About Cognita Asia

Cognita Asia currently operates 11 schools in 5 countries, with more than 16,000 students. While our schools are part of a Group, they are unique in many ways. In Cognita Asia, we have a robust regional team that supports our schools. The team is based in Singapore and provides centralized support across various functions. We are looking for dynamic individuals who thrive in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Our Regional team now has an exciting opportunity for a Financial Controller, Asia to join our fantastic team.

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.

About the role
The Financial Controller, Asia will be responsible for all controlling and governance related aspects of the regional finances such as financial and fiscal close and audit processes, ensuring compliance with internal reporting requirements, treasury, tax, and insurance.

Responsibilities will also include the continuous assessment and improvement of finance related processes (e.g. revenue operations, procurement and purchasing) and related systems, as well as leading on the integration of such processes for existing and newly acquired schools.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

Lead, coach and develop a regional financial controlling team
As a member of the Asia Finance Leadership team, provide support to the whole Asia Finance team including ensuring career development and sound performance management practices are cultivated
Act as the interface between the Cognita Group Finance team and the Asia regional finance teams on finance matters

Governance

Support the CFO in all governance related matters
Liaise with the groups auditors and local lawyers to ensure all statutory obligations are met in a timely manner
Develop and maintain policies and procedures for safeguarding assets
Ensure internal controls and processes are robust, reliable and efficient and align to the Cognita Group policies and guidelines

FP&A support

Support the Asia schools Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) teams to produce timely, accurate and insightful consolidated monthly financial information and to manage the reporting and planning processes in compliance with timelines

Financial Control

Oversee the statutory audit and tax compliance process ensure financial statements and tax filings are completed accurately and on time in each jurisdiction
Provide input and execution of global, regional and country accounting related policies and procedures.
Oversee debt and covenant reporting requirements ensuring management within the different businesses so deadlines are met. This will involve engaging directly with the debt providers and the entities.
Manage the banking relationships across the region
Manage the insurance renewal process and make sure appropriate insurance is in place within the region

Integration and consolidation

Lead the financial integration process for acquired or newly built schools
Oversee regional finance processes (such as revenue operations, purchasing and payments) and manage change initiatives
Act as the interface between the Cognita Group teams and the Asia regional finance teams on the assessment and implementation of finance and related systems

The job holder's responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young person's for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm either at school or at home, s/he must report any concerns to the School's Child Protection Officer/Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Head or indeed to the Regional CEO so that a referral can be made accordingly to the relevant third party services.

Position Requirements

Strong leadership skills with an ability to motivate and coach teams to achieve high performance
Team player with a collaborative working style
Highly motivated with an eye for detail and quality of work
Effective communicator with strong written, verbal and presentation skills
Strong understanding of finance operations, compliance processes and monitoring
Proven track record of working in a fast moving and growing organisation with an aptitude for change

Qualifications

Degree qualified in finance or accounting with a CA/CPA
10-15 years relevant experience in finance and accounting, ideally in regional or global exposure
3-5 years of leadership and team management experience
Conversant in International Accounting Standards and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards

Contacts

Asia CFO and Regional office team
Heads of Schools and school management
School finance teams
Regional banks
Group finance team

Working Conditions

Based within the Regional office in Singapore
Extended working hours to meet deadlines / regional or global meetings as required
Periodic travel to schools across the Asia region to support as needed
20 days annual leave
Medical insurance cover
Hybrid work environment

For interested applicants, please submit your applications directly via: https://cognitapeople.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/1726c=cognitapeople&sq=req1726&source=MyCareersFuture

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