Finance And Procurement Officer

Mission and Purpose to which we are all aligned:

Gordonstoun has been leading the way in character education for more than 90 years. Our uniquely broad curriculum provides challenge in the classroom, at sea and in the desert, on the stage and on the sports fields, and enables students to discover the truth in our motto – Plus Est En Vous – there is more in you. In addition to challenge, all pupils and staff partake service activities, which promote a sense of purpose and duty to our school community, Jubail Island, the UAE and the world.

We uphold the heart of Al Sanaa, a comprehensive set of authentic Emirati customs, traditions, and etiquette governing social behaviour, respect, and hospitality. Rooted in Arab culture, it embodies politeness, proper upbringing, and refined manners in daily life, such as honouring guests, respecting elders, and using appropriate etiquette.

The key focus of all staff at Gordonstoun Jubail Island is to enthuse pupils, promoting the highest possible academic attainment for each individual child, whilst actively modelling compassion, service and challenge for the young people of Gordonstoun. Through your outstanding practice you will support students in all areas of school life.

Gordonstoun Jubail Island was founded on the conviction that while academic achievement is essential, it is not the sole purpose of education. Dr Kurt Hahn, founder of Gordonstoun, believed that young people flourish when their horizons are broadened alongside academic study when they are stretched, challenged, nurtured and developed so they can grow into all that they can be.

Our curriculum and school life are built on four pillars:

• Academic excellence - pursuing the highest standards of intellectual achievement
• Outdoor education and adventure - developing resilience, teamwork and self-reliance
• Service to others - contributing meaningfully to our community and the wider world
• Character development - building integrity, compassion, responsibility and courage

This is not a job , it is a lifestyle.

Responsibilities

of all members of staff:

• Comply with Gordonstoun’s policies and procedures on Safeguarding, Child Protection and Health and Safety.
• Model and contribute in a positive way to the ethos of the school, in line with Gordonstoun’s values: Compassion; Courage; Integrity; Service; Respect.
• Undertake a service activity alongside pupils on a weekly basis (all members of our community will engage in mandatory weekly service (e.g. community service and action; beach cleaning; conservation of mangroves; animal welfare etc.).
• Undertake a challenge (e.g. outdoor education and adventure; seamanship; expeditions) or other character development activity (e.g. sport; creative & performing arts; Social Enterprise & Technical Skills Community Projects) alongside pupils on a weekly basis.
• Carry out any other task as required from time to time in order to support the School, which may include some evenings, Friday afternoons and weekend activities.
• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined by the Gordonstoun Jubail Island Core Values.
• Play an active role in community events that the school might organise for children, families, school staff or the community at large as per the Principal’s directions.
• Actively and enthusiastically contribute where and as needed to build the Gordonstoun Jubail Island reputation and community.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical working day where tasks require additional commitment.
• Support and uphold the agreed policies and practices of the School.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct and dotted reporting line managers and supervisors.

*academic staff are expected to undertake one service and one character activity each week; administrative staff are expected to undertake at least one (service or character).

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

Oversee and participate in the financial operations of the school, including supporting the activities around budget development, financial planning, profit and loss account, balance sheet, procurement and cash flow management, as directed by the Principal and Bursar.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management:

• Conduct financial analysis and provide recommendations to support resource allocation, and cost-saving initiatives as directed by the Bursar.
• Ensure accounts payable and accounts receivable functions are managed efficiently and effectively.
• Maintain the general accounts ledger.
• Issue invoices through ERP and reconcile payments.
• Ensure that payment information is processed accurately.
• Manage petty cash.
• Maintain the accounting system.

Budgeting and Planning:

• Monitor the annual budget as directed by the Bursar, ensuring alignment of the budget with strategic goals and objectives of the school.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions, as directed by the Bursar.
• Provide support and guidance to department leads in budget planning and expenditure monitoring.

Payroll Management

• Provide payroll-related reporting and reconciliation processes with accurate posting.
• Provide support and guidance to staff on payroll-related inquiries.
• Prepare and calculate the gratuity calculation schedule as per the UAE labour law.

Procurement Management:

• Develop and implement procurement policies and procedures to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance in conjunction with the Bursar.
• Participate in the routine and annual procurement process, including vendor identification and selection, contract negotiation, order processing, and purchase approvals.
• Monitor procurement activities to ensure adherence to budgetary constraints.

Compliance Management:

• Ensure compliance with accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
• Stay updated on changes in regulations and best practices in finance and accounting.
• Implement updates to policies and procedures as needed to maintain compliance and efficiency.
• Participate in audits, reviews, and compliance assessments with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies.
• Provide the necessary documents and information to perform audits, ensuring the auditing field works & audit reports are signed within the agreed time frame.
• Make sure the company payments approvals and bank approvals are done through the authorised signatory.
• Serve as the school's point of contact for general insurance renewal. Negotiate terms and conditions to secure favourable coverage.
• Support and uphold the agreed policies and practices of the School.

Note:

• The above details are not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake tasks, roles and responsibilities as may reasonably be assigned to him/her.
• This job description may be reviewed at any time as may be necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of the school.