Accounts Officer

About Inspired Education and ACG Parnell College

Inspired Education is a global leader in premium education, operating 126 private schools across 28 countries on six continents and educating over 95,000 students from Kindergarten to Year 13. Established in 2013 and backed by major investors, Inspired Education is rapidly expanding through acquisitions and new developments. ACG Parnell College, a key member of this group located in central Auckland, is a top independent school providing world-class education through Cambridge International pathways from Preschool to Year 13.

Role Overview

The Accounts Officer is essential to the financial accuracy and timeliness of ACG Parnell and its Early Childhood Center. Responsibilities cover full accounts receivable and payable cycles, ledger maintenance, month-end journal entries, fixed asset administration, and balance sheet reconciliations. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance NZ and collaborating with the Principal, the role ensures high standards of financial control, timely financial insight, and excellent stakeholder service.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle complete accounts receivable processes including JDE contract billing, student account management, and debtor follow-up.
• Process accounts payable transactions, ensure correct coding and approvals, run payment cycles, and manage accruals.
• Prepare month-end journal entries covering accruals, prepayments, depreciation, and corrections.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations to confirm accuracy and resolve timing discrepancies.
• Maintain the fixed asset register, capitalize applicable items, and oversee repairs and maintenance spending.
• Assist in budgeting and forecasting by delivering income and cost analyses for the Principal and Head of Finance.
• Support finance initiatives and compliance activities at both regional and global levels.
• Identify process improvements, promote workflow efficiencies, and contribute to automation efforts.
• Provide financial support and customer service to parents, suppliers, and other schools or ECE centers within the group.
• Offer backup assistance to finance and administrative teams as needed.
• Undertake additional projects and tasks as assigned.

Candidate Profile

Experience & Technical Skills:

• Proven experience managing end-to-end AR/AP cycles, preferably with contract-based billing systems such as JDE.
• In-depth accounting knowledge including accruals, prepayments, revenue recognition, balance sheet reconciliations, and fixed asset management.
• Reliable month-end close support with accurate journal preparation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel functions like lookups, pivot tables, and reconciliations; experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Strong communication and financial ownership with a proactive approach to problem resolution and process enhancements.
• A minimum of 3 to 5 years' New Zealand accounting experience is required.
• Mandarin language skills are highly advantageous.

Personal Qualities:

• Self-driven and able to work independently making confident decisions.
• Integrity and professionalism with strict confidentiality regarding sensitive financial data.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively across all stakeholder levels.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and ability to prioritize under tight deadlines.
• Resilient, teamwork-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement and learning.

Safeguarding Commitment

Inspired Education Group prioritizes the safety and welfare of children and young people, demanding all team members adhere to these values through safer recruitment practices and mandatory background checks prior to appointment.