Chief Accountant

Job Description

About the job

Ignite School is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Chief Accountant to lead the school’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and revenue collection processes. A key priority of this role is the timely leadership of tuition fee billing, collections, receivables follow-up, cash flow monitoring, and revenue reporting.

The successful candidate will ensure accurate financial records, timely reporting, strong budget control, regulatory compliance, and effective coordination with school leadership, parents, auditors, suppliers, and internal departments.

Key Responsibilities

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

The ideal candidate will have strong accounting experience, proven receivables and revenue collection leadership, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage financial operations in a school or service-based environment.

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

Ignite School offers a professional and supportive working environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration. A competitive salary and employment package will be offered, aligned with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Requirements added by the job poster

• Bachelor’s Degree