Cost Accountant

Woodcreek Schools Limited is an educational institution committed to providing quality education. The school aims to ensure effective financial planning, control, and decision-making across its operations to support its mission.

The Cost Accountant will work closely with the Senior Accountant and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to prepare essential financial documents such as monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts, financial analyses, reconciliations, and performance reports. This position is vital for ensuring that all financial information is precise, current, and valuable for management's strategic and operational decisions, thereby supporting the school's overall financial health and efficiency.

1. Support the preparation of monthly management accounts, financial reports, supporting schedules, and reconciliations.
2. Analyze actual financial performance against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods, highlighting significant variances.
3. Assist in the annual budgeting process, including departmental budgets, financial forecasts, and cash flow projections.
4. Prepare financial analyses, trend and variance analyses, cost models, and business cases to support operational and strategic decision-making.
5. Support the analysis of the School's various revenue streams, including tuition, enrolment, boarding, transport, activities, and other income.
6. Monitor departmental expenditure against approved budgets and help identify overspending, financial risks, and potential cost efficiencies.
7. Support month-end and year-end closing procedures, general ledger reconciliations, journal preparation, and investigation of accounting discrepancies.
8. Assist in monitoring capital expenditure, capital projects, and fixed asset accounting and reporting.
9. Help maintain effective financial controls, policies, and procedures, and prepare supporting documentation for internal and external audits.
10. Collaborate with Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Procurement, Business Development, Heads of Department, and other budget holders to provide accurate financial information and support.
11. Maintain accurate financial records, supporting documentation, and audit trails, ensuring compliance with School policies and applicable accounting standards.
12. Perform additional finance-related duties as assigned by the Senior Accountant or CFO.

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business, or a related discipline.
2. Possess a professional accounting qualification such as CPA(K), ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent, or be making advanced progress towards one.
3. Have a minimum of three (3) years of relevant accounting experience, preferably including management accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis.
4. Demonstrate a good understanding of management accounts, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and financial controls.
5. Possess strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with accounting or ERP systems.
6. Exhibit strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
7. Have good organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet strict reporting deadlines.
8. Show strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with non-finance colleagues.
9. Maintain high levels of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
10. Adopt a proactive, solution-oriented approach and be capable of working both independently and collaboratively.