Finance and Audit Lead
Description
Senior Accountant
Sancta Maria, Hyderabad I Full-time I On-campus role
Hyderabad, India
Department: Finance
Reports To: AGM – Finance
Employment Type: Full-time
About Sancta Maria
Sancta Maria International School is an international curriculum, co-educational day school in Hyderabad. The school is part of the Saint Mary’s Educational Society founded in 1982. Founded in 2010, we are a Cambridge Pathway School affiliated to the Cambridge International board offering learners from Cambridge Early Years to Grade 12, a seamless progression across Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary and Cambridge Advanced stages. Sancta Maria is also a Cambridge approved Professional Development Centre offering a range of Cambridge assessed qualifications in teaching and learning.
Our vision is to unlock the potential of every learner for a better world. We value our community relationships with parents and families, and together, we do the best for our children as partners and critical friends. Sancta Maria is driven by the motto ‘In Omnia Excellentia’, which means ‘Excellence in Everything’.
Sancta Maria and International Schools Partnership
One of our commitments to achieve our vision is to build meaningful partnerships with global organisations for a lasting positive impact. We believe the next stage of our development will be greatly enhanced by our association with the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a leading global educational provider with a network of over 81 schools around the world.
Through this association International Schools Partnership (ISP) will be offering service arrangements to the school and together, we strive towards creating an amazing learning experience for learners and teachers; operate effectively; and learn continuously. Please go through the annexure for more information.
Position Overview
The Senior Accountant will play a crucial role in managing the school’s financial health by ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all accounting processes. This role requires strong technical accounting skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced educational environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Handle general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and closing activities.
- Oversee accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), fee collections, and payroll accounting.
- Assist in the preparation of annual budgets in collaboration with the finance and leadership team.
- Monitor budget utilization and prepare variance analysis reports.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including GST, TDS, PF, ESI, and other regulatory filings.
- Coordinate internal and external audits; prepare necessary documentation and responses.
- Manage fee accounting, concessions, refunds, and reconciliation with the admissions team.
- Collaborate with HR, Transport, Facilities, and Academic departments for financial matters.
- Support capex/opex planning and analysis as required.
- Drive automation and digital transformation in accounting workflows.
- Improve financial reporting accuracy, timelines, and control processes.
Required Qualifications
- Bcom/Mcom/MBA
- Professional certifications such as CA Inter / CMA Inter are an advantage.
- Minimum 5–7 years of accounting experience, preferably in schools, universities, or service organizations.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, ERP systems, GST, TDS, and statutory compliance.
Key Skills & Competencies
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in MS Excel and accounting software (NetSuite).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.