Job title: Accounting and Finance Specialist

Report hierarchically to: Finance Manager

Location: Paris

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Accounting and Finance Specialist to join our Finance team in the Education and Luxury Fashion sector. This role is integral to managing the school’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with internal controls and external regulations, and providing valuable support to key stakeholders. The Accounting and Finance Specialist will oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, support Month-End closing, and manage communications with banks and tax consultants.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accounts Payable (AP)

• Review invoices for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies.
• Process payments promptly and manage vendor queries.
• Record transactions in SAP and ensure proper documentation.

2. Accounts Receivable (AR)

• Monitor student fee collections and maintain updated income reports.
• Investigate payment anomalies and follow up with students with outstanding balances.
• Process and record refunds in coordination with the Admissions department.

3. Fee Collection and Payments

• Extract reports on students’ financial status and allocate payments to the correct accounts.
• Monitor the company’s bank accounts daily for payment allocations.
• Manage petty cash and record library income on SAP.

4. Month-End Closing

• Assist in revenue analysis for deferred income and ensure reliable Month-End reporting.
• Support the Finance Manager by investigating discrepancies in revenue reports.
• Perform tasks such as accruals, provisions, and bank reconciliations.

5. Administrative Support

• Address banking and fee collection queries, ensuring clear communication.
• Archive bank statements and implement security measures for financial documents.
• Regularly update the Finance database and assist with routine financial tasks, including salary processing.

6. Financial Reporting

• Possess basic knowledge of financial reporting to assist in preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Support the Finance Manager in gathering and organizing data for accurate reporting.
• Ensure compliance with basic financial reporting standards and assist in audits when required.

Key Requirements

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including Month-End reporting.
• Proficiency in accounting software (SAP preferred) and advanced Excel skills.
• Familiarity with bank reconciliations, accruals, and provisions.

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with students, departments, and external stakeholders.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and financial analysis.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills to handle multiple responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A first successful experience in accounting, preferably in the education or service sector.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).