Director of Finance

Wellington College International Lagos (WCIL) is a new world-class co-educational day and boarding school opening in September 2027 in Alaro City, Lagos, Nigeria. The school is a partnership between Wellington College International (WCI), the global arm of the prestigious Wellington College in the UK and Rendeavour, Africa’s largest new city developer.

WCIL will serve 1,500 pupils aged 3–18, delivering an outstanding holistic education rooted in the English National Curriculum, leading up to A-Levels. The school will offer exceptional teaching and facilities across academics, sports, music, and the arts, while also pioneering education in AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The school reflects the ethos and values of Wellington College, UK, a leading British institution founded in 1853 and renowned for academic excellence, character development, and its commitment to five core values: Kindness, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Responsibility. WCIL will uphold these values throughout its culture, recruitment, and educational approach.

As part of the Wellington global network which includes successful schools in China, Thailand, and India—WCIL will benefit from deep educational expertise, international collaboration, and continuous quality assurance.

Located in Alaro City, a 2,000-hectare modern, secure, master-planned urban development within the Lekki Free Zone, WCIL offers an inspiring environment for both students and staff. Alaro City provides high-quality infrastructure, growing residential and leisure amenities, and excellent safety standards, making it an attractive destination for top teaching and administrative talent.

WCIL is poised to redefine premium education in West Africa, bringing global best practice and Wellington heritage closer to home for Nigerian and international families

Position: Director of Finance / School Bursar
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent

Core Responsibilities

1. 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.

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.

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.