Chief Accountant

• Develop and maintain accounting policies in compliance with applicable accounting and financial reporting legislation, taking into account the structure and nature of the University’s activities.
• Develop and lead the university’s long‑term financial strategy, ensuring alignment with academic and institutional priorities.
• Lead multi‑year financial planning, scenario modelling, and long‑range budget forecasting.
• Act as the senior liaison with external auditors, regulators, tax authorities, and banking partners.
• Oversee the accurate recording and settlement of financial transactions and day-to-day bookkeeping activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash/treasury management.
• Develop and maintain a robust internal financial control environment to exercise control over the efficient, effective and appropriate use of the University’s assets and resources and ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Manage tax accounting, including the development and implementation of tax accounting policies and ensuring compliance with tax legislation.
• Ensure the accurate and timely production of year-end statutory financial statements and preparation of monthly management accounts and variance analysis for the University’s senior leadership team.
• Establish financial KPIs and reporting dashboards tailored to senior leadership and governing boards.
• Lead cashflow forecasting, including short-term liquidity and long‑range planning.
• Ensure good data governance and integrity across finance systems.
• Lead, supervise and develop the finance team.
• Perform other duties related to accounting and financial control within the scope of the position

• Higher (or postgraduate) professional education in Accounting, Finance, or Economics
• Mandatory professional certification as an accountant
• Professional qualifications such as DipIFR and/or ACCA are required
• Experience in higher education setting is an advantage

• At least 7–10 years of professional accounting experience
• Minimum 3–5 years in a senior accounting or Chief Accountant role

• Knowledge of the legislation and regulatory framework of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of accounting and reporting
• Understanding of civil, financial, tax, administrative, economic, and labour legislation
• Knowledge of pension legislation fundamentals
• Experience with accounting and tax reporting software
• Strong understanding of national and international accounting and financial reporting standards
• Familiarity with best domestic and international practices in accounting organisation
• Knowledge of financial reporting repositories
• Understanding of organisational management, labour organisation, and operational processes
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and professional judgement
• High level of integrity and commitment to compliance and accuracy

• Fluency in Kazakh and Russian
• English intermediate is desirable

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