Lead, Financial Controller

Role overview

This position is responsible for leading core financial control activities, making sure transactions are recorded correctly, statements are prepared on time, and all reporting aligns with IFRS. The role also covers budget ownership, account reconciliations, close processes, tax compliance in Saudi Arabia, audit support, and the strengthening of internal controls. A key part of the job is to improve processes, provide clear financial insight, and help protect the organization’s financial health.

Key duties

• Prepare monthly, annual, and consolidated financial statements in line with IFRS, along with monthly reporting packs and management submissions within the required timelines.
• Apply strong working knowledge of IFRS across day-to-day finance operations and reporting.
• Build, present, track, and report budgets, including detailed variance analysis and reconciliation against actual results.
• Reconcile sub-ledgers, general ledger balances, prepayments, and accruals to confirm accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Oversee internal controls and compliance activities, perform routine audits, and assist with internal and external audit preparation.
• Ensure adherence to Saudi Arabian regulations for VAT, WHT, and ZATCA reporting, while supporting audit-related requirements.
• Improve financial systems and workflows to increase efficiency and support timely, accurate processing.
• Maintain organized and secure filing arrangements in line with internal control requirements.
• Work with the Director of Finance to set and deliver personal performance goals.
• Coach and support junior accountants, including checking journal entries for correctness.
• Carry out duties in line with the organization’s culture, ethics, and policies.
• Coordinate effectively across departments and keep stakeholder needs in focus.
• Take on other tasks as assigned by the line manager.

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be expected to protect and promote the welfare of children and young people, follow safeguarding procedures and the staff code of conduct, and provide direct support to the designated safeguarding lead as needed to help maintain student safety and wellbeing.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline is required.

Experience

Applicants should bring more than 8 years of relevant experience.

Skills, knowledge, and abilities

• Understanding of financial statements and accounting reports
• Working knowledge of accounting standards, ZAKAT, and tax requirements
• Ability to interpret and analyze data
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems
• Knowledge of general business practices
• Ability to prepare financial statements
• Competence with accounting software
• Strong grasp of accounting practices
• Analytical and critical thinking ability
• Effective written and spoken communication in Arabic and English
• Good time management and prioritization skills

Additional information

This role must be carried out flexibly and collaboratively across departments. Candidates are expected to work in a way that supports the school’s standards, values, and operational needs. Since the role supports a school environment, safeguarding responsibility is a core requirement.