Head of Account

Head of Account

JOB PURPOSE

• The Head of Accounts provides strategic financial leadership, overseeing all aspects of financial management, budgeting, reporting, and compliance for the school. The role ensures that financial resources are effectively managed to support the school’s vision, long-term sustainability, and growth objectives.
• This position requires a proactive leader who can balance financial discipline with strategic foresight, ensuring transparency, compliance, and efficiency across all financial operations.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

• The Head of Accounts is responsible for developing and implementing robust financial strategies, internal controls, and reporting systems. The role leads the Accounts Department, supports budget holders, ensures compliance with financial regulations, and provides accurate financial insight for decision-making. The role works closely with senior leadership, auditors, banks, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure sound governance and fiscal integrity across the organisation.

RELATIONSHIPS

• The Head of accounts is appointed by the Director of Schools in consultation with the HOP and HR.
• The Head of Accounts reports directly to the Head of Operations. However, in the absence of the Head of Operations, he/she will report to the Director of School, who will also provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight. The Head of Accounts works closely with the Accounts team, Admin team, parents/guardians, external auditors, and collaborates with other finance professionals, banks and government agencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the school’s long-term goals and operational plans.

• Advise the Board and Senior Leadership on financial performance, risks, and strategic opportunities.

• Oversee financial forecasting, cash flow management, and investment planning to ensure sustainability.

• Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring realistic projections and cost efficiency across departments.

• Financial Planning, Budgeting & Reporting

• Prepare and manage the school’s consolidated annual budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

• Generate accurate and timely financial statements and management reports for decision-making.

• Analyze financial trends, variances, and forecasts to provide actionable insights. Present periodic financial performance reports to senior management and the Board.

• Financial Governance & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with IFRS, tax laws, regulatory requirements, and school financial policies.

• Design and monitor internal control systems to safeguard assets and prevent fraud. Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely implementation of audit recommendations.

• Maintain accurate and transparent records of all financial transactions and reconciliations.

• Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounts team to build financial and analytical capability.

• Establish clear performance objectives and accountability within the department. Foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and ethical conduct.

• Build cross-functional collaboration with HR, Procurement, and Administration.

• Risk Management & Cost Control

• Identify financial risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.

• Monitor expenditure against budgets to ensure prudent spending.

• Review procurement processes, vendor payments, and contracts for cost efficiency. Ensure strong liquidity management and effective use of funds.

• Stakeholder Relations

• Liaise with banks, auditors, tax authorities, and external partners.

• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic projects and partnerships.

• Collaborate with department heads to ensure accountability in budget utilisation.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff, providing training and support.

• Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and foster a collaborative work environment.

• Ensure the accuracy and efficiency of all accounting tasks and processes.

• QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Masters degree preferred.

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAN )

• Minimum of 8 –15 years of accounting experience, with at least 4 years in a supervisory or senior role, preferably in an educational or non-profit setting.

• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and experience with compliance requirements.

• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage) and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.

• Proven experience in Asset Management, Asset Tagging, Accounts reconciliation and Inventory management (consumables)

• Knowledge of financial regulations and laws applicable to schools

• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

• High attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high level of professionalism and integrity.

• Deadline: Not specified