Head Of Finance - First School Management

Purpose
As part of its global growth strategy, GEMS Group Holding has launched First School Management (FSM) an education managed services organization which will utilize the significant expertise, proprietary technology, and best practices we have within GEMS Education to support schools worldwide.
The purpose of this role is to provide support to FSM as a partner to the Managing Director, responsible for financial strategies, policies and procedures, including reporting, financial planning and analysis, and control activities working closely with the Group Finance team. The role will also extend support to other services entities which fall under the group whenever needed.
This position combines strong financial analysis expertise and strategic insight with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders focusing on effective cost management and stream-lined processes.
Key Accountabilities
Finance Business Partner:
• A business partner to the Managing Director who assists in measuring and managing enterprise risk including strategic, financial, operational, development, and commercial risks.
• Gain business alignment to successfully identify and understand the business strategy.
• Understand the business strategy and accordingly provide highly relevant insight into business performance.
• Act as a key stakeholder in the decision-making process through the provision of risk-adjusted financial information and analysis.
• Monitor costs and identify ways to bring costs down without impacting business results.
• Support the Group Finance function in protecting the assets of the Company and in ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
Financial Control & Stewardship:
• Assess, communicate, and manage all financial risks within FSM.
• Ensure regular reviews of balance sheets, P&L, and cash flow, are carried out as well as timely reconciliation of all cash, bank and intercompany balances, down to single asset level.
• Ensure processes and capability to produce and deliver timely and accurate statutory accounts that reflect the financial position of FSM.
• Ensure timely implementation of internal and external audit recommendations in all locations. Use technology as an enabler and lead systems implementation and improvements initiatives from both an IT and financial perspective.
• Construct reliable and efficient control systems that seek to prevent fraud and ensure appropriate controls are in place throughout FSM.
• Build a robust recharge mechanism to transfer FSM costs according to Transfer Pricing regulations for various functions and ensure timely settlements.
• Manage Funding requirements for FSM in various countries in close co-ordination with the Group Finance team.
Financial Reporting and Transaction Processing:
• Lead all budgeting and financial planning processes within FSM that are aligned with the long-term strategy and the annual business plans, to deliver timely and accurate submissions of forecasts and budgets within the established corporate planning calendar.
• Ensure appropriate systems and processes are in place to produce timely and accurate management accounts that reflect the financial position of FSM.
• Ensure appropriate and timely business analytics across all aspects of FSM.
• Ensure that all filings or ad-hoc requirements by lenders, credit rating agencies or other commercial or investment banks are prepared in a timely and accurate manner.
• Lead FSM s financial reporting policy and guidelines.
• Work closely with the Group Finance team to ensure smooth submission and approval of operating budgets.
Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with all local and corporate laws, rules and regulations and FSM s Finance policies & procedures.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements e.g. representation letters, code of conduct, conflict of interest disclosure.
• Liaise with external and internal auditors in support of their requirements.
• Liaise with legal on regulatory compliance.
Skills
The successful candidate will have an exceptional track record of leading the finance function within sophisticated, large, complex businesses.
Qualifications and Expected Experience:
• Must have a bachelor s degree in accounting, economics or finance; MBA is a plus
• Must be a Qualified Accountant CPA /ACA / ACCA / CMA / CIMA
• Minimum 15 years post qualification experience leading finance in services industry, hospitality, retail, education, etc.
• Demonstrable experience in financial planning, forecasting and strategic planning
• Strategic Sourcing/procurement oversight experience
• Ability to demonstrate strong commercial acumen
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Expert understanding of Tax (VAT, Corporate Tax, With Holding Tax) and transfer pricing regulations in this region
• Expert knowledge of local GAAP and IFRS
Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:
• Solid financial acumen, market forecasting, analytical skills, and ability to develop and articulate business case
• Strategic thinking, analytical skills, and problem solving; ability to think-outside-the-box
• Ability to negotiate large deals and cultivate executive-level relationships
• Strong presentation, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Collaborative mindset and approach