Junior Accountant & Bursar

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Institution: Fortes Education

Employment Type: Full-time | On-site

Position Overview

Fortes Education is seeking a personable, customer-focused, and detail-oriented Junior Accountant & Bursar to support the school's financial operations and serve as a key point of contact for parents on fee-related matters. The successful candidate will combine strong communication and relationship-management skills with sound accounting knowledge to ensure efficient fee administration, collections, financial record keeping, and exceptional customer service.

This role is ideally suited to an individual who enjoys working with people, can handle parent enquiries with professionalism and empathy, and possesses a solid understanding of accounting and administrative processes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Parent Liaison & Customer Service

• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents and guardians regarding fee-related enquiries, payment plans, billing matters, and account statements

• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents through professional, responsive, and solution-oriented communication

• Communicate school fee policies, billing schedules, payment deadlines, and financial procedures clearly and effectively

• Handle parent concerns, disputes, refund requests, and payment-related queries in a timely and professional manner

• Support families in understanding available payment options and assist with payment arrangements where appropriate

• Ensure all parent interactions are handled with discretion, confidentiality, empathy, and professionalism

2. Fee Administration & Accounts Receivable

• Manage the school's fee invoicing, collections, receipts, and reconciliation processes

• Monitor outstanding balances and follow up on overdue accounts in accordance with school policies

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student accounts, payments, adjustments, and financial transactions

• Generate account statements, fee reminders, and collection reports as required

• Process refunds, credit notes, and fee adjustments in accordance with approved procedures

• Support student enrolment and re-enrolment processes by providing accurate fee-related information and documentation

3. Accounting & Financial Support

• Perform routine accounting activities including reconciliations, data entry, and financial record maintenance

• Assist with monthly financial reporting and analysis related to fee income and receivables

• Support budget monitoring and financial planning activities as directed by the Finance Department

• Assist with year-end financial audits and preparation of supporting documentation

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records and supporting documents

• Liaise with internal departments to ensure timely and accurate financial information

4. Compliance & Administration

• Ensure all fee collection and financial processes comply with school policies and regulatory requirements

• Maintain and update financial records, procedures, and documentation

• Assist in preparing reports on fee collections, outstanding balances, and other financial metrics

• Track fee defaulters and support escalation processes where required

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of bursary, finance, and customer service processes

• Support other administrative and finance-related duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field

• 3–6 years of experience in accounts receivable, customer service, administration, school finance, or a similar role

• Experience in a school, educational institution, hospitality, banking, retail, or customer-facing finance environment is highly desirable

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and confidently with parents, staff, and external stakeholders

• Demonstrated ability to handle enquiries, resolve concerns, and manage sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism

• Good understanding of basic accounting principles, fee collection processes, reconciliations, and financial record keeping

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience using financial or ERP systems

• Strong organisational and time-management skills with excellent attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality

• Professional accounting qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA) or progress towards such qualifications will be an advantage but are not essential

Key Competencies

• Customer Service Excellence

• Relationship Management

• Effective Communication

• Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution

• Financial Administration

• Attention to Detail

• Organisation and Planning

• Teamwork and Collaboration

• Professionalism and Integrity

Why Join Fortes Education

At Fortes Education, we are committed to delivering excellence in education and service. This role offers an opportunity to work within a dynamic and supportive school environment where strong relationships, exceptional service, and operational excellence are highly valued.

Interested candidates can apply through our careers page:

Fortes Education Careers