Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Group of Schools

International Community Schools; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

International Community Schools (ICS) in Abu Dhabi is seeking a dynamic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the finance function across its six branches. The role focuses on shaping financial strategy, driving efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance within UAE laws, while supporting executive decision-making for sustainable growth.

The CFO will oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, audits, and ERP enhancements, building a high-performing finance team across

Qualifications

• Senior financial leadership experience (CFO/Finance Director)
• Strong knowledge of UAE financial regulations and compliance
• Experience with multi-branch operations in education or corporate settings
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop a finance team

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the finance and accounts function across all ICS branches
• Develop and implement financial strategies, budgets, and forecasts
• Ensure UAE regulatory compliance, tax laws, and audits
• Oversee financial reporting, accuracy, transparency, and timely delivery
• Manage cash flow, costs, and financial risk
• Establish internal controls and financial procedures
• Lead annual audits and liaise with external auditors
• Provide strategic financial insights to CEO and leadership
• Optimize ERP and financial systems for efficiency and reporting
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team across branches

Skills

CFO Leadership

Financial Planning

Budgeting & Forecasting

ERP Systems

Financial Reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

CPA/ACCA/CFA (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

International Community Schools | Full time

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Welcome to International Community Schools Abu Dhabi! At ICS, our unwavering commitment is to provide a stimulating and intellectually challenging environment that empowers our students to become innovative thinkers, creative problem solvers, and inspired learners, fully prepared to thrive in the 21st Century. Renowned for our outstanding, holistic education and the development of future leaders, we have earned an enviable reputation in the region for delivering high-quality private education to students from FS/KG to Year 13/Grade 12. We offer a diverse range of curriculum, including both the British and American programs, as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advance Placement (AP), and Ministry of Education (MOE) programs, exceeding minimum expectations and covering a wide array of subjects.

Job Description

International Community Schools (ICS) is a leading educational group in Abu Dhabi, operating 6 branches and delivering high-quality British and American curricula. As part of our continued growth and commitment to excellence, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the finance function across the organization. This senior leadership role will be instrumental in shaping financial strategy, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting executive decision-making to drive sustainable growth across all ICS branches.

Role Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will oversee the entire finance and accounts function across all ICS branches, ensuring strong financial governance, compliance with UAE regulations, and alignment with organizational objectives. The role requires a strategic leader who can drive financial planning, optimize resources, and provide high-level insights to support business growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the finance and accounts function across all ICS branches
• Develop and implement financial strategies, budgets, and forecasts aligned with organizational goals
• Ensure compliance with UAE financial regulations, tax laws, and audit requirements
• Oversee financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timely delivery to senior leadership
• Manage cash flow, cost control, and financial risk effectively
• Establish and strengthen internal controls, policies, and financial procedures
• Lead annual audits, liaise with external auditors, and ensure regulatory compliance
• Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations to the CEO and senior leadership team
• Optimize and enhance ERP and financial systems to improve efficiency and reporting
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team across multiple branches

Requirements

Key Skills & Requirements

• Proven experience as a CFO, Finance Director, or Senior Financial Leader
• Strong expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis
• In-depth knowledge of UAE financial regulations and compliance frameworks
• Experience in multi-entity or multi-branch operations
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools

Educational & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent (preferred)
• Minimum 5–10 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 2–3 years in a senior leadership role
• Experience in the education sector is an added advantage

Why Join ICS?

• Be part of a well-established and growing education group in Abu Dhabi
• Opportunity to work in a strategic leadership role with direct impact on organizational growth
• Collaborative and professional working environment
• Exposure to multi-branch operations and advanced ERP systems
• Opportunity to contribute to innovation and continuous improvement