Wellington College Education (China)

EYCS Finance Manager

ABOUT US

We are learners, connectors and changemakers 

At Wellington College Education (China), we offer a pioneering education to serve and help shape a better world. We inspire our children to be the best version of themselves, to take pride in where they come from and to be the change they wish to see in the world. 

The Wellington College, United Kingdom (TWC)

Wellington College in England was founded by Queen Victoria in 1859 as a national monument to Britain’s most renowned military figure, the Duke of Wellington. Over 160 years later, the College is one of the most respected schools in the United Kingdom and one of its greatest educational institutions — pioneering, innovating, and transforming education for girls and boys. 

Wellington College Education (China) (WCEC)

Wellington College Education (China) is part of Wellington College Education, a global network of schools united by a 160-year history of excellence with roots in the UK. We operate premium international schools under the Wellington brand and bilingual schools under the Hiba brand. We currently have six campuses in four cities in China, including Tianjin, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nantong, with a school soon to open in San Francisco as well. Together, our schools serve more than 5,000 pupils. 

Guided by a shared vision of pioneering education to serve and help shape a better world, we are an inclusive community of unique individuals with passion, integrity

and a commitment to our pupils and each other. Grounded in our five core values, we are a workplace where ideas are realised, bonds are forged and futures

can be shaped together as one team, one family. 

WCEC Central Office 

To support our schools in achieving excellence, a group of senior leaders in the Central Office set standards and strengthen operations. The Central Office provides expertise in human resources, finance, legal, marketing, facilities, academics and more. It provides support for schools within the organisation while leading new projects in China and beyond, from the design to curriculum development to pre-opening, the team plays a vital role across the organisation. 

Working for Wellington College Education (China) 

WCEC is an inclusive community of unique individuals with passion, integrity and a commitment to each other. Grounded in the Wellington Values, we are a workplace where ideas are realised, bonds are forged and futures can be shaped together.

We empower our employees to grow, with a confidence that inspires our colleagues, opens new opportunities and adds real value to everything we do.

At Wellington, we are our people, and we pride ourselves on the care and opportunities we provide to our employees. Over 50% of our most senior leaders are promoted internally. We offer an exceptional range of learning and development opportunities. These include our internal and external coaching programmes, the WCEC High Potential Leadership Programme and a wide range of academic and non-academic training courses designed to take employees through to middle leadership, senior leadership and beyond. To view our full directory of learning and development opportunities, please see the WCEC Course Directory.

Wellington College Education (China) has been awarded the HR Asia ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia’ Award for 5 years running. 

Role Description

JOB TITLE

Finance Manager

DEPARTMENT

Finance

LOCATION

Shanghai

LINE MANAGEMENT

(Associate) Bursar

OBJECTIVES

The Finance Manager is a qualified accountant (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent), and will provide leadership to ensure excellent financial management.   Under the line management of the Bursar, the Finance Manager will ensure that an adequate control structure is in place over financial management. Further, the Finance Manager engages in financial analysis in such areas as forecasting, budgeting, cost management and reviewing operational performance.  The Finance Manager will also support the Master and Bursar in implementing overall strategy for the College, and work closely with other departments such as Operations, HR, IT, Facilities, EHS, Admissions and Marketing for financial aspects as required.

The professional image and conduct of this person is crucial in emulating the ethos of the setting. Reporting to the Bursar, the Finance Manager must operate in a timely, determined and effective manner at all times.   Autonomous, dedicated, determined and professional behaviour will be key features of the post-holder’s practice, and these will be consistently demonstrated at all times. The post-holder must be able to communicate effectively with team members, across disciplines and with external agents involved. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for managing cashflows and supervision over all financial transactions, including timely collection of fees and setting appropriate payment terms for vendors
• Oversee daily cashflow management and prepare monthly cashflow forecasts
• Review the weekly payment including purchase orders and expense claims
• Propose annual budget based upon institutional goals and planned admission targets under the guidance of the Bursar
• Prepare financial forecasts and projections under the guidance of the Bursar both for management accounts and statutory accounts
• Control and protect assets in the best interest of the College
• Ensure that audit spreadsheets are regularly maintained 
• Provide various kinds of analysis of financial data, including the performance of the setting and prepare cost-benefit analysis for decision making
• Assist the Bursar with leading the improvement and development programs of the institution, measure success, identify gaps, and provide possible solutions e.g. cost management, financial sustainability, tax planning
• Review tax preparation, supervise the tax declaration and payment process to ensure the accuracy and compliance
• Propose tax planning scheme to optimize the tax cost of the organization and at the same time maintain the tax compliance
• Ensure compliance with local financial and tax regulatory requirements. Carry out audits as needed for compliance
• Prepare the financial related reports and commentaries for the FiHRSC meetings.  Present the reports in the meetings for the governors’ review and approval.
• Actively participate in any related training and development held by the College. 
• Manage the overseas salary transfer system and make overseas salary payment on a timely and accurate basis.
• Recruit and train suitably qualified and experienced finance staff, and to manage their daily operations
• Develop internal systems and processes to minimise the setting’s exposure to financial risk, counterparty risk, exchange risk, and other risks
• Prepare documents for board meetings (Lishihui) as well as other documents required by the local authorities relating to annual inspection and license renewal. 
• Any other duties commensurate with the post or assigned by the Bursar.

The job description is not exhaustive and may be amended in the light of business needs 

Personal Qualification:

 Basic Qualification

Education

Major

Language

Fluent written and spoken English and Chinese

Experience

Working Experience

Management Experience

Expertise

• Experience of working in an educational setting beneficial 
• Have a good understanding of local tax and accounting regulations in China, including familiarity with CIT and VAT administration, overseas services administration and record-keeping, and all other locally required filings 
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills
• Significant computer knowledge and expertise in Microsoft Excel, Word, and aptitude to operate appropriate databases
• Experienced in using and managing ERP systems, able to configure the ERP system to adapt to organizational needs in addition to day-to-day operation  
• Strong business sense and analytical skills
• Rigorous approach to problem-solving
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Ability to work to tight timelines

Preferred Aptitudes

 As an employer of choice, Wellington College Education (China) is committed to making professional learning and personal development central to its ethos and approach. WCEC fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children. Our safeguarding policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the Group.