Chief Financial Strategist

Wellington College International Pune is a world-class educational institution that provides an innovative learning environment for students aged 2-18. Our state-of-the-art facilities allow us to offer the highest academic and pastoral standards, along with outstanding sporting and cultural opportunities.

This role is responsible for leading the school's overall financial strategy, planning, and operations to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

• Strategic Finance & Leadership:

• Lead the school's overall financial strategy, planning, and operations to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
• Provide accurate and timely financial insights to the Principal, Board of Governors, and senior leadership team for decision-making.
• Contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and policy development.

• Financial Management & Reporting:

• Prepare and present financial statements including Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss accounts, and Cash Flow statements.
• Develop budgets and forecasts in collaboration with leadership and department heads.
• Monitor financial performance, variances, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure strong internal controls and adherence to best practices in financial governance.

• Compliance & Regulatory:

• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including income tax, GST, corporate filings, and education-sector-specific regulations.
• Manage expatriate staff payroll and taxation, ensuring compliance with international taxation norms and double-taxation treaties where applicable.
• Oversee audits (statutory, internal, and external) and liaise with auditors, consultants, and government authorities.

• Admissions & Fees Management:

• Oversee all finance-related aspects of the admissions process, including fee structures, invoicing, collections, and refunds.
• Implement transparent and parent-friendly financial processes aligned with the school's ethos.
• Monitor fee receivables and manage collection processes to ensure healthy cash flow.

• Expatriate Financial Management:

• Manage tax equalization, relocation allowances, and compliance with home/host country obligations.
• Act as a key resource for expatriates to navigate financial, taxation, and compliance matters.

• Team & Operational Oversight:

• Lead and mentor the finance team to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
• Oversee procurement, vendor management, contracts, and resource allocation.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 3 years in the education sector or international schools.
• Knowledge of statutory requirements in all matters concerning school finances, including Society law, GST, FCRA, PF Act, taxation etc.
• Proven knowledge of expatriate taxation, payroll, and compliance.
• Strong track record in preparing and analyzing Balance Sheets, P&L, budgets, and financial forecasts.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and liaise with auditors/regulatory authorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with cultural sensitivity, particularly when working with expatriates and diverse communities.

Desirable Attributes:

• Prior experience in an international or IB/IGCSE school environment.
• Familiarity with ERP/finance systems in education (e.g., Tally, SAP, Oracle, or school-specific MIS).
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to balance educational values with financial sustainability.
• Strategic thinker, problem solver, and collaborative leader.
• Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the ethos and values of international education.