School Bursar / Director of Finance at Alaro City

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership & Planning

• Financial Strategy: Partner with the Head of School and the Board of Governors to develop and implement long-term financial strategies that support the school's educational vision and expansion plans
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process. Prepare comprehensive financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario models to ensure financial stability and sustainable growth
• Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): Appraise and manage major capital projects, including campus development, infrastructure upgrades, and technology investments
• Accounting, Reporting & Control
• Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts for the Board and executive leadership
• Audit & Compliance: Act as the primary liaison for external and internal auditors. Ensure compliance with all national statutory reporting requirements, tax regulations, and international accounting standards
• Internal Controls: Design, implement, and monitor robust financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard the school's assets and prevent fraud
• Commercial & Revenue Management
• Fee Management: Oversee the tuition fee billing and collection process. Develop and enforce effective debt recovery policies while maintaining positive relationships with parents
• Contract Negotiation: Manage and negotiate commercial contracts with external vendors, including catering, transport, facility management, and IT service providers, ensuring maximum value for money
• Alternative Revenue Generation: Identify and evaluate opportunities to maximize non-fee income, such as facility rentals, summer programs, or sponsorships

Risk Management & Governance

• Risk Assessment: Maintain the school's risk register. Identify financial, operational, and legal risks and implement effective mitigation strategies
• Insurance: Oversee the school's insurance portfolio, ensuring adequate coverage for the estate, staff, students, and liabilities
• Payroll & Benefits: Oversee the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all academic and non-academic staff, including the management of expatriate benefits and tax structuring

Requirements
Key Qualifications & Experience
Education & Professional Certifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration
• A recognized professional accounting qualification is mandatory (e.g., ICAN, ACCA, ACA, CPA, or CIMA)

Required Experience

• 10+ years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 3-5 years' operating at a senior leadership level (e.g., CFO, Finance Director, or Financial Controller)
• Prior experience working as a Bursar or Finance Director within the education sector (specifically premium or international schools) is highly desirable
• Proven track record in managing complex budgets, cash flow, and driving commercial negotiations
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and presenting financial data clearly to non-financial stakeholders, such as a Board of Governors

Core Competencies

• High level of commercial acumen and strategic thinking
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the tact to handle sensitive fee-related discussions with parents
• Strong proficiency in modern financial management software and ERP systems
• Impeccable integrity, ethical standards, and cultural sensitivity