planning.
• Build a culture of professional growth, continuous improvement, and service orientation within the finance department.
• Collaborate with other departments (Admissions, HR, Procurement, Operations) to ensure financial alignment with strategic and operational objectives.

Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis

• Develop and maintain medium- and long-term financial models that support the school's strategy and growth plans.
• Work with the Head of Finance & Operations and Leadership Team to set annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and scenario models.
• Provide financial impact analysis for school initiatives (e.g. capital projects, fee increases, staffing changes, new ECAs, partnerships).
• Conduct benchmarking against comparable international schools in the region to support financial sustainability and competitiveness.

Financial Control & Reporting

• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and transparency of financial information, including monthly management accounts, cashflow, debtors, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis, with recommendations for corrective action.
• Report on key metrics (e.g. revenue per student, staff cost ratios, operating surplus) for use by the Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee preparation of quarterly forecasts for presentation to the Board Finance Committee.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Saudi Arabian financial and tax regulations, including VAT, WHT, ZATCA reporting, and Ministry of Education requirements.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies (procurement, risk, safeguarding of assets, financial delegations).
• Maintain and develop internal control frameworks, including segregation of duties, reconciliations, and audit trails.
• Lead on the preparation and management of external audits, working closely with auditors to ensure timely completion and implementation of recommendations.
• Maintain a finance risk register, assessing potential risks (e.g. currency, cashflow, debtors, compliance) and proposing mitigation measures.

Revenue & Collections

• Oversee billing and collection of tuition fees, deposits, and other income streams (transport, uniforms, ECAs, trips).
• Ensure fair, consistent, and efficient application of fee policies, including discounts, scholarships, and payment plans.
• Monitor debtor levels closely, escalating cases as necessary and providing recommendations for management intervention.

Procurement & Expenditure Oversight

• Provide oversight of procurement processes, ensuring compliance with approval thresholds and best practice in supplier selection.
• Ensure expenditure aligns with budget priorities and value-for-money principles.
• Support capital project procurement and monitor financial progress against project budgets.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Work in partnership with the Head of Finance & Operations, Director, and Leadership Team on all matters relating to finance, compliance, and risk.
• Act as financial advisor to budget holders, supporting them in planning, monitoring, and controlling their departmental budgets.
• Present financial information in a clear, accessible way to non-financial stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees and parent bodies when appropriate.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee the school's finance systems (ERP), ensuring accurate data and optimal use of system functionality.
• Drive improvements in processes and automation to reduce manual workload and increase accuracy.
• Support the school's transition to digital platforms for finance-related transactions, reporting, and communication.

Qualifications & Knowledge

:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting.

Professional accounting qualification (CMA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent).

Strong knowledge of international financial reporting standards (IFRS).

Knowledge of Saudi finance regulations, taxation, and compliance requirements.

Familiarity with school finance systems (e.g., Engage or similar ERP).

Preferred skills

Excellent leadership, management, and communication skills.

Strategic thinking with ability to analyse complex financial data.

Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

High level of integrity and professional ethics.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years' finance experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Experience in education sector is preferred but not a must.

Proven track record in managing audits, budgets, and financial teams.