Accounts Manager (School Group / Educational Trust)

Overview

We are seeking a highly competent and detail-oriented Accounts Manager to oversee the financial operations of a group of educational institutions managed by the Trust. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, managing fee collections, and supporting financial planning and budgeting. This role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to ensure financial discipline across multiple campuses.

Key Responsibilities: Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee day-to-day accounts operations across all institutions under the Trust.
• Ensure accurate and timely posting of all financial transactions (fees, expenses, vendor payments, salaries, etc.).
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and MIS reports for management review.
• Maintain updated ledgers, journals, and reconciliation statements.

Fee Management

• Monitor fee collection processes, including concessions, refunds, waivers, and outstanding dues.
• Coordinate with cashiering and administration teams to ensure accurate receipting through ERP/Tally.
• Prepare aging reports and follow-up actions for fee defaulters.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Assist in preparing annual budgets and financial forecasts for all schools.
• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and highlight variances.
• Recommend cost optimization strategies without compromising service quality.

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements including Income Tax, PF, ESI, TDS, GST (as applicable), and Trust regulations.
• Prepare and maintain documentation required for internal, statutory, and government audits.
• Coordinate with auditors and ensure timely closure of observations.

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Verify invoices, purchase orders, and vendor contracts before approval.
• Ensure timely vendor and service provider payments.
• Reconcile receivables and follow up on overdue accounts.

Payroll & Staff Benefits

• Coordinate salary processing in liaison with HR and Accounts teams.
• Ensure accurate calculation of PF, gratuity, leave encashment, and other benefits.
• Maintain employee reimbursement records and settlement documentation.

Bank & Cash Management

• Monitor day-to-day cash transactions and ensure timely deposits.
• Reconcile bank statements and maintain cash balance reports.
• Ensure proper custodianship of financial instruments.

System & Process Control

• Enforce financial SOPs across schools to ensure standardisation.
• Monitor internal controls for cash, inventory, procurement, and fixed assets.
• Support the transition to ERP/automation where applicable.

Procurement & Vendor Coordination

• Evaluate vendor quotations and negotiate terms along with management.
• Maintain vendor performance records and rate contract registers.

Asset Management

• Maintain fixed asset registers and verify periodic physical audits.
• Track depreciation, disposals, and additions.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Guide and supervise school-level accounting staff (cashiers, accountants).
• Provide training on documentation, ERP, and accounting procedures.
• Collaborate with Principals, Admin Heads, Purchase, and HR departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Accounting, Commerce, or Finance (CA Inter / ICWA Inter preferred).
• Proven experience (5–8 years) in accounts management, preferably in the education sector / Trust-based institutions.
• Strong knowledge of Tally ERP, MS Office, and basic taxation compliance (TDS, PF, etc.).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and reporting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple school accounts simultaneously.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination capabilities.
• Ability to enforce financial discipline with integrity and confidentiality.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹30,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• Accounting: 5 years (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person