Controller

The Controller is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the school’s accounting, legal, finance, and procurement functions. Reporting to the General Manager, the postholder will lead a team of eight professionals and ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial information, as well as the effective management of financial controls, procurement policy, and compliance with Brazilian regulations. 

This role includes end-to-end accountability for monthly closing processes, financial reporting, budget control, payroll process overview and the external audit. The Controller will also act as a legal representative and legally represent the school as the accountant. 

About us:

St. Paul’s was founded in 1926 and was the first school in South America to receive accreditation from the UK government as a British School Oversees. Fully coeducational, with about 1,000 pupils, aged from 3 to 18, it is a school with history and tradition, but which embraces innovation, contemporary values and the latest in digital learning. We are a world-class school, and an international member of HMC and IAPS, and a member of COBIS and the LAHC. We are proud of our local, national and international reputation and we constantly strive to improve the opportunities for our pupils and staff. Our recent BSO inspection judged us as a leading British School overseas, and you can download the report from our website. Our exceptional facilities place teaching and learning at the heart of the school.

Watch a video of the school:

More details about the school can be found at www.stpauls.br.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting, finance, payroll and procurement teams, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration. 

• Ensure compliance with BR GAAP and all relevant Brazilian financial and tax regulations, especially all obligations related to a non-profit organisation. 

• Guarantee the full delivery of ancillary obligations to government authorities. 

• Guarantee accuracy and completeness of financial data and ensure timely monthly and year-end closings. 

• Oversee and manage the annual external audit process to secure an unqualified audit opinion. 

• Ensure the quality and accuracy of all finance and accounting reconciliations. 

• Prepare and deliver accurate monthly management reports to support strategic decision-making. 

• Guide and support departments in budget planning, monitoring, and control. 

• Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure its alignment with internal reporting needs. 

• Oversee procurement operations, ensuring compliance with internal policy and supporting continuous improvement of purchasing processes. 

• Approve and monitor service invoices and ensure appropriate financial analysis of key suppliers. 

• Guarantee cash flow management, financial forecasting, and budget development in collaboration with the leadership team. 

• Promote continuous improvement in financial systems, controls, and reporting frameworks. 

Applications will be considered as they arrive and the school reserves the right to appoint at any time.

Our benefits

• Health insurance

• Dental plan

• Pension plan

• Onsite lunches

• Food card

• Transportation tickets

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The offer of the role would be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks, an overseas check if appropriate and a pre-placement medical assessment. Proof of entitlement to work in Brazil is also required where necessary.

• Proven leadership skills with experience managing accounting and financial teams. 

• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong knowledge of Brazilian accounting principles. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively across departments and with external stakeholders. 

• Strategic business acumen with the ability to interpret and present financial data to non-financial audiences. 

• Solid technical expertise in accounting and financial systems, with hands-on experience managing ERP systems (preferably Protheus). 

• In-depth knowledge of Brazilian tax legislation, including non-profit sectors 

• Analytical and solution-oriented mindset. 

• 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, including team management, ideally within the education or services sector. 

• Degree in Accounting (mandatory CRC); postgraduate qualifications are a plus. 

• Proactive, service-oriented approach with a commitment to supporting the school’s mission and values. 

• Intermediate English proficiency is required; fluency is a strong advantage.