Accounts Receivable Manager

Job Description

Job Description

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Scroll down to find the complete details of the job offer, including experience required and associated duties and tasks.

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The Accounts Receivable Controller plays a key role in the financial management of the School, ensuring the accurate and timely billing, reconciliation, and collection of all tuition, transport, financial aid, after-school, and extracurricular fees. The role manages billing and collection processes for over 900 families and partner organisations, ensuring data accuracy, financial compliance, and an exceptional level of customer service.

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This position supports approximately £50 million in annual tuition and related income and requires a detail-oriented, technology-savvy, and proactive professional capable of operating efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

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Key Responsibilities Billing and Data Management

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• Manage end-to-end billing for tuition, transportation, financial aid, after-school programs, and all ancillary charges for the School and its subsidiary.

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• Maintain accurate family and student billing records in the school's finance and student information systems (Microsoft Dynamics Business Central).

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• Collaborate with Admissions, and departmental administrators and other internal stakeholders to ensure timely updates to student and fee data.

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• Generate, review, and distribute invoices within strict deadlines; ensure compliance with Accounting and VAT regulations as well as school policies and contractual obligations.

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• Monitor and reconcile data between finance, admissions, and student databases to ensure billing integrity.

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• Prepare and maintain accurate audit trails for all transactions.

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Collections and Customer Relations

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• Manage the collection of fees and ensure that payments are received in line with the School's terms and conditions.

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• Communicate effectively and empathetically with parents, companies, and sponsors regarding outstanding balances.

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• Negotiate payment plans where appropriate, maintaining professionalism and discretion when dealing with sensitive personal circumstances.

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• Work collaboratively with the Finance Manager and Director of Finance & Operations to review overdue accounts and agree on next steps.

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Reconciliation and Reporting

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• Perform regular reconciliations between the fees ledger, bank accounts, and other sub-ledgers.

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• Analyse billing and cash flow trends; prepare reports for management, auditors, and the Board as required.

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• Produce insightful analytical reports on billing to assist in long-term financial planning.

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• Support external audits and provide all necessary documentation related to fees and revenue.

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Systems, Innovation, and Process Improvement

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• Utilise financial systems effectively; identify opportunities to improve automation, reporting accuracy, and user experience.

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• Contribute to digital transformation initiatives such as online payment platforms, automated invoicing, and data analytics tools.

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• Ensure compliance with relevant UK financial, consumer, and data protection legislation, including GDPR, Consumer Credit Act, and HMRC guidelines.

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• Maintain awareness of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and apply appropriate due diligence when processing and verifying payments from individuals and organisations.

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• Identify and escalate potential compliance or irregular payment concerns to the Director of Finance & Operations.

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• Develop and document best practices and standard operating procedures to ensure efficiency and consistency.

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Teamwork and Collaboration

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• Work closely with colleagues across Finance, Admissions, Operations, and Academic departments.

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• Provide support and training to other team members on billing processes and systems.

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• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer service.

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Qualifications and Experience

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Essential

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• A professional qualification in the accounting and finance field or equivalent.

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• Substantive experience in an accounting, billing, or accounts receivable role.

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• Proficiency with financial management systems (e.g. Business Central, iSAMS, Sage, or similar).

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• Advanced Excel and data reconciliation skills.

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• Strong understanding of financial controls and internal audit practices.

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• Awareness of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) principles and responsibilities.

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• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

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Desirable

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• Experience in the education sector, particularly within an international or independent school.

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• Familiarity with financial aid administration, bursaries, or corporate billing.

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• Experience managing large account portfolios (500+ customers).

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• Knowledge of UK accounting standards and charity finance compliance.

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Key Competencies and Attributes

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• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Ensures precision and reliability across all financial processes.

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• Technological Proficiency: Experienced with finance software, databases, and advanced Excel functions.

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• Analytical Thinking: Able to interpret and reconcile complex financial data.

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• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication, with diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.

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• Deadline Management: Works efficiently under pressure, meeting strict billing and reporting deadlines.

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• Compliance Awareness: Understands financial, AML, and data protection responsibilities.

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• Team Player: Collaborative, supportive, and approachable. xohmjla

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• Initiative and Innovation: Continuously looks for ways to improve processes and customer experience.

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