Chief Accountant

Role overview

Ignite School is looking for a seasoned and meticulous Chief Accountant to oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and revenue collection. This role places major emphasis on managing tuition billing, receivables follow-up, cash flow tracking, and revenue reporting in a timely manner.

The selected candidate will be responsible for maintaining precise accounting records, delivering reports on schedule, exercising strong budget discipline, ensuring regulatory compliance, and working closely with school leadership, parents, auditors, suppliers, and internal teams.

Revenue collection and receivables management

• Direct and track the timely recovery of school fees and other outstanding receivables.
• Manage invoicing, payment arrangements, pending balances, collection reminders, and receivables reports.
• Partner with Admissions, Parent Relations, and school leadership to help meet fee collection goals.
• Keep complete records of receipts, bank deposits, discounts, refunds, and accounting adjustments.
• Prepare regular updates on receivables, collection progress, overdue balances, and the effect on cash flow.
• Escalate overdue accounts according to school policy and approved process.

Accounting and financial reporting

• Run the full accounting cycle, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, accruals, and month-end close.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management.
• Monitor revenue, costs, cash flow, and overall financial performance against approved budgets.
• Compile financial statements, supporting schedules, and documentation for audits and management review.
• Ensure all transactions are accurate, fully supported, and posted promptly.

Systems, data, and reporting tools

• Use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for finance operations, accounting, and reporting.
• Use Power BI to build financial dashboards, track collections, and support management reporting.
• Maintain reliable financial data and contribute to better reporting, automation, and operational efficiency.

Budgeting, controls, and compliance

• Assist in preparing, reviewing, and monitoring the annual school budget.
• Track departmental spending and ensure expenses stay within approved limits.
• Maintain strong controls to protect school assets and reduce financial risk.
• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT rules, financial regulations, audit requirements, and school policies.
• Coordinate with external auditors and share the required records, schedules, and clarifications.

Payroll and HR finance coordination

• Work with HR on payroll, deductions, allowances, reimbursements, end-of-service benefits, and final settlements.
• Review payroll-related accounting entries and ensure they are treated correctly.
• Protect confidentiality and accuracy in all staff-related financial matters.

Leadership and coordination

• Supervise and support accounting team members to ensure finance tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Encourage accountability, precision, confidentiality, and high service standards within the Finance Department.
• Coordinate smoothly with school leadership, parents, suppliers, auditors, and other external stakeholders.

Candidate profile

The ideal professional will bring solid accounting expertise, demonstrated leadership in receivables and revenue collection, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage finance operations in a school or other service-focused setting.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline is required.
• Professional qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CMA, or an equivalent credential are preferred.
• At least 5 to 7 years of accounting experience, including senior or supervisory responsibility, is expected.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Dynamics 365 Business Central is required or preferred.
• Strong experience with Power BI reporting and dashboard development is required or preferred.
• Good understanding of UAE VAT, reconciliations, budgeting, audit preparation, and financial controls is needed.
• Prior experience in a school or education environment is preferred.

Benefits

Ignite School offers a professional, collaborative workplace with room for growth. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and employment package aligned with experience and qualifications.