Head of Finance and Accounting

The Accounts and Finance Manager for a Group of Institutions will oversee and coordinate the financial activities of all branches or units within the group. This includes centralized financial planning, accounting transactions, budgeting, reporting, statutory compliance, and strategic financial management to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the entire group. The role also involves standardizing accounts and financial processes across institutions and providing leadership to the accounts and finance team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Group-Level Financial Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement group-wide financial policies, procedures, and controls.
• Prepare consolidated budgets and monitor financial performance across all institutions.
• Analyse financial trends and provide insights for strategic decision-making.
• Provide financial forecasts and analysis to support strategic decisions.

2. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Coordinate with heads of each institution to prepare annual budgets.
• Monitor expenditure versus budget and initiate cost control measures.
• Forecast revenue and expenses, identify risks, and recommend mitigation strategies.

3. Financial Reporting & Consolidation

• Prepare consolidated financial statements for the group.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Present financial reports to the management, board, and regulatory bodies as required.

4. Compliance & Audit

• Ensure all institutions comply with statutory and regulatory requirements (e.g., tax laws, education regulations).
• Liaise with internal and external auditors and coordinate group-level audits.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation for audits and financial compliance.

5. Accounting & Systems Management

• Supervise centralized or decentralized accounting systems used by institutions.
• Oversee maintenance of accurate books of accounts for each institution.
• Implement and standardize accounting software and reporting tools across all locations.

6. Treasury & Fund Management

• Manage the group’s cash flows, banking relationships, and investments.
• Oversee fee collection, donor/grant fund accounting (if applicable), and capital expenditure.

7. Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead and mentor finance teams across all institutions in the group.
• Conduct regular reviews and training to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Foster collaboration among finance staff at different campuses or units.

8. Procurement & Asset Management

• Oversee group-level procurement and vendor payments to ensure value for money.
• Monitor and maintain asset registers and depreciation schedules across the group.

Qualifications and Skills required:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Professional certifications like CA, CPA, ACCA, or CMA are highly desirable.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in financial management, with at least 3 years in a multi-unit or institutional setup.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards tax laws, and compliance regulations.
• Experience with financial consolidation across multiple entities.
• Proficiency in accounting and ERP software (e.g., Tally, SAP, QuickBooks).
• Strong leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel across institutions as needed.

Preferred Background:

• Experience in managing finances for a group of educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.
• Familiarity with education sector-specific compliance (e.g., affiliation, grants, fee regulations).