School Accountant - Al Ghad Charter School - Immediate Start

Role Overview

School Accountant at Al Ghad Charter School, Abu Dhabi, under Aldar Education. Immediate start.

Company Overview

Al Ghad Charter School is located in Abu Dhabi and is part of Aldar Education, a leading educational group in the UAE. The school offers a globally recognized curriculum and an innovative approach to education, committed to nurturing lifelong learners and contributing to the UAE National Agenda for Emirati students. Aldar Education fosters a dynamic, diverse, and progressive learning community guided by core values of EPIC: Excellent, Principled, Innovative, and Caring.

Role Purpose

The School Accountant assists the Senior Manager in all areas of financial reporting and develops, maintains, and implements accounting principles, practices, and procedures. The role ensures accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, compliance with VAT Law, and adherence to all regulatory filings required by ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge).

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger & Transaction Processing

• Maintain accurate General Ledger records with correct assignment of GL codes to all financial and accounting transactions.
• Process supplier payments in a timely and accurate manner, supported by comprehensive vendor reconciliations.
• Prepare accounts payable vouchers after validating vendor invoices against purchase orders and delivery notes.
• Post monthly journal entries in the ERP system following review and approval by the Assistant Manager.

Payroll & Staff Benefits

• Reconcile monthly payroll against the costing sheet and prepare summarized reports for review and submission to ADEK with necessary reconciliation and supporting documentation.
• Maintain year-to-date records of staff CTC and EOS benefits in the prescribed ADEK format.
• Maintain detailed records of all educational and housing allowances disbursed to staff and submit updated trackers to ADEK monthly.

Budget & Financial Monitoring

• Monitor budgets against all Procurement and Educational Team requirements and Purchase Orders to ensure alignment with budgeted CPS and approved spending plans.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes by preparing necessary reports and analyses.
• Assist in the preparation of budgets and templates; ensure accurate upload and maintenance of budget records in line with ADEK requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of funding received from ADEK; analyse surpluses and deficits.
• Prepare Budget Movement Forms accurately to address deficits in specific budget heads, ensuring proper budgetary reallocation.

Reconciliations & Compliance

• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and maintain detailed logs of unreconciled items for continuous monitoring and resolution.
• Track and ensure compliance with all ADEK financial reporting requirements monthly as per the checklist provided by ADEK.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of GL accounts and balance sheet schedules and take corrective actions for identified discrepancies.
• Ensure strong compliance with the ADEK month and year end finance closing checklist and ensure there are no reconciliation rejections from ADEK for the school.
• Respond promptly to all ADEK queries to ensure compliance and avoid any regulatory issues.

Month-End Closing & Reporting

• Coordinate month-end closing activities, including preparation and finalization of journal entries, reports, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive monthly reports and schedules with all necessary supporting documents to ADEK within stipulated timelines, ensuring all documentation is submitted and timely uploaded to ADEK SharePoint platform in accordance with the compliance checklist.
• Prepare monthly financial statements in compliance with applicable Financial Reporting Standards.
• Develop and maintain various reports and GL schedules to verify the accuracy and completeness of financial data.

Audit & Governance

• Facilitate internal and external audits in collaboration with the Finance team, ensuring timely and accurate audit outcomes, prepare audit schedules, and ensure audit requirements are completed within established timelines.
• Support the Senior Manager and Assistant Manager – Finance in meeting all financial reporting deadlines.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Conduct monthly MIS review meetings with the Principal and OM, providing actionable insights and recommendations where necessary.
• Maintain an updated vendor contract register, tracking issue and expiry dates to ensure timely renewals.

Operational & Administrative

• Coordinate and ensure timely closure of open purchase orders in coordination with school and HQ based teams.
• Ensure all petty cash and credit card expenditures are compliant with ALDAR Finance Policies and submit the relevant documentation for monthly reimbursement.
• Provide backup support for Finance team members and manage ongoing activities during team absences.

Process Improvement

• Identify at least two process improvements annually and collaborate with the finance manager for implementation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Accounting.
• 5+ years' experience in finance function.

Skills & Competencies

• Accounting Principles.
• Accounting Software.
• Communication and Presentation.
• Administration.

Additional Information

Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package including medical and life insurance, flights, education benefits, access to a wide network of professionals, opportunities to lead and contribute to training others, and opportunities for personal development.

Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages UAE Nationals to join the company. Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.