School Accountant at Halifield Schools

Job Description

• Responsible for the day-to-day aspects of the Schools’ accounting and reporting functions.
• Provides timely and accurate information for decision-making, in collaboration with the finance team and school leaders.
• In charge of accounts receivables and ensures timely collection as well as ensures compliance with all accounting policies.
• Ensures that preparation of weekly, monthly and termly reports, are done timely and accurately.
• Supports the preparation of statutory reports and liaises with external auditors and other consultants.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure entry of, review and approve manual journals
• Review bank reconciliation statements
• Ensure all phone and email communication is responded to within the stipulated 48-hr time frame.
• Prepare termly subaccounts for school bus shuttle, kitchen, hostel, programs and clubs.
• Prepare management accounts and supporting schedules every term.
• Perform periodic balance sheet review (summary of the assets and liabilities)
• Preparation of termly school budget.
• Ensure timely generation of accurate school bills for all students.
• Admission entry of all new students
• Ensure timely collection of receivables / issue receipts / debt drive [and posting to Quickbooks]
• Ensure regular update of Students Records in Accounting Software as and when due.
• Review Account Receivable processes and ensures policy compliance.
• Review Accounts payable processes
• Preparation of payroll and ensuring timely payment of staff salaries
• Preparation and sending of monthly pay slips to staff
• Preparation of periodic Gratuity and Furniture contributions for staff
• Monitor statutory payments and advice management on prompt settlement
• Monitor remittance of monthly statutory deductions
• Responsible for School finance department’s budget
• Ensure adequate customer service to both internal and external stakeholders
• General Communication to parent customers on Accounting matters
• Other tasks as may be assigned by the Director.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Timeliness and accuracy in billing and collection of all school fees.
• Timeliness and accuracy of weekly, monthly, termly and annual financial reports.
• Accuracy of business projections relating to finance
• Level of compliance with accounting guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Customer satisfaction index - for all parents, students and staff.

Education and Work Experience

• First Degree or equivalent qualification in accounting or any finance related discipline.
• Five (5) years experience in a similar role.
• Certified in relevant professional qualifications (ICAN, ACA, CIMA, CPA, ACCA).

Skills and Competences:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experienced with customer relationship management.
• Deep knowledge of core finance and accounting practices
• Knowledgeable about State, Local, and Federal income tax laws and legislation and its implication for the School.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel/Data Analysis
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good sense of responsibility, accountability and dependability.
• Deep accounting knowledge, working knowledge of GAAP, IFRS and Finance leading practices
• Emotional intelligence, Integrity and Professionalism.
• Proficiency in the use of MS applications and several accounting applications/ERPs such as Quick Books.