Finance Manager

Dubai Heights Academy is a warm and welcoming place to work. Located in the Al Barsha South area of Dubai, this is an exciting opportunity for an outgoing, energetic and proactive Finance Manager.

The school opened in 2017. It offers an inclusive, exciting and outstanding education to an international community of students from FS1 to Year 11 (2024-2025) and will continue to grow organically to Year 13.

The campus is state-of-the-art with separate buildings for each phase as well as a 380 seat auditorium. There are three temperature controlled swimming pools, fully equipped science and computer labs, specialist rooms for art, DT, music, and drama, a library, two multipurpose sports halls, a full size football pitch, a variety of outdoor play areas, a coffee shop and a spacious canteen with a new secondary building opening in 2025.

Dubai Heights Academy has an opening for a meticulous and proactive Finance Manager who will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation and integrity of our finance systems, contributing significantly to our school's success.

The role will involve but is not limited to, the following:

• Oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the school (payroll, invoicing and other transactions)
• Manage the operational budget processes and procedures
• Prepare monthly, termly and annual budget reports
• Manage departmental budget reports, liaising with academic and support staff budget holders, and proactively monitoring department spending.
• Report on company assets and liabilities
• Ensure the school meets all its statutory and compliance obligations including statutory accounting and tax reports
• Identify and support the implementation of additional income streams through facility rentals
• Negotiate and finalise contracts for facility rentals and service providers
• Manage and execute the payroll process and gratuity payments
• Oversee calculation, preparation and submission of VAT returns
• Ensure understanding of cashflow and assist in the forecasting process
• Ensure correct internal processes are adhered to with regard to all payments and receipts
• Ensure effective financial controls are maintained
• Ensure accurate PR processes are maintained and all PR approvals are within budget.
• Liaise with the owning company for all financial aspects of the school operations and ensure all financial policies and procedures are rigorously followed.
• Financial analysis as requested by the management and produce regular reports on school financial health.
• Supervise the finance team and carry out appraisals in line with the school performance management policy.

The successful applicant will be required to have the following: 

Essential:

• Professional accounting/financial or related qualification
• Have a minimum of 5 years experience in fianancial management and operational leadership roles
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Have exceptional organisational, administrative and IT skills
• Be flexible and adaptable to work with the changing needs of the school, including working outside of regular school operational hours, when required
• Extensive experience of data analysis and budget management
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• A creative, tenacious, self-motivated individual who thrives under pressure

These above-mentioned duties are neither exclusive nor exhaustive, the post-holder may be required to carry out other duties as required by the school management

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a school or educational setting in the UAE
• Familiar with Orizon software

In return we can offer you: 

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors          
• A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity          
• A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students

Our Compensation and benefits package includes (where applicable): 

• Competitive tax-free salary            
• Medical Insurance coverage       
• End of service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law

Interviews will take place at Dubai Heights Academy or via Zoom, should a face to face interview not be possible. The closing date for applications is Friday 23 August 2024, however, interviews may take place ahead of this date so an early application is advantageous.

Whilst we thank all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in a short programme of induction.

Safeguarding Statement:

Dubai Heights Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as such expects all its employees to share this commitment. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance including identity checks, criminal background checks (from your home country/country of residence), qualification checks (attestation) and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment and at least two satisfactory professional references, which will be verified. Applicants may also be required to provide other applicable personal documents e.g. degree, marriage certificate etc. A full checklist will be provided to successful candidates.