Job overview
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Manager- Immediate start to join our team at Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS). The successful candidate will lead the school’s finance function, ensuring robust financial management, effective internal controls, and accurate, timely reporting in line with regulatory and organisational requirements.
Working closely with the Principal and UAE COG Finance Director, the Finance Manager will play a key role in supporting strategic decision-making, overseeing budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensuring the smooth and compliant day-to-day financial operations of the school.
This role is ideal for a proactive finance professional who thrives in a collaborative educational environment, demonstrates strong leadership and commercial acumen, and is committed to accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement.
About AAESS:
Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain with a reputation that goes beyond the city boundaries. It sits in the ‘Garden City’ renowned for being an oasis in the desert. AAESS is an all through school with over 2200 children from 3 to 19 and continually growing. The campus is spacious and welcoming and prides itself with good facilities such as our fantastic indoor swimming pool; floodlit tennis courts; 566 seat auditoriums; food prep and nutrition kitchen; automotive garage; TV & radio production studio and two Apple Mac suites. We deliver the British Curriculum and offer iGCSE, AS and A Levels, with our 6th Form students securing places in prestigious universities all over the world.
Al Ain English Speaking School is the first school in Al Ain to hold the British Schools Overseas Award, where we are endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. Additionally, the school holds the prestigious Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of its students and staff.
Al Ain English Speaking School is a caring and multicultural community that enables all individuals to realise their potential in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. We value enquiry, perseverance, and reflection, treating one another with respect and integrity, while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.
About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
Role Purpose:
The Finance Manager is responsible for leading the finance function across multiple entities, ensuring robust financial management, accurate reporting, and strong internal controls. This role oversees accounting operations, month-end close, financial planning, and compliance with Cognita policies and IFRS standards. The Finance Manager partners closely with Procurement, AP, AR, Treasury, and school leadership teams to support business performance and decision‑making. This role provides leadership to finance executives and ensures high-quality service delivery to internal stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities:
Financial Leadership & Governance
· Lead accurate and timely month‑end close, including review and approval of Trial Balance and key journals.
· Ensure compliance with IFRS, Cognita internal accounting policies, and external & group audit requirements.
· Oversee prepayments, accruals, and balance sheet integrity across all entities.
· Preparation of annual financial statements including primary and secondary discourses.
Reconciliations & Internal Controls
· Ensure completion and review of all banks, credit card, and balance sheet reconciliations.
· Strengthen internal controls, driving audit‑ready documentation and process compliance.
· Oversee intercompany reconciliations and ensure completeness and accuracy of cross‑charges.
Financial Reporting & Planning
· Lead preparation of monthly management reports, variance analysis, and performance packs.
· Support strategic planning through budgeting and quarterly forecasting cycles.
· Ensure accuracy of cashflow forecasting and treasury-related reporting.
Stakeholder Partnership & Business Support
· Act as a key finance partner to internal stakeholders and school leadership teams.
· Provide strategic insights and recommendations to support operational performance.
· Supervise and guide Finance Executives delegating and reviewing work.
Responsibilities
Month-End Close & Reporting
· Oversee all month-end close tasks and ensure timely submission of entity results.
· Review and approve prepayments, accruals, and key accounting schedules.
· Prepare monthly performance pack inputs and lead variance discussions.
· Coordinate business planning, annual budgeting, and quarterly forecasts.
Reconciliations & Compliance
· Review and approve bank and credit card reconciliations.
· Ensure timely resolution of outstanding items and ledger issues.
· Lead audit preparations, providing schedules, justifications, and supporting evidence.
· Ensure correct and compliant intercompany and cross‑charge accounting.
VAT & Treasury
· Review VAT schedules, filings, and ensure compliance with UAE VAT regulations.
· Lead cashflow preparation, monitoring, and variance review.
CAPEX & Fixed Assets
· Review and approve CAPEX proposals, ensuring financial governance and alignment with policies.
· Oversee AUC tracking, fixed asset capitalization, and depreciation analysis.
Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-functional Collaboration
· Resolve escalated finance queries from schools and regional teams.
· Provide guidance, coaching, and development to finance team members.
Person Specification
Qualifications
· Professional certification (ACCA, CMA, CPA, or equivalent).
· Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
· Proficiency in ERP solutions (e.g., NetSuite, NSPB Planning, Excel).
Experience
· 5–7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
· Experience in the education sector or multinational organisations preferred.
· Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
· Proven ability to lead a finance team and manage multiple priorities
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