Elon Acadamy Job Vacancy 2026
Role description
Elon Academy is seeking an experienced, analytical, and highly structured Head of Finance to lead its financial strategy, accounting operations, compliance, and fiscal resource management. The position is responsible for maintaining strong financial controls, supporting institutional decision-making, and ensuring the academy’s long-term financial health.
Prior experience managing financial operations within an educational institution or private school environment is strongly preferred.
Position: Head of Finance
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
- Master’s degree (MBA, MSc in Finance) or professional accounting certification such as CPA or ACCA is strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive financial and accounting experience.
- At least 3–5 years in a senior management role such as Head of Finance, Finance Manager, or Chief Accountant.
- Experience working in a K–12 school, college, or private educational setting is a distinct advantage.
Technical Competencies:
- Demonstrated mastery of financial software/ERPs such as Peachtree/Sage, QuickBooks, or school management ERPs.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- In-depth knowledge of Ethiopian tax frameworks, payroll management, legal compliance, and statutory reporting.
Soft Skills:
- Exceptional leadership and strategic thinking.
- Transparent communication.
- High ethical standards.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Strong team management and decision-making abilities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Financial Leadership & Planning
- Formulate and implement comprehensive long-term financial strategies aligned with the institution’s growth and operational goals.
- Lead the annual operational and capital budgeting process, conducting variance analysis and monthly forecast updates.
- Provide strategic financial recommendations to senior leadership and board members to support key decision-making.
2. Financial Reporting & Operations Management
- Oversee end-to-end accounting processes, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger reconciliation, and treasury management.
- Prepare and present accurate, timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with standard accounting practices and local regulatory standards.
- Optimize cash flow forecasting, reserve funds, and liquidity management to ensure continuous operational stability.
3. Internal Controls, Audit & Compliance
- Design, implement, and enforce robust internal financial control policies to safeguard organizational assets and mitigate operational risk.
- Ensure strict adherence to Ethiopian tax laws, labor laws (Proclamation No. 1156/2019 and amendments), statutory deductions, and reporting obligations.
- Coordinate and manage external audits, liaising with regulatory bodies, banks, legal counsel, and financial auditors.
4. School / Institutional Financial Operations
- Manage tuition fee collection systems, billing structures, payment terms, and installment tracking mechanisms.
- Oversee school-specific operational budgets, including instructional materials, facility maintenance, student services, and campus programs.
- Monitor vendor contracts, procurement processes, and cost-control initiatives for operations.
5. Team Leadership & Oversight
- Direct, mentor, and evaluate finance and accounting personnel.
- Foster a high-performance, accountable culture within the finance department through continuous professional development.
Duty Station / Location: Haya Hulet, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia