Description

ABOUT US
As the newest member of Wellington College Education, Hiba Academy Bay Area is looking forward to providing a truly transformative education experience to Early Years and Primary-aged children with our innovative English and Chinese bilingual curriculum. We are part of a global network of schools united by a 160-year history of excellence with roots in the UK. Guided by a shared vision of pioneering education to serve and help shape a better world, Wellington College
Education currently empowers more than 10,000 students across the UK, China, Thailand, India,
and soon Indonesia.

Opening in Fall 2026, Hiba Academy Bay Area is a bilingual international school that will serve PreK to Grade 5 students in the San Francisco Bay Area. At capacity, roughly 400 children will thrive in a dual-language educational environment, where they will learn English and Chinese not as discrete academic subjects but as languages of instruction across the curriculum.

Hiba Academy will bring together a team of passionate and highly experienced professionals to nurture our students to go out into the world as confident, self-sufficient, and resilient global citizens. Across the Wellington College Education family of schools, we employ over 2000 qualified professionals including around 1000 teaching staff. Hiba Academy will offer unrivalled career and professional development opportunities, drawing on the resources and expertise of this network which will ensure a rewarding, sociable, and stimulating work culture for our employees.

OBJECTIVES
The Finance Manager is responsible for assisting in budget preparation, financial reporting, accounts management, and ensuring compliance with financial policies for Hiba Academy Bay Area and related entities (hereinafter referred to as the school). In addition, the Finance Manager will be responsible for fee collection and interaction with parents in the school community, providing strong customer service skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Take overall responsibility for the complete and accurate recording of accounting and financial information, and ensure the keeping of proper documents and invoices. Overall supervisory responsibility for the school in general and property accounting, internal auditing, payroll, cost accounting, and budgetary controls
2. Ensure the implementation of accounting software is sufficient to meet the school’s needs during start-up and rapid growth, and that all financial and data systems are reliable and secure.
3. Design reports and processes to ensure that management receives timely and relevant information regarding all financial activities with adequate analytical support.
4. Provide detailed monthly financial reports for distribution to the Senior Leadership Team and the Steering Committee, as well as other operational data schedules to inform the daily running of the school.
5. Develop a comprehensive budget process and systems for appropriate monitoring and approval of all expenditure items. Manage the school planning, forecasting, and budgeting process.
6. Ensure recording of all sources of revenue and the full collection of accounts receivable including pursuit of overdue or unpaid balances.
7. Maintain good relations with tax authorities, resolve tax related issues and ensure that all tax filings are prepared properly and submitted on time. Work with external tax counsel, as needed.
8. Collaborate with the Central Office team in China to manage all banking relationships, ensure ,that appropriate funding is available to the school, and be accountable for the control of regular cash flows.
9. Coordinate with auditors and other regulatory bodies and ensure all statutory and regulatory reports are prepared properly and filed on time.
10. Develop internal systems and processes to minimize the school’s exposure to financial risk, counterparty risk, exchange risk, and other risks.
11. Manage tuition payments and finance-related communications with families
12. Participate in any other projects or tasks relating to the continuous improvement, development or administration of the school as required by the Senior Leadership Team.
13. Monitor changes in financial reporting requirements, tax laws, and accounting technologies, proactively updating internal processes and advising leadership on implications for the school.
14. Performs other duties as necessary in support of school objectives.

Duties/Responsibilities:
FINANCE & ACCOUNTING

• Assist in the preparation of budgets, financial forecasts, and monthly management reports to support decision-making.
• Maintain accurate accounting records, ensuring timely invoicing and collection of student fees.
• Support the preparation of statutory financial statements and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
• Monitor financial transactions to ensure accuracy and integrity in financial reporting.
• Develop and implement policies to improve financial processes, including tuition collection and financial aid disbursement.
• Ensure adherence to U.S. nonprofit financial regulations, internal control frameworks, and reporting standards, including coordination with auditors, banks, and legal counsel.
• Support the development of policies and procedures consistent with the Delegation of Authority (DOA) and the school’s financial governance framework.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND RECEIVABLE

• Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes to optimize cash flow, including coordination between US and China operations.
• Oversee the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate vendor payments.
• Review and approve invoices, expense reports, and payment requests in compliance with company policies.
• Consult with the Facilities and Operations Manager to manage vendor relationships, resolve discrepancies, and ensure proper documentation.
• Implement and maintain AP controls to prevent fraud and ensure financial accuracy.
• Coordinate with procurement and other departments to verify purchase orders and contracts.
• Lead the accounts receivable function, ensuring timely invoicing and collection of receivables.
• Assist in month-end and year-end closing activities, including reconciliations and audits.

TUITION MANAGEMENT

• Ensure timely processing of tuition payments and maintain clear communication with families regarding tuition policies. Maintain confidential records of financial transactions between Hiba Academy and families, and ensure compliance with school policies.
• Provide excellent customer service to families and students, acting with discretion and care.
• Administer the school’s financial aid program, including application review, eligibility assessment, and award distribution.
• Work closely with the admissions and marketing team and school leadership to align financial aid decisions with enrollment goals.

OPERATIONS SUPPORT

• Assist in managing vendor contracts (e.g., catering, cleaning, security) and ensure service quality and compliance.
• Support the setup and optimization of student billing systems, ensuring smooth integration with tuition and financial aid processes.
• Provide logistical and operational support for school events as needed.
• Help enforce safety and child protection policies for all members of the community.

Requirements

BASIC QUALIFICATION
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Major: Accountancy or related field
Language: Fluent written and spoken English. Mandarin Chinese may be an advantage but not essential

EXPERIENCE

Working Experience: Minimum 7 years of relevant working experience
Management Experience: Minimum 3 years leading and managing an accounts team

EXPERTISE 

• Professional accountancy qualification preferred (CPA, CICPA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Strong at implementing financial IT systems, prior experience in ERP implementation will be strong plus
• Ability to design and put in place accounting controls and processes
• Excellent communication skills with a diverse range of people
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize

PREFERRED APTITUDES

• Demonstrating practice that represents the five core values of Hiba Academy at all times (Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Respect and
  Responsibility)
• Strong passion for the education industry
• Strong track record of solving complex problems, strategic thinking and delivering significant impact
• Personal integrity, accountability and credibility
• Strong mind-set for continuous improvement to meet or exceed expectations
• Strong accounting skills, solid knowledge of documenting internal controls and a proven track record of meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks
• Honest, trustful, reliable, persistent, team spirit, open-minded and flexible
• Previously worked in an international school, or other cross-cultural environment
• Bilingualism in any language

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is primarily situated within a standard office setting but requires regular movement across campus and a hands-on approach, especially during the start-up and launch phases. Employees in this position will be expected to assist with manual tasks such as event setup, moving furniture, supporting
maintenance activities, and coordinating logistics for school operations. The role involves lifting objects up to 25 pounds and occasional outdoor work. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter in ONE PDF to careers.bayarea@hibaacademy.org. Hiba Academy and Wellington College Education fully recognizes its responsibility for Safeguarding and Child Protection. We place the safety and wellbeing of our community at the heart of all that we do. This includes robust Child Protection policies and procedures. All members of staff understand the central importance of this commitment and undergo annual training in child protection. To ensure the safety of our community, employment with Hiba Academy will be contingent on successful completion of a background check.