Chief Accountant

Job overview The Chief Accountant plays a leading role in ensuring a learning environment that provides all necessary infrastructure to cater to the needs of students, staff, and visitors. He/she is responsible for overseeing, supervising, and directing the daily operations of all support units of the school in conformance with policies, procedures and regulations set by AMSI and in compliance with KHDA and relevant authorities’ requirements. The Chief Accountant supervises all non-academic support staff and is in charge with managing and overseeing the proper implementation of Finance and Accounting, ICT, and Registration operations in the school. Key responsibilities Supervises the accounting staff and ensures that all accounting and financial reporting procedures are consistent and aligned with set policies and procedures as stipulated by AMSI Leads, manages and supervises related support staff operations including registration supervision, procurement management, catering management, fixed asset management, inventory management and related ICT management Attends SLT meetings related to his/her duties and provides guidance and recommendations on the best use of resources Contributes to the overall strategic and development plans of the school Takes charge of the financial responsibilities and related decisions in the absence of the Principal Plans and manages the implementation of all required changes related to his/her role as stipulated in the school development plan and the overall strategic plan Collaborates on establishing and submitting a proposed budget to AMSI for approval, and assists in the overall financial planning process of the school Establishes and maintains an effective system for fixed asset management keeping an inventory for all school supplies, materials and equipment Uses the approved budget to actively supervise and control expenditures and takes appropriate action when fraud is suspected Monitors the implementation of school financial agreements and supervises all appropriate school insurance policies Manages employee payroll and ensures that it is prepared accurately, timely and meets all organizational and legal requirements Reviews and coordinates with Human Capital regarding all staff allowances and benefits and other employee-related payments. Coordinates with Human Capital regarding the financial aspects of new staff appointments, job offers, salary details, yearly allowances, monthly additions and deductions. Reviews and processes final settlements for resigned and terminated employees. Ensures payroll related accounting entries and reconciliations are accurate and completed on a timely basis. Manages and monitors the operation of the school bank accounts ensuring that a monthly reconciliation is undertaken Ensures that all collected monies are deposited on time and in compliance with AMSI’s set rules and regulations Manages the accounting procedures for school trips and external activities ensuring that accurate costing is established 13. Manages all cash collections from the food services program ensuring accurate receipts and reconciliations Prepares monthly, term and end of year financial statements and reports and liaises with external auditors according to need Provides detailed reports on school accounting procedures and operations according to a fixed schedule, reporting any issues or discrepancy immediately Monitors expenditure against budgeted items and reports any deviation. Manages and reviews contractual obligations for subcontracted school services Manages the school’s accounting operations and ensures accounting systems are functioning efficiently in accordance with set policies and procedures, conducting regular accounting checks and reviews as needed Ensures that all school financial targets are met with regards to: revenue, cost control, profit and loss management Implements systems for overseeing all operating costs to ensure that they are aligned with focused revenue Suggests budget reviews if needed to answer to significant or unexpected developments Presents proposals of activities to AMSI in a timely fashion and with clear costing and financial requirements Provides current budgetary information to relevant parties as required Establishes and manages internal controls in compliance with AMSI’s policies and procedure in order to ensure accountability Requirements Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, (or equivalent) from an accredited university or a combination of related degree and experience Certification as a CA, CPA, or CMA is preferred At least three years of successful managerial accounting experience preferably in a school setting Advanced financial management skills – keeping budgets, managing expenses, etc. Advanced computer skills supporting this type of work, including and not limited to word processing tools, spreadsheets, and presentation tools Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills Highly developed organizational and planning skills, including managing time, competing priorities and resources in a structured way Excellent written and oral communication skills High level of integrity and possesses a good moral character Knowledge of accounting techniques related to payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets accounting, and financial planning and administration Ability to establish and maintain positive work relationships with members of the staff Ability to set and manage clear and demanding performance expectations for individuals and teams Ability to research, collect, compile, and analyze statistical data, maintain complete and accurate records, and develop meaningful reports from that information. Ability to learn and correctly interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions Ability to perform responsible and difficult technical and administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative Ability to interact effectively and sensitively with individuals from diverse backgrounds Customer service oriented with the ability to handle face-to-face interactions tactfully •