Accounts Receivable Executive

About This Role

Cignita Middle East are looking for an outstanding Accounts Receivables Executive to join the team.

The Accounts Receivables Executive role is to manage the full accounts receivable cycle, ensuring timely and accurate billing, effective credit control, excellent customer service, and compliance with internal financial controls and regulatory requirements. This role supports the finance team in maintaining accurate financial records and contributing to smooth month-end and audit processes.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

Key Accountabilities:

• Accurate and timely billing and invoicing across all revenue streams.
• Effective management of accounts receivable ageing and collections.
• Accurate reconciliation of bank accounts, petty cash, student accounts and control accounts.
• Compliance with KHDA/ADEK, VAT/FTA, and audit requirements.
• High‑quality customer service to parents, staff, and internal stakeholders.
• Accurate preparation of month‑end schedules and reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the full AR cycle including invoicing, collections, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Issue reminders, follow up via calls/emails, and manage suspensions for overdue accounts.
• Perform daily banking including cheque and cash deposits.
• Support Zenda (School Payment App) set up for tuition fee’s & other income.
• Handle payment collections (Non‑Zenda) and other miscellaneous collections.
• Prepare and issue tuition fee invoices using Price books, Contracts, Sales Orders, and other billing tools.
• Apply approved discounts and ensure correct documentation.
• Manage billing for boarding students including fees, activities, and visa‑related charges.
• Set up item codes for marketplace activities (trips, events, etc.).
• Prepare invoices for other income streams including LSA, exams, and contractual services.
• Prepare and post JVs for bank charges and intercompany transactions.
• Perform bank reconciliations and maintain reconciliation data.
• Support month‑end closing processes including AR schedules, control accounts, and other income reports.
• Provide customer service support via email, telephone and walk‑ins.
• Manage staff advances related to events and ensure timely settlements.
• Process refunds in accordance with school policy.
• Update KHDA/ADEK portals with fee information and discounts for new students.
• Support FTA VAT requirements including VAT registers and audit samples.
• Support internal and external audit requirements (sampling and schedules).

Person Specification:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Professional certification (ACCA, CMA, CPA, or equivalent) preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in ERP solutions (e.g., NetSuite, NSPB Planning, Excel).

Experience

• 2–5 years’ experience in accounts receivable or finance operations.
• Strong understanding of AR processes, billing systems, and reconciliations.
• Experience in education sector finance is an advantage. • Proficiency in ERP/Finance systems and MS Excel.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.

To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV. (Add any additional requirements here that are needed)

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 5 years.