Downe House

Muscat

JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON

SPECIFICATION FOR THE POSITION OF

Finance Manager
Post Title Finance Manager
Start Date As soon as possible
Contract Type Fixed Term
Location Cheltenham Muscat and Downe House
Muscat, Al Bandar Development, Muscat,
OMAN
Reporting to The Principals of both schools
Line Management Finance team, currently comprising 1
Accountant and 2 Finance Assistants

Job Description Job Purpose

Introduction The Finance Manager’s responsibilities include all

accounting functions including accounts receivable,
This is a unique and outstanding opportunity to work
accounts payable, petty cash, financial recording,
at a senior level across two leading British international
financial reporting, and preparing and presenting
schools in Oman. Reporting to the school Principals
monthly, termly and annual management accounts by
and supported by the Group Finance Director, the
using the financial system of the company.
Muscat-based Finance Manager will provide an
efficient and responsive strategic, administrative and
Other responsibilities comprise managing the annual
organisational finance service to both schools in
audit of accounts, procurement and the day-to-
line with company and regulatory financial policies
day management of the finance office and line
and procedures. This will be achieved by providing
management of members of the finance team.
professional skills and technical capabilities, specialist
subject knowledge (including financial legislation
and regulation), integrity in decision making and
Key Responsibilities
operational activity that is required for the effective
operations of finance at Cheltenham Muscat and
School Values and Ethos
Downe House Muscat.
• Actively promote our unique vision through
enthusiastic participation in all areas of school life.
• Always set high expectations, which inspire,
motivate and support colleagues.

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Muscat

• Ensure that you comply with all rules, policies and them through to payment.
procedures implemented by the schools.
• To ensure that you model the speaking of English
when in the presence of pupils and in public areas Management Reporting
of the school. • Prepare the allocated Balance Sheet reconciliations
• To respect and support Omani culture. schedules each month and file them ready for
review by the Group Finance Director.
• Prepare the draft budget and supporting reports
Safeguarding Responsibilities with the Group Finance Director taking into account
• To comply with all safeguarding policies and fees, salaries and all expenses known at the time.
procedures and ensure that any safeguarding Ensure there are supporting schedules to back up
concerns are reported in line with policy. the budgets.

• To demonstrate a personal commitment to • Prepare and present the standard monthly pack
safeguarding and wellbeing. for review by the school management, General
Manager, the Group Finance Director and the
• To engage fully in all safeguarding training as
Board.
required.
• Drive consistency and contribute to the
development of management reporting at all
Bookkeeping stages of the process
• Provide financial advice and analysis as requested
• Making sure that account balances are up to date.
to all stakeholders.
• Checking and verifying source documents such as
• Ensure the robustness, quality and timeliness of the
invoices, receipts and computer printouts.
information provided.
• Allocating and posting financial transaction details
• Accurate financial reporting and control to manage
to subsidiary books.
cash-flow with monthly forecast updates.
• Transferring data to general ledger.
• Reconciling and balancing all accounts.
• Collecting information for, and preparing and Procurement
processing payroll for employees. • Work with the Operations Manager to secure best
• Maintaining internal control systems. value for money on all purchases.
• Processing payments on behalf of the company. • Ensure the purchasing and procurement policies
• Complying with relevant reporting requirements are fully implemented.
and financial laws and regulations. • Offer solutions and recommendations for preferred
• Maintaining complete filing system to support all suppliers.
financial records. • Oversee and manage all financial aspects of the
• Maintaining the school’s Fixed Asset Register procurement process across both schools.
by keeping an up-to-date record of assets and
depreciation in line with the school’s depreciation
policy for assets.
Other
• Manage accounts receivable and ensure invoices • Manage School Lettings and extra-curricular
and reminders are sent out in a timely fashion financial transactions including the Academy
along with regular monitoring of aged receivables. Muscat.
• Perform the full Purchase Ledger tasks - raising • Suggesting changes or improvements to increase
PO’s, receiving the goods/services, entering the accuracy, efficiency and cost reductions.
invoices into the accounting system and seeing • Working with the Group Finance Director,

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 Downe House
Muscat

undertake cost-benefit analysis and prepare notwithstanding issues of confidentiality and tact;
options and studies for new projects. act with honesty and transparency with regard to
• Perform projects and cost saving initiatives. your work.
• Use and maintain the financial and management • Identify and improve those areas relevant to your
reporting systems (PASS Finance) role that need to move from good to outstanding.
• Provision of training to all team members. • Maintain school policies and procedures relevant to
your area and update whenever required.
• Liaise with parents on matters relating to fees and
school trip costs. • Be present where required at meetings,
performances and other functions/events.
• Prepare management reports such as debtors and
follow up late receipts. • Undertake a proactive part in those activities
that are part of the self-evaluation of the school,
• Liaise and provide school information, statutory
upholding the standards of the school in all
and voluntary returns to the Auditors and the Bank.
areas, being present around school, working with
Maintain the staff ESB file each month. Ensure
appraisals, performance and line management
these are all reviewed and approved by the Group
systems.
Finance Director before submission.
• Work as part of a team submitting draft proposals
• Maintain all insurances for the school to avert risks.
and documents for further development by the
• Submission of insurance claims. Leadership Team and accepting and supporting
• Keep abreast of statutory requirements relating to final leadership.
school accounts, finance and tax developments. • All members are encouraged to express their views
Any updates should be shared within the Group but are expected to work to the majority decision
Finance Director and team. or the final decision of the Principal.
• Ensure the school’s financial affairs are operating • Manage conflicting needs of transparency and
according to best practice. confidentiality at all times working as one team
• Maintain excellent relations with the auditors and with the staff.
bank. • Avoid a ‘them and us’ culture.
• Keen oversight of utilities contracts to achieve best
value for money.
• Have to undertake any other task commensurate
with the role of Finance Manager.
Person Specification
• Work with Human Resources on the monthly
payroll and bank upload. Implement improvements Essential
when possible.
• Educated to degree level and evidence of
• Manage PASI payments. further study and/or additional qualifications in
• Support the Group Finance Director with any ad- administration and/or management.
hoc analysis. • At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Manage the accounts and annual audit for • An active, approachable and engaging presence for
EduReach & Co LLC. all staff, pupils and parents.
• To fulfil any reasonable additional responsibilities • Good ICT skills with databases, spreadsheets and
as requested. word processing.
• Good typing and note-taking skills.

Professional Standards • A knowledge and understanding of education

HR, labour law and relationship management is
• Act with professional integrity at all times, desirable but not essential.

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Muscat

• Experience working in an administrative role within communications across wide audience; open to
a school is an advantage. challenge and willing to challenge; direct; clear
• A track record of proven delivery, demonstrating and persuasive; simplify complex or confusing
both creative and analytical skills. situations into concise narrative.
• An ability to manage tasks, teams and work streams • Team builder and coach – inspires and supports
with two or more stakeholders using a collaborative others; ‘team first’ attitude.
and professional approach and to operate well • Highly inquisitive and informed – intellectually
under pressure. curious, extending beyond functional area and
• An ability to work independently – but know when expertise.
to seek guidance- and deliver to deadlines. • Open minded, collaborative and optimistic, yet
realistic – solutions focused; broad business-based
and practical perspective.
Proven high level skills in the following areas • Respectful, professional bearing – sensitive to
• Communication and literacy. multi-cultural differences; build and sustain
• Relationship management. professional rapport with functional leaders;
unafraid to challenge contrary viewpoints with the
• Personal organisation and time management: an
tact and diplomacy.
ability to prioritise, to work flexibly, to work to tight
deadlines, to complete tasks. • Be willing to work hard and with enthusiasm,
avoiding a “nine-to-five” approach.
• The ability to manage others.

Personal Characteristics Salary and Benefits

• Must be reliable and possess integrity.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality. Terms and Conditions
• Have strong inter-personal skills and be self-
The post attracts a competitive tax free salary and
confident.
a benefits package appropriate for the experience,
• Have excellent communication skills, both orally
skills and personal circumstances of the successful
and in writing.
candidate.
• Proactive and dynamic – ‘makes things happen’
action bias; high-degree personal accountability;
self-managing and self-starting; drive and Benefits include:
motivation to follow-through and meet deadlines.
• School Fees Remission for up to 2 children at either
• Organised and disciplined – effectively prioritise
Cheltenham Muscat or Downe House Muscat
and multi-task; methodical organisation
• Personal medical insurance
techniques.
• PASI pension contributions in accordance with
• Flexible and resourceful – adaptable to unplanned,
Omani Labour Law
fast changing or ‘less than perfect’ situations;
tolerant of and calm in un-controllable situations or
and circumstances. • End of Service Gratuity payment in accordance with
• Creative and insightful – ‘big picture’ school- Omani Labour Law
wide vantage; translate goals and objectives to
milestones; distil data and discern trends and
relationships; understand root cause and effect.
• Engaging communicator – written and verbal

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Muscat

How to Apply Safeguarding and Data Protection

To apply, please consider the details of this candidate Cheltenham Muscat and Downe House Muscat are
information pack, complete all sections of the committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare
application form including the supporting statement of children and expects all the staff to respect this
that sets out your interest in this position and how you commitment.
meet the requirements of the role and your ambitions
for the school. Completed applications should be sent The post is subject to applicants providing a
to careers@cheltenhammuscat.com by the closing satisfactory Police Clearance Certificate from their
date. home country that is less than three (3) months old.
Three satisfactory professional references will also be
Please note that we will not consider applications required.
without this completed application form.
If successful and if applicable, for visa purposes
To apply please complete the application form applicants will need to supply relevant degree
and email to careers@cheltenhammuscat.com by certificates, university transcripts and proof of being
Wednesday 26th July 2023. a ‘full time’ student. These documents will need to be
attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Oman
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Early Embassy in the applicant’s home country.
application is advised with interviews possibly being
arranged in advance of the closing date. We reserves By applying to this post, you agree to your data being
the right to make an appointment before the closing held and processed by the schools and its affiliates.
date. If you are appointed to the post, you also agree to
additional information, including sensitive data such as
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, bank details and medical information, being held by the
please email careers@cheltenhammuscat.com. schools and their affiliates.

Please visit www.cheltenhammuscat.com and www.

downehousemuscat.com for further information about
the schools.

Finance Manager | Job Description and Person Specification 5