Director of Finance - Wellington College International Lagos, Nigeria

Position Overview

Wellington College International Lagos is currently seeking to recruit a Director of Finance . He / She will work with  the Headmaster and WCIL Board to ensure exemplary financial leadership and management for the school, including oversight of external Service Level Agreements.

The successful candidate will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and report to the Headmaster on a day-to-day basis. The Director of Finance will also be responsible for financial report to the WCIL Board of Governors, including the Operating Company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Financial Leadership & Planning

•  Financial Strategy: Partner with the Head of School and the Board of Governors to develop and implement long-term financial strategies that support the school's educational vision and expansion plans.

•  Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process. Prepare comprehensive financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario models to ensure financial stability and sustainable growth.

•  Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): Appraise and manage major capital projects, including campus development, infrastructure upgrades, and technology investments.

2. Accounting, Reporting & Control

•  Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts for the Board and executive leadership.

•  Audit & Compliance: Act as the primary liaison for external and internal auditors. Ensure compliance with all national statutory reporting requirements, tax regulations, and international accounting standards.

•  Internal Controls: Design, implement, and monitor robust financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard the school’s assets and prevent fraud.

3. Commercial & Revenue Management

•  Fee Management: Oversee the tuition fee billing and collection process. Develop and enforce effective debt recovery policies while maintaining positive relationships with parents.

•  Contract Negotiation: Manage and negotiate commercial contracts with external vendors, including catering, transport, facility management and maintenance, and IT service providers, ensuring maximum value for money.

•  Ensure Service Level providers understand and deliver expected performance standards, responsibilities and costs.

•  Alternative Revenue Generation: Identify and evaluate opportunities to maximize non-fee income, such as facility rentals, summer programs, or sponsorships.

4. Risk Management & Governance

•  Risk Assessment: Maintain the school’s risk register. Identify financial, operational, and legal risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.

•  Insurance: Oversee the school’s insurance portfolio, ensuring adequate coverage for the estate, staff, students, and liabilities.

•  Payroll & Benefits: Oversee the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all academic and non-academic staff, including the management of expatriate benefits and tax structuring.

Education & Professional Certifications

•  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.

•  A recognized professional accounting qualification is mandatory (e.g., ICAN, ACCA, ACA, CPA, or CIMA).

Required Experience

•  10+ years of progressive school financial management experience, with at least 3–5 years' operating at a senior leadership level

•  Prior experience working as a Bursar within the education sector (specifically premium or international schools) is highly desirable.

•  Proven track record in managing complex budgets, cash flow, and driving commercial negotiations.

•  Experience managing cross-functional teams and presenting financial data clearly to non-financial stakeholders, such as a Board of Governors.

Core Competencies

•  High level of commercial acumen and strategic thinking.

•  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the tact to handle sensitive fee-related discussions with parents.

•  Strong proficiency in modern financial management software and ERP systems.

•  Impeccable integrity, ethical standards, and cultural sensitivity.