Financial Manager (Educational Sector)

Our client is seeking to appoint an experienced Finance Manager. The key purpose of the role is to lead and direct an effective financial management service and to ensure the efficient daily financial operation of the department. This position will work across all schools (College, Prep and Pre-Prep) and reports directly to the Business Manager.This role requires a self-starter, who understands monthly and statutory deadlines, takes initiative, and has a solution driven approach. The environment is busy, and the role is demanding in terms of variety, volume and requests from staff and stakeholders. A calm approach with attention to detail, good planning and structure are necessary. Honesty and integrity and the adoption of good governance practice is essential. Key Responsibilities:Finance and management reporting:Generate accurate and timeous management accounts for the School Executive, Finance and Risk Committee and CouncilComprehensively prepare for and head up the annual year end audit to meet the required standards. The audit is prepared in terms of International Financial Reporting Standards - entity specific.Manage debtors and creditors and strictly apply the Fees PolicyDaily cash flow management ensuring the interest budget is achieved Budget and Forecasting:Prepare zero based budgets, including Capex and integrated cash forecastConclude the annual budget within school calendar timelinesGenerate and explain expense and cash flow forecasts with Business ManagerReport income and expenditure for defined periods against annual budget General Financial management:Oversee the daily operation of the Finance Dept ensuring high standards of service delivery to all stakeholdersMaintain efficient and effective internal control to ensure an accurate school fee management system, payroll administration and service provider arrangementsAlthough the Finance Manager reports to the Business Manager, they are responsible for the preparation and presentation of required information for various sub-committees of our clients Council (Finance and Risk, Investment and Scholarships and Bursaries)  Experience and skills required:Com qualification or higher and completion of articles of clerkship/audit experience.A proven track record as a Finance Manager, managing and developing a team.Understanding of sound financial processes and internal accounting controlsProficient in Microsoft (MS) Excel (intermediate or better) and good Word and PowerPoint skillsMinimum of 7 years in a comprehensive financial reporting and compliance environmentStrong reasoning and analytical skillsHigh level of IT systems and accounting software knowledgeExcellent interpersonal and organizational skillsManagement experience in an educational environment would be advantageous Key Competencies:Honesty, integrity, and reliabilityAbility to manage pressure and meet deadlinesMacro view with key attention to detailThe ability to systematically examine and evaluate data or informationBe task completion and solution driven