Finance Director

Inspire Learning to Build Our Better World.

At the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), we are committed to providing an exceptional education that empowers learners to take initiative and drive positive change. Our vision is to inspire learning to build a better world. We seek a dedicated and passionate professional who aligns with our commitment to excellence and believes in the transformative power of education. Every team member is crucial in creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment. At AISJ, we value every employee as a learner and expect them to embody and support the AISJ Portrait of a Learner through their work. We are dedicated to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within our school community.

Position Overview:

The Finance Director serves as AISJ’s senior financial leader and a strategic partner to the School Director and the Board. This position is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, ensuring the school’s financial sustainability, and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship. The Finance Director works closely with the Board’s Finance Committee and serves as a key advisor on financial policies, long-term planning, and operational efficiency. This role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in financial management, strong interpersonal and leadership skills, cultural competence, and a commitment to educational excellence.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (MBA preferred)
• Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CA(SA), or equivalent South African qualification)
• Minimum 10 years of progressive financial management experience
• Strong understanding of international accounting standards (IFRS) and South African financial regulations
• Demonstrated experience in educational institutions, non-profit organizations, or complex multinational organizations
• Extensive knowledge of South African laws and regulations, including:
• South African Revenue Service (SARS)
• Banking and Exchange Regulations

Duties and Responsibilities Include, but Are Not Limited To:

Non-profit/Educational Organization Requirements:

• Experience managing tuition-based revenue models and financial aid programs
• Experience with dual currency operations, foreign exchange management, and investment strategies
• Proven ability to lead financial technology initiatives, including automation and digital transformation
• Track record of successful financial planning, budgeting, auditing, and implementation of financial controls
• Experience with enterprise risk management and compliance
• Background in fundraising, grant writing, and alternative revenue stream development is a plus
• Strategic financial leadership and operational management capabilities
• Excellence in budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
• Strong understanding of risk management, internal controls, and financial governance
• Proficiency in financial systems and school-specific enterprise resource planning (ERP) software
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Cultural competence and demonstrated success in diverse, international environments
• Strong ethical framework and commitment to transparency and accountability
• Collaborative leadership style with strong team-building and mentoring skills
• Change management expertise to drive financial process improvements

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with AISJ’s mission and long-term goals
• Provide strategic financial advice to the School Director and Board
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability through prudent financial planning and investment strategies
• Oversee tuition fee structuring, ensuring competitive market positioning
• Explore alternative revenue streams, including endowments, fundraising, and grants
• Manage school investments and banking relationships to maximize returns

Operational Management:

• Direct all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, payroll, and reporting
• Lead the preparation of financial statements in compliance with local regulations and international standards
• Ensure compliance with international and South African financial regulations
• Oversee annual audits, coordinate with external auditors to ensure smooth audit processes, and manage financial reporting to the Board and external regulators
• Supervise, develop, and mentor the finance team
• Oversee procurement, contract negotiations, and vendor financial relationships
• Maintain robust internal control systems and ensure financial governance best practices
• Manage school insurance, financial risk mitigation strategies, and compliance reporting
• Develop and implement policies for financial aid, tuition collection, and risk management
• Monitor and control revenue receipts, payroll operations, and expenditures

Governance & Board Engagement:

• Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and risk assessments to the Board’s Finance Committee
• Advise the Board on financial policies, investment strategies, and fiscal decision-making
• Provide financial modeling and strategic insights for key governance discussions

Community Engagement & Educational Mission:

• Foster transparent financial communications with school leadership and stakeholders
• Support divisional administrators in achieving strategic objectives
• Participate in school community events and initiatives to build financial literacy and trust
• Demonstrate commitment to AISJ’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles
• Prepare the annual budgets and long-term financial plan (in conjunction with the School Director) for approval by the Board of Directors
• Prepare the annual financial statements
• Receive audit reports and develop action plans to implement recommendations
• Ensure that there are adequate internal financial controls in operation and that they are documented
• Update/maintain the school’s financial system
• Monitor, and approve when applicable, spending against budget and report variances
• Produce financial reports as requested by the School Director
• Prepare reports and financial statements on a monthly basis for the Finance Committee
• Manage the bank accounts and monitor cash flows
• Ensure all financial legislation is adhered to
• Monitor and control revenue receipts, including a review of the reconciliation between account receivables general ledger and the invoices and exception reports
• Monitor and control all payroll payments to local and overseas staff in accordance with the Income Tax Act and other payroll related acts and regulations, including a review of the reconciliation between the general ledger and the payroll and exception reports
• Oversee the procurement function, including maintenance of contract data and negotiation of large contracts
• Manage the finance department, including assessment of training needs and performance appraisal

WORKING HOURS:

This is a 45-hour per week position and may be required to work longer hours. Finance Director will work from the Johannesburg campus Business Office with occasional visits to the Pretoria campus as required.

All community members are expected to be committed to the AISJ Community Principles:

• We are better when we act together.
• Our differences make us stronger.
• Every team needs individuals. Every individual needs a team.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please complete the electronic form [Click here]. Information captured will be securely stored and used for a reference check on the candidate’s compatibility. AISJ reserves the right to appoint the strongest candidate before the closing date if required.

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION:

AISJ maintains robust child protection policies to ensure a safe, secure, and caring environment for our students. All employees must undergo criminal background checks, attend annual training, and sign a safeguarding agreement.

PRIVACY:

By submitting your CV, you consent to AISJ processing your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, accessible at AISJ Privacy Policy, and under the Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013.