Description
Finance Manager
Role Profile
Purpose of Role
The School Finance Manager is responsible for the full spectrum of accounting, financial reporting, statutory audit, tax, cash flow and working capital planning and management for the school. This is a pivotal role, delivering high-quality financial analysis and commentary for monthly performance reviews, rolling forecasts and budgeting, including monitoring and controlling capital expenditures to align with approved spending plans. This position requires business partnering with the Campus Principal, School Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Functional Heads and Regional Office. The Finance Manager reports to the school’s Campus Principal, with functional reporting to Regional Finance.
About Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens
Located in Johor Bahru, Johor, Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens offer the IGCSE and Malaysian National curricula. We are recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School, integrating technology to cultivate transformative learning and prepare learners for future careers.
We are part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), which operates Tenby Schools, Asia Pacific Schools and Straits International Schools in Malaysia. A global community of more than 100 schools in over 20 countries, ISP prioritises learners and their learning first.
Key Benefits
A culture of engagement and trust, where staff contributions are recognised and valued.
A passionate and motivated team of professionals who put children at the heart of decision-making.
An embedded commitment to professional development and employee well-being.
Access to expertise, best practice sharing and learning opportunities across countries and cultures.
Competitive remuneration.
Fee discount for children of employees.
Medical outpatient and insurance benefits.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
For more information visit http://www.internationalschoolspartnership.com
Finance Manager: Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Responsible for the day-to-day activities of the finance function of the school (record-to-report, accounts payables, accounts receivables, cashflow, tax compliance and finance business partnering functions)
Timely and accurate financial and management reporting, in compliance with the applicable governing standards and group reporting requirements.
Prepare and analyse the Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet of the school, including but not limited to deferred income account, accruals, provisions, reconciliations, revenue recognition, discretionary spending and capital expenditure.
Review all journal entry postings and ensure accuracy and completeness of the General Ledger and Sub-Ledger accounts.
Perform month-end review analysis with the Campus Principal and school SLT, highlighting variances and facilitating action plans to mitigate gaps to target.
Present financial reports to the Campus Principal, Regional Finance, and other stakeholders.
Statutory Audit & Tax Compliance
Coordinate and liaise with the external auditors on the annual statutory audit.
Ensure adherence to Group policies and MFRS/IFRS requirements.
Attend to all statutory audit queries in a timely manner and review proposed Adjusting Journal Entries and Reclassifying Journal Entries.
Ensure compliance with and timely submission for yearly statutory audit and tax.
Financial Planning and Budgeting
Collaborate with School SLT to develop annual budgets aligned with educational goals and school strategic plans.
Provide financial forecasts, projections, and analysis to support Campus Principal / Regional Finance in budgetary control for OPEX and CAPEX.
Ensure strict adherence and control on all CAPEX spends and policies to the approved budget, including facilitating the preparation of investment paper where applicable.
Responsible for timely and accurate reporting in line with ISP’s protocols.
Treasury & Insurance
Ensure that the school’s cash collection target is achieved and monitor collection progress versus target, accurately report daily cash collection and monthly cash flow projections.
Ensure that the school has sufficient funds to meet its financial obligations.
Ensure that all the payments to suppliers have been properly reviewed by the finance team prior to payment, exercising clear segregation of duties.
Ensure that the school has adequate and valid insurance cover in place for all properties, staff, students and visitors to schools (e.g. parents).
Ensure conformance to ISP authorisation all times.
Continuous Improvement
Act as a strategic partner to school SLT and Functional Heads by providing financial insights and recommendations.
Identify opportunities for process improvement in financial management and reporting.
Participate in the automation of the reporting/forecasting process and enhancement of business processes/ workflows.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Stakeholders
Internal: Campus Principals, School SLT, School Functional Heads, Regional Office team.
External: Statutory Auditors, Tax Consultants, Bankers, Company Secretary and Local Regulators (MOE, CCM etc)
Line Management
The Finance Manager reports directly to the Campus Principal and has a functional reporting line to the Regional Financial Controller.
The Finance Manager may have between two to five direct reports.
Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, with CPA/ACCA/CIMA qualification or equivalent.
At least five years’ experience in a similar role.
Proficient in MS Office tools, particularly Excel.
Self-motivated, proactive, committed and a team player.
Able to multitask and work independently to meet deadlines.
Familiarity with the NetSuite Oracle accounting system will be an added advantage.
Excellent time management skills and flexibility in dealing with multi-functional tasks.
Good experience in handling a full set of accounts.
A commitment to the ISP principles of safeguarding and wellbeing for all staff and students.
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, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, 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.