Senior Accountant - Regional Financial Controls and Reporting

Senior Accountant - Regional Financial Controls and Reporting role at International Schools Partnership - Middle East. Supports the Regional Finance Manager in the financial onboarding of newly acquired schools and contributes to broader regional responsibilities including tax and regulatory compliance, receivables, payroll governance, core financial systems management, financial controls, and risk mitigation. The role ensures smooth financial integration of new schools into the ISP ecosystem and strengthens financial discipline and compliance across the region.

• Internal Controls and Risk Management - Design, implement, and monitor financial control frameworks across schools, apply the ISP Delegation of Authority, identify risks, embed financial discipline in daily operations, including participation in quarterly balance sheet reviews.
• Audit, Tax and Regulatory Compliance - Coordinate statutory and group audits, prepare required documentation, support compliance with corporate tax, VAT, and transfer pricing obligations; liaise with advisors and auditors; maintain audit trails.
• Receivables Management - Monitor fee collection, follow up on overdue accounts, coordinate escalations with the Regional Finance Manager, and ensure proper provisioning per group policy.
• Management of Key Financial Systems - Administer core financial platforms (e.g., iSAMS, NetSuite, payment providers), ensure accuracy and control across all schools; oversee system integration and optimization.
• Month-End and Financial Reporting - Contribute to month-end close with accurate reconciliations and timely reporting of P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow in line with ISP group requirements.
• Payroll - Review and support payroll processes across schools; ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper financial reporting of payroll and end-of-service liabilities.

• ISP Middle East Regional Team (Finance, HR, IT)
• School Leadership Teams in acquired schools
• School Finance Teams
• Group Onboarding Manager and Group Finance

Dubai

Regional Finance Manager, Middle East

• Begin with our children and students; their success is our success. Safeguarding and health & safety are essential.
• Treat everyone with care and respect; promote well-being and inclusion.
• Operate effectively; focus on high-impact activities; follow policies and procedures.
• Be financially responsible; make prudent financial choices for the children, students, and schools.
• Learn continuously; pursue personal and professional development and school improvement.

• Minimum of five years' experience in financial operations, audit, and/or internal controls. Self-starter, capable of managing multiple schools, detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and able to embed lasting improvements in financial control environments.
• Essential skills/experience:
• Fluent English; Arabic advantageous
• Qualified accountant (chartered or equivalent)
• Strong financial controls and risk management experience in a school or similar environment
• Experience implementing and monitoring Delegation of Authority and financial control frameworks
• Advanced Excel skills
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Flexible, multi-tasking, and able to manage shifting priorities
• Hands-on approach; comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders
• Experience in the education industry is desirable but not required

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All post holders are subject to vetting, including online due diligence, references, and satisfactory criminal background checks for the past 10 years.

ISP is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

• Mid-Senior level

• Other

• Accounting/Auditing and Finance
• Industries: Education Administration Programs