Financial Controller

Sharjah Education Academy; Sharjah; On-site; AED 279,000 - 390,600; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UAE is seeking a Senior Financial Controller to bring 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience to their team. The role requires expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and strong communications skills. The ideal candidate will be a proven finance leader with a proactive approach to managing compliance and controls within an academic environment. Fluency in both Arabic and English is essential, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and a professional accounting qualification.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience.
• 3–5 years at senior or supervisory level.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop finance teams.
• Ensure compliance with education authority regulations.
• Prepare management accounts and statutory financial statements.

Skills

Financial management

Accounting standards (IFRS)

Budgeting and financial reporting

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

ERP systems

Accounting software

MS Office

Job description

A senior Financial Controller with 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including 3–5 years at a senior or supervisory level, and strong expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and financial controls. Brings solid knowledge of IFRS or relevant local accounting standards, cash flow management, payroll oversight, and procurement controls.

Experienced in working with auditors, regulatory bodies, government entities, and senior leadership, ensuring compliance with education authority regulations, internal policies, and governance standards. A proven finance leader with the ability to lead and develop finance teams, present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders, and manage multiple priorities with integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail in an academic or multi-campus environment.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Professional accounting qualification such as CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent is required.
• Continuous professional development in finance, compliance, or education-sector regulations is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in accounting, with at least 3–5 years in a senior or supervisor level.
• Experience within an academic institution, university, or not-for-profit organization is highly preferred.
• Strong experience in budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and financial controls.
• Demonstrated experience working with auditors, regulatory bodies, governments and senior leadership.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong knowledge of financial management, accounting standards (IFRS or relevant local standards), and internal controls.
• Experience with education-sector funding models, tuition fee structures, grants, and subsidies (where applicable).
• Proficiency in ERP systems, accounting software, and MS Office.
• Ability to prepare management accounts, statutory financial statements, and consolidated reports.
• Strong understanding of cash flow management, payroll oversight, and procurement controls.

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge

• Knowledge of education authority regulations, financial reporting requirements, and governance standards.
• Experience ensuring compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit recommendations.
• Ability to support risk management and financial policy development.

Leadership & Communication

• Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders (e.g., academic leaders).
• Ability to work collaboratively with management, academic, administrative, and operational teams.

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a structured academic environment.
• Strategic mindset with a hands‑on approach.

Additional Requirements

• Experience working in a multi-campus or group structure is an advantage.
• Familiarity with student information systems and fee management processes is desirable.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is required.

Sharjah Education Academy aims to spread a culture of continuous improvement in all educational institutions.