Head of Finance / CFO - School Group

About the role

A school group is looking for a Head of Finance (CFO) to lead its finance and accounts function across all campuses. The role ensures accurate reporting, effective fee collection, sound financial controls and disciplined financial planning. It is based in Karachi, working Monday to Saturday with alternate Saturdays off, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare annual budgets, cash-flow forecasts and financial plans; advise management on sustainability, resource allocation, fee structures and major expenditure; evaluate the feasibility of new campuses, property arrangements, renovations and educational investments.
• Oversee fee billing, collection, reconciliation and outstanding balances; ensure admissions, tuition, concessions, scholarships, refunds and withdrawals are recorded correctly; produce campus-wise fee and overdue reports.
• Supervise the general ledger, receivables, payables, bank reconciliations and monthly closing; deliver monthly management accounts and present financial insights to the Managing Director.
• Oversee payroll processing with HR, verify appointments, salary revisions, attendance adjustments and deductions, and control access to salary information.
• Set approval limits, payment procedures and segregation of duties; review procurement requests and supplier payments; control petty cash, cash handling and campus expenditure; maintain asset registers.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings and statutory requirements, track audit findings and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Lead, train and assess central and campus accounts staff, set reporting deadlines and service standards, and improve the integration of fee management, accounting, payroll and school management systems.

Required profile

• Qualified Chartered Accountant, preferably an ICAP member.
• At least 8 years of relevant finance experience, including 3 years in a senior supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience in a school group, educational institution or comparable multi-location organisation is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in budgeting, fee receivables, payroll, audit, internal controls and financial reporting.
• High integrity, discretion and the ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-finance colleagues.

Required skills

• Strong accounting software and spreadsheet skills.
• Analytical and team management skills.