Finance Officer

Finance Officer is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial activities within an organization, including financial planning, strategy, and management. They ensure the company's financial health, guide strategic financial decisions, and lead the finance team. The role often involves budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. 

Key Responsibilities –

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.
• Ensure transparent communication with parents, staff, and external stakeholders on financial matters.

Skills and Personal Qualities

• The role demands a multitasker who can effortlessly liaise with all the other teams, efficiently manage the roles and duties within the team, and finally get the job done well in time.

• Sources and listens to all points of view and respects differing opinions when developing solutions. Should be very organized, process driven and a team player.

Must-Have Qualifications & Experience

· 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 analysing
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.