AAESS Finance Executive- Immediate Start

Job overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Finance Executive to join our team at Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS). The successful candidate will support the school’s finance function by ensuring accurate financial records, effective controls, and timely reporting, while working closely with internal stakeholders to support the smooth day-to-day financial operations of the school.

This role is ideal for a finance professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced educational environment and is committed to accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement.

About AAESS:Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain with a reputation that goes beyond the city boundaries. It sits in the ‘Garden City’ renowned for being an oasis in the desert. AAESS is an all through school with over 2200 children from 3 to 19 and continually growing. The campus is spacious and welcoming and prides itself with good facilities such as our fantastic indoor swimming pool; floodlit tennis courts; 566 seat auditoriums; food prep and nutrition kitchen; automotive garage; TV & radio production studio and two Apple Mac suites. We deliver the British Curriculum and offer i GCSE, AS and A Levels, with our 6th Form students securing places in prestigious universities all over the world.

Al Ain English Speaking School is the first school in Al Ain to hold the British Schools Overseas Award, where we are endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. Additionally, the school holds the prestigious Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of its students and staff.

Al Ain English Speaking School is a caring and multicultural community that enables all individuals to realise their potential in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. We value enquiry, perseverance, and reflection, treating one another with respect and integrity, while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.

About Cognita:Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

Role Purpose:

The Finance Executive supports accurate financial accounting, reporting, and administrative processes across multiple entities. The role ensures high‑quality bookkeeping, reconciliations, accounts processing, compliance with internal controls, and timely month‑end closures. This function works closely with Procurement, AP, AR, and external auditors. The role also provides operational support to schools, including AR cover when required.

Key Accountabilities:

Financial Accuracy & Compliance

Support accurate month‑end close and timely preparation of the Trial Balance. Compliance with IFRS, Cognita internal accounting policies, and audit standards. Accurate recognition and management of prepayments and accruals. Support maintaining accurate fixed asset registers, AUC movements, and depreciation.

Reconciliations & Controls

Ensuring all bank, credit card, and b/s reconciliations are completed accurately and on time. Maintaining strong internal controls and ensuring supporting documentation is audit‑ready. Ensuring completeness of cross‑charges and intercompany reconciliations.

Financial Reporting & Planning

Supporting monthly reporting, variance analysis, and performance packs. Contributing to budget preparation and quarterly forecasting cycles. Maintaining accurate data for cashflow forecasting.

Stakeholder Partnership

Providing reliable financial information and support to internal stakeholders. Supporting the Finance Manager with delegated tasks. Providing AR Executive cover in schools as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Month-End Close & Reporting

Support month-end close activities and Trial Balance preparation. Prepare and post prepayments and accruals. Assist in delivering monthly performance packs and variance analysis. Support the annual budgeting process and quarterly forecasting. Support reporting and budget tracking requirements.

Reconciliations & Compliance

Prepare bank reconciliations on time. Complete credit card reconciliations and investigate outstanding items. Provide supporting documentation and schedules for audits. Ensure correct accounting for intercompany transactions and cross-charges.

VAT & Treasury

Support VAT filing preparations, schedules, and submissions. Support cashflow preparation and monitoring.

CAPEX & Fixed Assets

Support FA proposals, approvals, and CAPEX tracking. Maintain and track Assets Under Construction (AUC). Assist with depreciation calculations and reconciliations.

Systems & Process Support

Ensure accurate transaction processing in ERP systems (e.g., Net Suite). Assist in improving R2R processes and month-end workflows. Support setup and maintenance of finance-related access and system configurations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-functional Support

Resolve finance-related queries for schools and internal teams. Provide support to the Finance Manager as needed. Provide school-based cover for the AR Executive when required

Person Specification

Qualifications

Professional certification (ACCA, CMA, CPA, or equivalent) preferred but not required. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field. Proficiency in ERP solutions (e.g., Net Suite, NSPB Planning, Excel).

Experience

2–4 years of hands‑on accounting experience Experience in education, or multinational environments preferred. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. How to Apply:If you are a detail-driven finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you. To support your application, please submit your current, up-to-date CV and ensure your application is completed in full before the closing date. Closing Date for Applications: 20th February 2026.

Al Ain English Speaking School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant