School Accountant

Zira People Advisory is a human resources consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations build stronger, more effective, and people-centered workplaces. We partner with businesses to design and implement practical HR solutions that attract, develop, and retain top talent while aligning people strategies with business goals.

We understand that people are the most critical driver of any organization’s success. At Zira, we focus on delivering tailored advisory services that support companies in creating high-performing teams, improving workplace culture, and strengthening overall organizational effectiveness.
Our services span across talent acquisition, HR advisory, workforce planning, employee experience, performance management, and organizational development. We work closely with startups, growing businesses, and established organizations to provide flexible and scalable HR support that meets their unique needs.

At Zira People Advisory, we are committed to professionalism, integrity, and excellence in every engagement. Our approach is practical, insight-driven, and centered on delivering measurable impact for both employers and employees.
We exist to help organizations make better people decisions because when people thrive, businesses thrive.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: School Accountant

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The School Accountant will be responsible for managing the school's financial records, overseeing daily financial transactions, monitoring school fee collections, preparing financial reports, and ensuring proper financial controls and compliance with applicable financial regulations.
• The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, trustworthy, numerate, and experienced in accounting practices, preferably within a school or educational institution.
• The candidate will work closely with the school management to ensure efficient financial operations and support sound financial decision-making

Key Responsibilities
Financial Management and Record-Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including income, expenditure, assets, and liabilities.
• Record and reconcile all financial transactions using accounting software or spreadsheets.
• Prepare and maintain cashbooks, ledgers, journals, and other relevant financial documents.
• Ensure proper filing and documentation of all financial records and supporting documents.

School Fees and Revenue Management:

• Monitor and track school fee payments, levies, examination fees, and other sources of revenue.
• Maintain an accurate record of students' fee payments and outstanding balances.
• Generate and issue receipts for payments received.
• Prepare periodic reports on school fee collections and outstanding payments.
• Work with the administrative team to follow up on overdue payments.

Budgeting and Financial Reporting:

• Assist management in preparing annual and termly budgets.
• Prepare monthly income and expenditure reports for management review.
• Monitor spending against approved budgets and highlight variances.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support effective cost management.
• Prepare financial statements and other reports as required by management.

Payroll and Staff Benefits Administration:

• Process monthly staff payroll and ensure timely salary payments.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, including salaries, allowances, deductions, and other benefits.
• Calculate and process statutory deductions, including PAYE and pension contributions, where applicable.
• Support the administration of staff loans, advances, and other approved financial obligations.

Accounts Payable and Receivable:

• Process vendor and supplier invoices and ensure timely settlement of approved expenses.
• Track outstanding payments to suppliers and other service providers.
• Verify payment requests against approved budgets and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of all accounts payable and receivable.

Bank Reconciliation and Internal Controls:

• Perform regular bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor cash flow and ensure proper handling of cash and electronic transactions.
• Implement and maintain internal financial controls to minimise errors, fraud, and financial leakages.
• Ensure that all financial transactions are properly authorised and documented.

Tax Compliance and Audit Support:

• Ensure compliance with applicable tax laws and statutory financial obligations.
• Prepare relevant financial documents for internal and external audits.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax consultants, and relevant regulatory bodies when required.
• Maintain organised financial records for audit and compliance purposes.

Administrative and Management Support:

• Work closely with the school administrator and management on financial matters.
• Support financial planning for school projects, events, procurement, and operational activities.
• Provide timely financial updates to management to aid decision-making.
• Perform other finance-related duties as may be assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or HND in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 2–4 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably in a school or educational institution.
• Professional accounting certification (ICAN or ACCA) or progress towards certification is an added advantage.
• Good knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and basic tax compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Experience with school fee management and payroll administration is an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail, numerical accuracy, and organisational skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Key Competencies:

• Financial reporting and analysis
• Budgeting and cost control
• Cash flow management
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Time management and organisation
• Proficiency in financial technology and accounting tools.