Regional Financial Controller

Oakridge International School, Bengaluru; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider is seeking a skilled Financial Controller to support schools in Dubai. This role focuses on financial operations, compliance, and business growth. Candidates should have a degree in Finance or Accounting, chartered status, and at least 5 years of experience. Strong communication skills and expertise in IFRS or US GAAP are essential. Join a dynamic team and contribute to financial excellence in the education sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualified experience in industry.
• IFRS or US GAAP expertise required.
• Audit experience with strong internal control background.

Responsibilities

• Act as key contact for external auditors and Group Finance.
• Oversee financial reporting deliverables for the region.
• Lead compliance with IFRS and group accounting standards.

Skills

Excellent English communication skills

Strong Excel skills

Ability to influence and challenge at senior levels

Strong interpersonal skills

Innovative mindset

Education

Degree in Finance/Accounting or related discipline

Chartered/Certified Accountant qualification

Tools

Navision

Hyperion

HFM/OneStream systems

Job description

Start Date: 25 Nov 2025

Location: Dubai, UAE

School: Regional Office (Middle East)

Company: Nord Anglia Education

Job Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Financial Controller to join our Regional HR and Finance team in Dubai. This role plays a pivotal part in supporting our schools across the Middle East, driving accuracy, ensuring compliance, and continuously improving financial operations.

Responsibilities

Drive Business Growth & Reputation

• Act as the key contact for external auditors and Group Finance.
• Deliver best practice finance and accounting support across the region.
• Lead shared services teams to hit SLA targets in accounting, purchasing, and receivables.
• Adapt financial policies and systems to meet business needs.

Lead with Strategy & Collaboration

• Oversee financial reporting deliverables for the region.
• Improve the financial close process and reduce reliance on manual systems.
• Strengthen internal controls and mitigate risks.
• Work cross-functionally with HR, IT, and other teams to align finance with business goals.
• Provide commercial and accounting input on contracts and transactions.

Ensure Operational Excellence

• Review and approve monthly, quarterly, and year-end accounts for schools.
• Oversee and prepare audit‑ready accounts, ensuring clean outcomes.
• Monitor balance sheet movements and variances with clear documentation.
• Deliver accurate and timely reporting packs.
• Support the integration of new schools and acquisitions.
• Lead compliance with IFRS and group accounting standards.

Strengthen Financial Control & Systems

• Standardise and align reporting with Group Finance.
• Champion process improvements and efficiency in month‑end closing.
• Drive system improvements through the Finance Systems Design Reference Group (DRG).
• Ensure robust internal controls across all schools and regional finance.
• Support due diligence and seamless integration of acquisitions.
• Provide tax compliance and reporting support in collaboration with Group Tax.

Develop & Lead Talent

• Manage, coach, and develop the regional finance and shared services teams.
• Recruit and retain top talent, building a motivated and engaged workforce.
• Support succession planning and career growth through regular feedback and development plans.
• Act as a mentor across the wider business, sharing expertise and guidance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance/Accounting or related discipline (essential).
• Chartered/Certified Accountant qualification (essential).
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualified experience in industry (essential).

Experience & Knowledge

• IFRS or US GAAP expertise (essential).
• Audit experience and/or strong internal control background, including compliance and tax (essential).
• Risk management, internal controls, and process improvement (essential).
• Regional, cross-border experience (essential).
• Shared services oversight with proven ability to deliver efficient and accurate processes (desired).
• Bilingual: English + Arabic (desired).
• Experience in asset-light, high-growth, or start‑up industries (desired).
• Knowledge of Navision, Hyperion, HFM/OneStream systems (desired).

Skills

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal (Arabic a strong plus).
• Highly analytical with strong Excel skills.
• Ability to influence and challenge at senior levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Innovative, solutions‑driven mindset.

About Nord Anglia Education

Nord Anglia Education is the world’s leading premium schools organisation. Our 80+ international schools educate more than 90,000 students worldwide. We are united by our purpose and ambition: to be the most forward‑thinking and impactful global family of schools.

Our exclusive collaborations with prestigious institutions such as UNICEF, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), IMG Academy, and Juilliard place us at the forefront of educational innovation.

Joining Nord Anglia means becoming part of a global community, with opportunities to collaborate, develop and make an impact. We value creative thinkers who bring fresh ideas and are ready to help shape the future of learning.

To Apply

Applications should be submitted online via the Nord Anglia Education Careers Page and include a CV.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nord Anglia Education is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusion across our schools and offices. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and celebrate different perspectives.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks as part of our recruitment process.