Finance Associate

Job title - Finance Associate

Job purpose : To assist in finance function of the India based education services division of Oxford International during a period of ambitious growth, taking full ownership of financial reporting, including preparation of monthly accounts. Additionally, the role will identify opportunities to implement/simplify/improve workflow processes. Main duties and responsibilities Overall responsibilities • Manage accurate & timely processing of all transactions including purchase ledger (incl. Concur expenses system), sales ledger, cash and commission • Ensure all invoices, recharges and payments are processed on timely and accurately basis • Drive and coordinate the month end closing ensuring timely and accurate close and delivery of TB to the Finance Manager • Taking responsibility for preparation, production and review of management accounts on a monthly basis including variance analysis (e.g. revenue, commissions etc) to budget/forecast as and when required • Preparation/assisting in preparation of monthly commentary/financial reports as required • Review performance against KPIs (financial and operational) in conjunction with the Finance Manager • Lead the local year-end audit process including preparation of audit packs, statutory accounts and tax computations as applicable (note year end for consolidation purposes is end of August) • Provide information required for the group audit process at the group statutory year end • Preparing and filing local sales tax returns, preparing data for TDS returns and other statutory filings as applicable • Ensure revenue recognition is accurately reported, including deferred and accrued income reconciliations • Responsibility for credit control processes through reviewing debtor balances and working closely with the Finance Manager to facilitate cash collection and minimize bad debts • Advise the business on financial issues • Liaising with external accountants, service providers and other relevant third parties. The expectation is that the external accountant will deliver the statutory year end reports and assist with corporation tax affairs. Team responsibilities • Liaise and escalate issues as required with Finance Manager or other colleagues as applicable • Comprehensive documentation of existing and new processes and controls Person specification Essential Desirable Qualifications • CA Inter / Articleship or Internship Completed (not giving exams) with the good Chartered Accountancy firm having overall experience • Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance or related field with 3-5 years of relevant experience Experience and knowledge • Strong management accounting, forecasting and statutory accounting experience • Experience of maintaining financial models using Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, Lookups, SUMIFs and Macros if possible) and known with Microsoft Office • Experience of preparing for external audit • Experience of a variety of accounting systems (we currently use Tally) • Experience of education sector (but not essential) • Experience of managing a team Skills and abilities • Strong Excel and analytical skills • Excellent technical accounting skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders • Excellent time and project management skills with the ability to juggle a range of competing demands Personal qualities • Highly organized and focused • Committed to producing the work of the highest standard and to deadlines • Leads by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, commitment • Adopts a collaborative approach • Responds positively to new challenges, seeking solutions • Ability to work independently under own initiative but also as part of a team This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision. Other duties • Assist the HR team with regard management of payroll as applicable • Provide financial input to commercial proposals • Identify opportunities to implement/simplify/improve processes • Recommend and implement changes to existing and / or transition to new systems as required • Assist with ad-hoc projects as required • Assist in maintaining Fixed Assets registers & timely reconcile with IT