Accountant

Job Description –Accountant

For all staff in school, we share a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and properly supervised at all times. Our school is committed to ‘amazing learning’- providing enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences so that every pupil makes as much progress as possible. All staff are expected to adhere to The Aquila Professional Code of Conduct and commit to promoting our vision – ‘A happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress’. Our focus is providing children with amazing learning and to be the school of choice for the community we serve.

The Aquila School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a small team and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with non-finance staff and parents.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a hands-on approach to resolving issues.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
  
  

Job Purpose

The accountant will play a key role in managing the day-to-day financial operations of the school. Working as part of a small finance team, this role requires a hands-on professional with strong technical accounting skills and the ability to oversee all aspects of the school’s finances, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing monthly management accounts.
• Perform general ledger reconciliations and maintain accurate financial records.
• Liaise with external auditors for timely completion of statutory audits.
• Perform daily bank reconciliations and ensure accurate recording of transactions.
• Manage petty cash, ensuring proper controls and documentation.
• Monitor cash flow and advise on short-term funding requirements.
• Maintain fixed asset register, including additions, disposals, and depreciation schedules.
• Manage supplier invoice processing, approvals, and timely payments.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with issuing invoices of tuition fees and other school charges.
• Collect payments from families during busy periods and issues receipts.
• Monitor collections, follow up on outstanding balances, and support debt management efforts.
• Ensure adherence to internal financial controls and recommend process improvements.
• Support compliance with school group policies, KHDA and other local regulatory requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of VAT and ensure proper filing and record-keeping.
• Undertake any additional tasks assigned by the Finance Manager to support smooth operations
  
  

In addition, all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline (professional qualification such as ACCA/CPA/CA is an advantage).
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience in all areas of accounting, from transactional processing to financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and UAE VAT regulations.
• Proficiency in accounting software (NetSuite preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
  
  

In addition, all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school

To be line managed by the Finance Manager

Hours of work - 8.5 hours Monday to Friday with alternating half day Fridays

Holidays - 30 days per calendar year

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

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