Job Description

Director of Finance

Permanent contract

/Location: Abu Dhabi


Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, in the top 3 for Employer Reputation of Hospitality & Leisure Management graduates by the QS World University Ranking, is a brand of the Sommet Education Group. Founded in 1954, Les Roches is a private institution based on the Swiss model of experiential learning, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of hospitality, tourism and event management. Les Roches prepares entrepreneurial and innovative graduates across a global network of campuses in Crans-Montana (Switzerland), Marbella (Spain) and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).


You share our values: Development, Distinctiveness, Joint commitment, Openness and Sense of service.


The Director of Finance is responsible for all financial affairs of Les Roches Abu Dhabi campus and partnerships:



Statutory and management reporting Internal controls, budgeting and business plan processes Financial planning & analysis School's budget owners support Analysis of costs versus budget, expense alignment recommendations Student accounting (billing and collection) Implementation and configuration of financial systems. Working with CFO Sommet (guidance and employment)

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Analysis - School support:

Elaborate and execute with the School leadership team the financial development plan for the entity. Maintain and update the enrolment / revenue model. Follow-up and report New and Returning enrolment forecasts and actuals. Work with centrald Sommet finance team to ensure that monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting of the institution's financial statements are made in compliance with local fiscal, statutory and IFRS regulations. Understand the actuals and complete monthly variances. Regularly meet with department heads to follow-up and determine changes to expense forecast and produce variance analysis. Report forecast P&L information (forecast + budget) into the reporting system. Complete financial analyses related to capital requests and coordinate the capital approval process for Les Roches. Provide financial support for the forecast, budget and long-range plan processes. Complete the financial information for the forecasts, budgets, and long-range plan. Support the price approval and program profitability process along with Les Roches Marketing and Leadership Team. Implementation, maintenance and documentation of a comprehensive system of internal controls that ensures the institution's assets are protected and financial results and transactions are correctly accounted for. Plan and follow-up the budget and payroll for the department.

Student Accounting (Billing & Collection):

Supervise the student accounting office to assure efficient billing, scholarships, collection and refund processes. Report on scholarships and discounts to Management team at Les Roches and provide recommendations. Manage the best possible relationship with parents and sponsors on any financial related aspects, including claim processes. Work closely with the Student service support teams to gather accurate information on services used by individual students. Respond to requests on student financial status and control access to information according to the School's policies. Supervise the preparation of reports and statistics (aging, collection status, etc.) to provide to managing director. Co-ordinate and supervise new fees registration in the Billing system to enable the team and Registrar/Student Services to issue pro-forma invoices. Maintain and develop the Student Information System (SIS) functionality -play a key role in the future SIS migration project.

Education and Professional Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in economics, finance or accounting.

Experience:

Having worked in a Finance Planning and Analysis position and/or in a finance operation position for at least 10 years. Solid accounting background International environment experience, open to different cultures and mentalities. Managerial experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of the Education sector, a plus. Fluent English Strong technical financial, accounting and analytical skills Good knowledge of IFRS standards Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal skills), manage work processes, and understand the business. Excellent organizational skills. High energy level, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic. Excel and Power Point proficiency a must. Good financial and economic analytical skills required. * Ability to build and maintain good relationships at all level and achieve results in a multicultural team.