Finance Manager

Young World Physical Education; Chennai District; Hybrid; INR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international school in Chennai is looking for a Finance Manager to provide strategic financial oversight and lead the finance team. The role requires a Chartered Accountant or equivalent, with 6-7 years of experience in financial leadership, especially within nonprofit or school settings. The Finance Manager will ensure compliance with local regulations and will be responsible for creating accurate financial reports, overseeing accounting functions, and driving budgeting processes. This position offers an opportunity to impact the school’s financial health and educational mission.

Qualifications

• 6–7 years of progressive experience in financial leadership, preferably in a nonprofit or school.
• Strong familiarity with Indian regulatory compliance and tax frameworks.
• Ability to mentor and lead a finance team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic alignment of AISC through financial management.
• Oversee all accounting functions and maintain internal controls.
• Prepare timely financial reports and manage annual budgeting.

Skills

Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent

Financial leadership experience

Advanced proficiency in financial systems

Strong budgeting and forecasting skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Advanced degree in finance or business

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP platforms

Job description

Finance Manager

American International School - Chennai School-wide - Chennai, Outside US and Canada Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in American International School - Chennai

Job Details

Job ID: 5174027

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: May 19, 2025 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title

FinanceManager

Supervisor’s Title

Chief Operating Officer

Effective Date

TBD

Salary Schedule

Depends on experience and qualification

Our Vision

A community where diverse paths meet, learners innovate, and we make meaningful change together.

Our Mission

Together, we nurture learners who chart their unique paths, transforming curiosity into purpose, challenges into growth, and knowledge into action.

What We Value

Discovery | Responsibility | Wellbeing | Belonging | Purpose

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Finance Manager will lead the strategic alignment and cultural integration of AISC through systems leadership, advancement strategy, and mission-driven implementation. Ensure that every strategic initiative advances the school's vision, embeds the AISC Core into daily operations, and strengthens AISC’s market positioning through unified advancement functions—Marketing, Enrollment, Communications, and Community Relations.

Category

Responsibilities

Strategic & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Indian statutory requirements for charitable organizations.
• Lead financial policy development and ensure implementation of Board-approved policies.
• Maintain ethical and transparent relationships with regulators, banks, and auditors.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee all accounting functions, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, general ledger, fixed assets, and reconciliation.
• Implement internal controls that prevent fraud, ensure accuracy, and safeguard school assets. Drive continuous improvement in budgeting, forecasting, procurement alignment, and cash flow management.
• Ensure all statutory filings, audits, and tax submissions are completed accurately and on time.

Leadership & Reporting

• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports, dashboards, and analyses for the Head of School, Chief Operating Officer, Board of Directors, and Finance Committee.
• Lead the development and execution of the annual budgeting process, including scenario planning and risk analysis.
• Oversee external audit preparation, ensure a clean audit, and act on recommendations.
• Mentor and lead a high-performing finance team with clarity and shared purpose.

SUCCESS INDICATORS (First 18 Months)

• Annual audit completed with zero major findings or compliance flags.
• Budget adopted on time with >95% alignment between projected and actual revenue/expenditure.
• Clear, accessible dashboards in place for school leadership and Board to monitor financial health.
• Internal controls updated and documented, with staff trained on compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFILE

• Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent credential required; advanced degree in finance, accounting, or business preferred.
• 6–7 years of progressive experience in financial leadership, preferably in a nonprofit, school, or mission-aligned organization.
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems including ERP platforms, Microsoft Excel, and MIS reporting.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and data analysis capabilities aligned with strategic decision-making.
• Deep familiarity with Indian regulatory compliance and tax frameworks for charitable institutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing audits, producing accurate reports, and presenting financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to coach teams, communicate clearly with a range of audiences, and inspire trust.

WORKING STYLE AND VALUES FIT

• Lead with integrity—own the truth in the numbers and elevate standards for transparency.
• Act with foresight—anticipate financial risks and position the school for long-term health.
• Model accountability—ensure all actions are policy-aligned, auditable, and mission-driven.
• Build capacity—develop and empower the finance team and operational partners across the school.

NOTE: The above job description is meant to outline general knowledge, skills and responsibilities. It may be necessary to assume other duties and responsibilities that are not specifically outlined herein.

Position Type: Full-Time