Regional Finance Director

ISP Regional Finance Director (India) Role Profile

Purpose of RoleReporting to the Regional Managing Director (RMD), with a dotted line to the Divisional CFO, the individual will be responsible for business partnering with the RMD and have full responsibility for all aspects of reporting (management accounts, budgeting, KPIs, consolidation, cash, tax and statutory reporting) for the region.

ISP Regional Finance Director Key Responsibilities

Commercial business partnering with the Regional MDSetting budgets, forecasts and targets for the regionMonitor performance such that budgets and targets are achievedIdentifying opportunities for growing enrolmentsEnsuring schools costs are controlled within agreed budgetsDrive understanding and accountability of financial performance across region

IntegrationWorking closely with the ISP group finance team in London to ensure that acquired schools are integrated into ISP processes and ISP reporting in a timely mannerImplementing ISP’s accounting policies and other group policies

Management ReportingConsolidate and review the regional monthly results and reporting on variances against budget and prior year for all schools in the regionReporting on KPIs with commentary, making clear link to the key drivers, impacting the P&L performance versus budget assumptionsDid we need to add in importance of LTM (last 12 months) and proforma reporting for new acquisitionsLead on the financial aspects of integration post-acquisition of new schools

Cash FlowResponsible for ensuring that local cash management is optimisedCash pooling is in place where possibleWorking with the ISP Head of Treasury & Tax to ensure that cash flows are forecast accurately, and that surplus cash is repatriated to the UK

Statutory ReportingFirst point of contact with Group and local auditors for the regionEnsure that the Statutory Reporting of all legal entities in these counties is completed on timeRegular balance sheet reconciliations / Appropriate internal controlsMaintain a reconciliation between statutory and management reporting

TaxWork with schools to develop strategies, policies and plans to ensure that the schools are fully tax compliantEnsure the policy, procedures and practices relating to taxation comply fully with all legal and regulatory requirements and codes of practice / conductLiaising with external tax advisors as appropriateMaintain a good technical knowledge of relevant tax policies and processes

SystemsResponsible for helping to implement the ISP core accounting platform, Netsuite, and supporting the implementation of other key ISP core systems such as Engage (MIS), Cezanne (HR) and 360 (Health & Safety)Support the Group Financial Systems Administrator, where necessary, to maintain fit-for-purpose Management Reporting Systems, for the region.Provide feedback, suggestions and input from the region, to help develop the systems and facilitate efficient and consistent finance processes and reporting across the region.

Team LeadershipA key representative for ISP in the regionProvide leadership across the region together with the Regional Managing Director and the Regional SMT team members, including Heads of Schools and functional heads.Provide leadership to all finance personnel in the regionMember of ISP’s Group Finance Legal and Technology Leadership team

Skills, Qualifications and ExperienceQualified accountant, ideally big 4 qualified with significant experience of operating at a senior level in a commercial environment, ideally in a senior financial role reporting into an overseas Head Office structureFluent in EnglishHas worked in the region and understands the regions culture and its impact on doing business in an international groupComfortable in setting policy and direction and influencing others in the achievement of objectives, also in areas other than own expertise areaDemonstrable success in previous roles requiring commercial, business and strategic understandingStrong understanding of tax and statutory accounting issues in the regionKnowledge of IFRSStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at senior levels of the organisation and influence key stakeholders. Ability to understand the business context to draw an appropriate balance between control and giving schools freedom to operateStrong people management skills and emotional intelligenceIdeally will possess some international experienceFlexibility and a willingness to travel across the region

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding PrinciplesISP 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, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and BelongingISP 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.