Description
Position at The Aquila School Owned by Shaikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum One Person Company LLC
Job Description Senior Accountant
For all staff in school we share a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and properly supervised at all times. Our school is committed to amazing learning- providing enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences so that every pupil makes as much progress as possible. All staff are expected to adhere to The Aquila Professional Code of Conduct and commit to promoting our vision A happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress. Our focus is providing children with amazing learning and to be the school of choice for the community we serve.
The Aquila School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years employment history.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently in a small team and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with non-finance staff and parents.
- Proactive and adaptable with a hands-on approach to resolving issues.
- High level of integrity confidentiality and professionalism.
Job Purpose
The Senior Accountant will play a key role in managing the day-to-day financial operations of the school. Working as part of a small finance team this role requires a hands-on professional with strong technical accounting skills and the ability to oversee all aspects of the schools finances ensuring compliance with policies procedures and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing monthly management accounts.
- Perform general ledger reconciliations and maintain accurate financial records.
- Liaise with external auditors for timely completion of statutory audits.
- Perform daily bank reconciliations and ensure accurate recording of transactions.
- Manage petty cash ensuring proper controls and documentation.
- Monitor cash flow and advise on short-term funding requirements.
- Maintain fixed asset register including additions disposals and depreciation schedules.
- Manage supplier invoice processing approvals and timely payments.
- Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
- Assist with issuing invoices of tuition fees and other school charges.
- Collect payments from families during busy periods and issues receipts.
- Monitor collections follow up on outstanding balances and support debt management efforts.
- Ensure adherence to internal financial controls and recommend process improvements.
- Support compliance with school group policies KHDA and other local regulatory requirements.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of VAT and ensure proper filing and record-keeping.
- Undertake any additional tasks assigned by the Finance Manager to support smooth operations
In addition all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or related discipline (professional qualification such as ACCA/CPA/CA is an advantage).
- Minimum 5 years relevant experience.
- Hands-on experience in all areas of accounting from transactional processing to financial reporting.
- Strong knowledge of IFRS and UAE VAT regulations.
- Proficiency in accounting software (NetSuite preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
In addition all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school
To be line managed by the Finance Manager
Hours of work - 8.5 hours Monday to Friday with alternating half day Fridays
Holidays - 30 days per calendar year
Required Experience:
Senior IC