Finance Manager

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Manager – Immediate start – to join our team at Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS). The successful candidate will lead the school’s finance function, ensuring robust financial management, effective internal controls, and accurate, timely reporting in line with regulatory and organisational requirements.

About AAESS: Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain, known for its ‘Garden City’ oasis setting. With over 2,200 children aged 3‑19, the campus is spacious and welcoming, boasting an indoor swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts, a 566‑seat auditorium, a food prep and nutrition kitchen, an automotive garage, a TV & radio production studio, and two Apple Mac suites.

We deliver the British Curriculum with iGCSE, AS, and A Levels; our 6th‑Form students secure places at prestigious universities worldwide. AAESS is the first school in Al Ain to obtain the British Schools Overseas Award, endorsed by the UK Government and quality assured by Ofsted. The school also holds the Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence and mental well‑being for students and staff.

About Cognita: Cognita is a global leader in independent education, founded in 2004. We are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries, serving more than 85,000 students. Our purpose is to create an environment where each student can ‘thrive in a rapidly evolving world’ and to support their academic, social, and emotional development worldwide.

The Finance Manager is responsible for leading the finance function across multiple entities, ensuring robust financial management, accurate reporting, and strong internal controls. This role oversees accounting operations, month‑end close, financial planning, and compliance with Cognita policies and IFRS standards. The Finance Manager partners closely with Procurement, AP, AR, Treasury, and school leadership teams to support business performance and decision‑making, providing leadership to finance executives and ensuring high‑quality service delivery to internal stakeholders.

• Lead accurate and timely month‑end close, including review and approval of trial balance and key journals.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, Cognita internal accounting policies, and external & group audit requirements.
• Oversee prepayments, accruals, and balance sheet integrity across all entities.
• Prepare annual financial statements, including primary and secondary disclosures.

• Ensure completion and review of all banks, credit card, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Strengthen internal controls, driving audit‑ready documentation and process compliance.
• Oversee intercompany reconciliations and ensure completeness and accuracy of cross‑charges.

• Lead preparation of monthly management reports, variance analysis, and performance packs.
• Support strategic planning through budgeting and quarterly forecasting cycles.
• Ensure accuracy of cash‑flow forecasting and treasury‑related reporting.

• Act as a key finance partner to internal stakeholders and school leadership teams.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to support operational performance.
• Supervise and guide finance executives, delegating and reviewing work.

• Oversee all month‑end close tasks and ensure timely submission of entity results.
• Review and approve prepayments, accruals, and key accounting schedules.
• Prepare monthly performance pack inputs and lead variance discussions.
• Coordinate business planning, annual budgeting, and quarterly forecasts.

• Review and approve bank and credit card reconciliations.
• Ensure timely resolution of outstanding items and ledger issues.
• Lead audit preparations, providing schedules, justifications, and supporting evidence.
• Ensure correct and compliant intercompany and cross‑charge accounting.

• Review VAT schedules, filings, and ensure compliance with UAE VAT…