Career Opportunity

DESIGNATION

Bursar (Director, Finance & Operations)

SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Bursar is a senior leader and oversees a unique department that is responsible for the financial, operational (non-academic) and business development aspects of the school.

The Bursar performs a number of vital tasks relating to the financial health and viability and operational efficiency of the school. The role will necessitate both an analytical approach in assessing the performance of the school, recommending and executing initiatives to improve said performance and evaluating opportunities to grow the school’s presence and profitability. The Bursar will have to independently and pro-actively manage third parties and other departments within the school to ensure that the school performs to its full potential and will regularly interact with senior school leadership and key stakeholders.

BROAD RESPONSIBILITIES

• Financial management of the school including the preparation of timely and insightful management reports, financial analysis and performance reviews with recommendations and observations provided that enable informed decision-making and performance;
• Oversight and quality assurance of the school’s finance, operations and HR teams – includes preparation and submission of statutory accounts, ownership of accounts receivable functions, implementation of collections processes and review of contracts;
• Pro-active, effective and appropriate communication with key stakeholders including parents and third parties in order to maximize revenues and resolve operational and collections issues;
• Preparation and presentation of detailed business projections and financial models leading to greater profitability and cash flow. Assessment of capital and operational expenditure requests from departments / new opportunities;
• Manage the school’s scholarship programme and bursary scheme for deserving students and partnerships with third party foundations;
• Pro-active oversight and coordination with other business units in order to ensure broad delivery of the school’s KPIs and results and adherence to best practices;
• Awareness of competitive landscape and market in order to periodically review and recommend appropriate strategies including fee structures and service offerings;
• Lead treasury, tax and audit /or corporate finance initiatives and ensure compliance with all statutory provisions;
• Involvement in the development and/or execution of new business initiatives and revenue opportunities;
• Ownership of systems, infrastructure and non-academic operational elements at the school to deliver operational and cost efficiencies;
• Assisting with the marketing and admissions team as appropriate on student enrolment and retention initiatives; and
• Work alongside the CEO to implement new initiatives and deliver KPIs as directed by the Board

WHO MUST YOU BE?

Candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field. A professional qualification such as CFA / ACCA / CIMA / CPA / ACA / ICAEW will be an advantage.
At least eight years of work experience in a finance-related role is a must. Candidates possessing relevant work experience in a MNC after starting their career in an audit role preferred. Candidates need not have prior experience in the private education sector but will need to possess the following attributes:

• Desire to work smart and pro-actively and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment;
• Ability to articulate and present ideas across departments and to key stakeholders effectively in both oral and written form;
• Experience and proven track record of leading and developing a diverse range of teams who reliably achieve and/or exceed goals;
• Successful, imaginative and outcome focused negotiation skills leading to strengthened relationships; and when required, conflict resolution;
• Communication and people skills a must to coordinate, present and execute across business units, external parties and key stakeholders;
• Strong analytical skills and intellectually curious to challenge the status quo;
• Keen attention to detail with an organized and structured approach to project management and timely delivery of responsibilities;
• A high standard of written and spoken English commensurate with the status of the school and strong PowerPoint and Excel financial modelling skills; and
• Above all else, must be a doer, execute and take ownership of responsibilities and matters through to fruition / resolution in a timely manner.

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