Senior Accountant - Financial Operations

Aldar Education LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Education is seeking a highly experienced bilingual Senior Accountant to join its Abu Dhabi HQ. You will oversee financial operations across accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and monthly close, while strengthening internal controls.

The role requires advanced accounting knowledge, fluency in English and Arabic, and hands-on experience with Oracle and SAP. You will collaborate with school leadership and HQ finance teams to deliver accurate reports and timely forecasts.

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting or related field.
• Professional certifications (CPA/CA/CMA/CFA) are an advantage.
• 8 years in a finance function, or 5 years with a relevant professional qualification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the annual school budget in coordination with relevant departments.
• Ensure accurate and timely supplier payments while maintaining reconciled vendor accounts.
• Maintain accurate Accounts Receivable GL accounts and support collections within established due dates.
• Submit accurate daily, weekly, monthly and periodic financial reports to HQ finance within required timelines.
• Review monthly MIS reports with the Principal and monitor alignment with financial objectives.
• Work toward assigned finance KPIs and contribute to financial performance and operational excellence.
• Prepare and submit annual budgets and periodic forecasts to HQ finance within agreed timelines.
• Ensure accurate invoicing for tuition fees, examination fees, trips and other charges.
• Follow up regularly with parents regarding outstanding payments.
• Issue receipts daily to support bank reconciliation and provide bank statements with references.
• Process supplier payments after vendor reconciliation.
• Manage petty cash per policies and Delegation of Authority.
• Ensure revenue recognition and verify AR GL accuracy before month-end closure.
• Coordinate with IT to resolve interface transaction errors affecting records.
• Support HQ finance with timely monthly closing activities.
• Complete daily/weekly/monthly/ad hoc reporting within deadlines.

Skills

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Payable

Budgeting

Financial Reporting

Oracle

SAP

Bilingual English/Arabic

Financial Controls

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

CPA/CA/CMA/CFA advantage

Tools

Oracle

SAP

Job description

Senior Accountant - Financial Operations Job Snapshot Role: Senior Accountant (Bilingual) Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Industry: Education Management Function: Accounting-Finance Experience: 8 years in a finance function, or 5 years with a professional qualification in a similar role Job Type: Full Time Work Arrangement: On-site Position Overview Aldar Education is seeking an experienced bilingual Senior Accountant to join its headquarters team in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The role supports the organization 's financial operations across accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash and bank reconciliation, budgeting, financial reporting and the safeguarding of school assets. The Senior Accountant will work closely with school leadership and HQ finance teams to maintain accurate financial records, support monthly closing and MIS reporting, prepare budgets and forecasts, and strengthen financial controls. Fluency in English and Arabic, advanced accounting knowledge and experience with accounting systems are important requirements for this position.

Job Details

• Country: UAE
• City: Abu Dhabi
• Industry: Education Management
• Function: Accounting-Finance
• Salary: Not disclosed
• Gender: No Preference
• Candidate Nationality: Not specified
• Job Type: Full Time
• Work Arrangement: On-site

Strategic Responsibilities

• Prepare the annual school budget in coordination with relevant departments.
• Ensure accurate and timely supplier payments while maintaining reconciled and up-to-date vendor accounts.
• Maintain accurate Accounts Receivable GL accounts and support collections within established due dates.
• Submit accurate daily, weekly, monthly and periodic financial reports to HQ finance within required timelines.
• Review monthly MIS reports with the Principal and monitor alignment with financial objectives.
• Work toward assigned finance KPIs and contribute to financial performance and operational excellence.

Financial Operations

• Prepare and submit annual budgets and periodic forecasts to HQ finance within agreed timelines.
• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing for tuition fees, examination fees, trips and other applicable charges.
• Follow up regularly with parents regarding outstanding payments.
• Issue receipts daily to support accurate bank reconciliation and provide bank statements with receipt references to HQ finance for cash clearing.
• Process supplier payments accurately and promptly after appropriate vendor reconciliation.
• Manage petty cash in accordance with company policies and the Delegation of Authority.
• Ensure appropriate revenue recognition and verify the accuracy of Accounts Receivable GL accounts before month-end closure.
• Coordinate with IT to resolve interface transaction errors affecting financial records.
• Support HQ finance teams with accurate and timely monthly closing activities.
• Complete daily, weekly, monthly and ad hoc reporting requirements within specified deadlines.

Key Accountabilities

• Support adherence to established financial policies and procedures across the school team.
• Provide finance-related support to the school Principal when required to maintain smooth financial operations.
• Supervise and monitor the Junior Accountant 's assigned responsibilities where applicable.
• Maintain effective collaboration between school teams and HQ finance on financial matters.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Accounting.
• Professional accounting certifications such as CPA, CA, CMA or CFA are an advantage.
• 8 years of experience in a finance function, or a professional qualification with 5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Previous senior accounting experience, ideally within an educational or service-oriented industry.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of advanced accounting principles and practices.
• Expertise in Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and financial reconciliation.
• Experience coordinating financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Proficiency in accounting software and systems such as Oracle and SAP.
• Excellent English and Arabic communication skills.
• Strong presentation and administrative capabilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in financial processing and reporting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with school leadership, finance teams and other departments.
• Commitment to compliance with financial policies, procedures and controls.

What We Offer

Aldar Education provides an attractive remuneration package and places emphasis on professional development, coaching and training.

The organization supports more than 38,000 students across its owned and managed schools in the UAE and continues to develop its network of schools and education professionals.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects employees to share this commitment.

Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.

Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive working environment and encourages UAE Nationals to apply as part of its national development strategy.