Finance Director

About the School Akademeia High School is an academically‑selective school in Warsaw offering IGCSEs and A Levels, alongside Akademeia Assessed Courses. Most students prepare for Oxbridge, Russell Group, Ivy League universities, and specialised architecture, art and music schools. The rigorous admissions process and undergraduate‑style A Level classes follow a pre‑university university model. The school offers a robust scholarship programme with 10% of places awarded by merit, partial or full scholarships. Akademeia is accredited by HMC, AoBSO and COBIS, recognising the strength of its academic programme and outstanding student outcomes. About the Job The Finance Director is a strategic and operational member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role oversees all financial operations – budgeting, financial planning, accounting, payroll and compliance – ensuring effective day‑to‑day management. The director reports to the Headmaster, has a dotted line to the ISP Regional Finance Director – Europe, and works closely with the Director of Operations, heads of administrative departments and the Finance and External Accounting team. Key Responsibilities Advising on general financial policy within the school. Providing leadership, direction and management of the finance and external accounting team; organising work, ensuring quality control of processes and timely reporting. Producing monthly management reports for four entities – schedule, local books verification, accruals calculation, cash flow, CAPEX, and Group reporting. Conducting budget variance analysis and presenting reports and meetings with the Headmaster and the Group. Managing forecasting and budgeting processes in cooperation with departments and the Headmaster; reporting data to PBCS and meeting with the Group. Coordinating statutory, Group and tax audits, providing necessary data and process support. Verifying financial statements and reconciling them to Group reporting. Cooperating with external tax and legal advisors – verifying contracts, resolving tax issues and management resolutions. Monitoring the debt collection process. Approving bank transfers. Implementing new tax and statutory requirements. Leading the implementation and adoption of an adequate accounting system and onboarding the school into the ISP financial reporting system. Assisting in the implementation of the school management information system as appropriate. Cooperating with the bank – negotiating terms of cooperation and fees. Working with the Headmaster on cost‑saving opportunities and new revenue sources. Meeting with parents and recommending discounts and contractual issues to the Headmaster. Advising on scholarship and bursary funds. Cooperating with HR on current staff and budget issues. Providing financial consultations for foundation projects. Overseeing annual contract renewals and fee schedule changes. Acting as line manager to the Financial Analysts and the School Finance Assistant, providing oversight, guidance and performance management. Skills, Qualifications and Experience Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or equivalent professional certification (e.g., ACCA, CPA). Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting and cash‑flow management. Experience in financial reporting, statutory accounts and audit coordination. Proficiency in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and variance analysis. Experience with financial systems, ERP platforms and advanced Excel modelling. Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and develop finance teams. Strong business‑partnering skills with senior leadership and non‑finance stakeholders. Experience managing relationships with external auditors, banks and advisors. Commercial awareness with the ability to identify cost efficiencies and revenue opportunities. High‑level verbal and written communication skills in Polish and English. What We Offer Vibrant international community. Competitive salary commensurate with experience and skills. Access to private medical and mental health package. Subsidised multi‑sport card. Subsidised lunches. Hybrid work arrangement. Rich professional development scheme. It is an offence to apply for the role if an applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. #J-18808-Ljbffr