Finance Manager

We are seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and experienced Finance Manager to oversee our school's financial operations, ensuring fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. In this role, you will collaborate closely with senior leadership to facilitate evidence-based decision-making, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial systems. Your responsibilities will include leading financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes in alignment with the school's strategic objectives. You will also contribute to the development of mid- and long-term financial models to inform investment, expansion, and cost control decisions. Preparing timely and accurate financial reports, including monthly MIS, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, will be a crucial aspect of your role. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with Indian accounting standards, income tax laws, and regulations pertinent to educational institutions and trusts, while managing internal and external audits. Maintaining robust controls over cash flow and working capital to support operational requirements and contingencies will be essential. You will review and enhance financial policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures to optimize operational financial management. Analyzing trends, variances, and risks to offer actionable insights for school leadership is another key responsibility. Collaborating with academic and non-academic departments to assess the financial feasibility of new initiatives and capital expenditures will also be part of your role. You will lead and mentor the finance team on best practices, reporting standards, and the utilization of financial systems. Promoting the automation and digitization of financial workflows when applicable will also fall under your purview. The primary objectives of this role include strengthening financial governance and internal control frameworks, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to internal and external stakeholders, enhancing cost efficiency, optimizing resource allocation, and supporting the school's long-term financial sustainability and mission-driven growth. Qualifications and experience required for this position include a Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline, with a preference for CA, CMA, or MBA (Finance) qualifications. A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience, ideally in the education or nonprofit sector, is necessary. Proficiency in Indian financial regulations, taxation, and trust accounting is desirable, along with expertise in budgeting, variance analysis, and cash flow management. Familiarity with Tally ERP, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting tools is also essential. Key competencies for success in this role include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a high level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail, the ability to collaborate across departments and manage multiple priorities, as well as excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.,