Finance Manager

Job Description We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Finance Manager to oversee and manage the full spectrum of financial operations for our private higher education institution. The successful candidate will be responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, statutory compliance, audit management, and maintaining strong internal controls, while working closely with the President, College Director, HQ, and internal stakeholders to ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Key Roles & Responsibilities Financial Management, Reporting & Planning Review and ensure accuracy of financial reports prepared by the finance team before timely submission to Head Office (HQ). Participate with the College Director & Regional Finance Manager in financial planning for long-term viability and growth of the College, including goal setting, performance monitoring, and communication of financial plans to internal stakeholders. Prepare monthly cash flow projections, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Update MREL marketing and budgeting figures in coordination with relevant departments. Student Finance, Billing & Collections (Higher Education Specific) Oversee student fee billing, invoicing, collections, refunds, and credit control. Work closely with SAS, Admissions, Registry, and Academic teams to ensure accuracy of student financial records. Audit, Governance & Corporate Matters Oversee and coordinate year-end statutory audits and manage audit queries. Handle submission of annual returns and corporate matters with the company secretary. Maintain strong internal control systems, financial governance, and reporting standards. Procurement, PO, PV & CER Oversight Review and verify Purchase Orders (POs), Payment Vouchers (PVs), and Capital Expenditure Requests (CERs) prior to submission for College Director and HQ approvals. Oversee vendor payments, contracts, and procurement workflows. Payroll & HR Finance Support Review and verify payroll reports before submission to the College Director and HQ for approval. Work closely with HR on payroll budgeting, manpower planning, and statutory contributions. Stakeholder Management Act as the key point of contact for bankers, external auditors, tax agents, company secretary, and relevant government authorities. Work closely with Academic, Compliance, Operations, SAS, HR, Marketing, and IT teams to support institutional needs. Team Leadership & Ad-hoc Duties Lead, coach, and manage the finance team to ensure performance and accuracy. Perform other finance-related tasks and responsibilities as required. Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, CIMA) preferred. Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar financial management role, with experience in a Private Higher Education Institution strongly preferred / required. Experience handling audits, regulatory inspections, statutory submissions, and education compliance documentation. Proficient in accounting systems, ERP / student management systems, and Microsoft Office. Excellent analytical, organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Able to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines in a fast-paced academic environment.