Senior Manager - Finance & Accounts

Role & responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced and result-oriented Senior Manager Accounts & Finance to lead and oversee the finance and accounting functions across our School Division and Educational Wings.

The ideal candidate should have 1015 years of strong hands-on experience in Finance & Accounts, preferably with prior experience as a CFO, Head of Finance, Finance Controller, or Senior Finance Leader within an educational institution or school group.

The candidate will be responsible for ensuring strong financial governance, budgeting, statutory compliance, financial planning, MIS, audits, internal controls and effective financial management across multiple educational entities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Accounts & Finance function for the School Division and associated educational institutions.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets, financial plans, cash flows and financial forecasts.
• Prepare and present monthly/quarterly MIS, financial statements and management reports to senior management.
• Ensure accurate and timely accounting, bookkeeping, reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Monitor school fee collections, receivables, payables, expenses and cash flows.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Income Tax, GST, TDS, EPF, ESIC, Professional Tax and other statutory requirements.
• Coordinate and manage internal, statutory and tax audits and ensure timely closure of audit observations.
• Establish and strengthen financial controls, SOPs and approval mechanisms across educational entities.
• Monitor cost control, expense management and financial efficiency across schools and educational operations.
• Provide strategic financial insights to the Director/Management/School Leadership Team for effective decision-making.
• Oversee payroll-related financial processes, vendor payments and institutional financial commitments.
• Manage banking relationships, fund management and working capital requirements.
• Ensure proper maintenance and control of fixed assets, inventory and financial records.
• Identify financial risks and implement appropriate risk mitigation and control measures.
• Lead and mentor the Finance & Accounts team and ensure effective delegation and performance management.
• Support management in financial planning for new projects, expansion plans and educational initiatives.

Preferred candidate profile

• Chartered Accountant (CA) – Final Qualified / Completed is mandatory.
• 8–12 years of relevant experience in Finance & Accounts.
• Candidates with prior experience as CFO / Head Finance / Finance Controller / Senior Finance Manager in an educational institution, school group, university, education trust or similar organisation will be preferred.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of accounting, taxation, budgeting, MIS, audits and financial controls.
• Experience in handling multiple entities / campuses / educational wings will be an advantage.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
• Ability to independently manage finance operations and work closely with senior management.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, accounting/ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
• Strong understanding of statutory and regulatory compliance applicable to educational organizations.