Director of Finance

About usDoha College is a not-for-profit, high-profile, leading British International School in Qatar delivering a well-balanced, all-embracing English National Curriculum to pupils aged 3–18. There are 2,800 students and 400 staff (in addition to 100 contractors) on a new and impressive 90,000m2 campus. As impressive as our campus is, what is much more impressive – and much more important to us – is our vibrant and diverse community that subscribes to and champions equal opportunities for all.We’ve settled into our new campus and are really excited about the future both within DC and Qatar. The school was rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas during the latest BSO inspection and we are incredibly proud to be recognised, once again, as a Top 100 school in the prestigious Spear’s Index; the only school in Qatar in the list. Message from the Chief Operating Officer:The OpportunityThis is a key role on the staff of an important school both within Doha and also internationally. As an independent and not-for-profit school there is a need to be proactive and resourceful, shouldering significant responsibility but with very close support from me and with a strong team to assist. The school’s financial position is one that permits cash surpluses to be achieved, but the broader context is not without challenge and so there is need for financial prudence and effective strategic planning to future-proof the school. The not-for-profit nature is much more than simply a label – it’s at the very core of DC’s culture. Every Riyal in income goes directly and wholly to assisting and improving pupil outcomes; none to corporate owners or franchise fees. This identity sets the tone for much of what you’ll do in role and also how you’ll do it. In terms of the role and timing, you’ll be replacing a strong Director of Finance leaving the position only on account of a family relocation. The team – that number 9 to cover all areas of finance at DC – have a really useful balance of experience and tend to stay with us for extended periods of service. This is a matter of pride to us; we benefit from their corporate knowledge, so there’s a need for a supportive style of leadership and management, balancing carefully the needs and wants of staff with the practical implications of such demands and against the context of an approved budget and stated delegations. The individuals within the finance team are often the ones to deliver messages or provide the first level of filter with staff and indeed parents and they need to be supported in doing so, though all must remember our pupils come first and all actions are to ensure the best possible outcomes for them. Teamwork, collectively for all, should be the prevailing sentiment in any discussions.‘The Offer’ provides specific details on the package, but essentially I would distil it down into this: the role is important, with pressure, and with variety and challenge but with significant support, the opportunity (and desire) for longevity