Chief Accountant

Overview

Chief Accountant

Revenue Collection and Receivables Management

• Lead and monitor the timely collection of school fees and other receivables.
• Oversee billing, payment plans, outstanding balances, collection follow-ups, and receivables reporting.
• Work closely with Admissions, Parent Relations, and school leadership to support fee collection targets.
• Maintain accurate records of collections, deposits, discounts, refunds, and adjustments.
• Provide regular reports on receivables, collection status, aged balances, and cash flow impact.
• Escalate overdue accounts in line with school policy and approved procedures.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Oversee the full accounting cycle, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, accruals, and month-end closing.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management review.
• Monitor income, expenses, cash flow, and financial performance against approved budgets.
• Prepare financial statements, schedules, and supporting documents for audit and management purposes.
• Ensure all financial transactions are accurate, properly supported, and recorded on time.

Systems, Data, and Reporting

• Use

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

• for accounting, reporting, and finance operations.
• Use

Power BI

• to support financial dashboards, revenue reporting, collection tracking, and management insights.
• Maintain accurate financial data and support improvements in reporting, automation, and process efficiency.

Budgeting, Controls, and Compliance

• Support the preparation, monitoring, and review of the annual school budget.
• Track departmental spending and ensure expenses remain within approved limits.
• Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard school assets and reduce financial risk.
• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT requirements, financial regulations, audit standards, and school policies.
• Coordinate with external auditors and provide required documents, schedules, and explanations.

Payroll and HR Finance Coordination

• Work closely with HR on payroll, deductions, allowances, reimbursements, end-of-service benefits, and final settlements.
• Review payroll-related financial entries and ensure proper accounting treatment.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in all staff-related financial matters.
• Leadership and Coordination
• Supervise and guide accounting staff to ensure timely and accurate completion of finance tasks.
• Promote accountability, accuracy, confidentiality, and service quality within the Finance Department.
• Coordinate effectively with school leadership, parents, suppliers, auditors, and external stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent is preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of accounting experience, including senior or supervisory responsibility.
• Strong experience with

MS Dynamics 365 Business Central

• is required/preferred.
• Strong experience with

Power BI

• reporting and dashboards is required/preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UAE VAT, reconciliations, budgeting, audit preparation, and financial controls.
• Previous school or education sector experience is preferred.

Benefits