Chief Accountant

Job Title: Chief Accountant

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Astana, Kazakhstan

About Cardiff University Kazakhstan

Cardiff University Kazakhstan (CUK) is a foreign educational institution delivering internationally recognised higher education programmes in Kazakhstan. The University is committed to academic excellence, transparency, and strong financial governance in line with international best practice.

Role Summary

The Chief Accountant is responsible for overseeing the University’s accounting function, ensuring compliance with national legislation and international financial reporting standards, and maintaining accurate and transparent financial records. The role supports effective financial management and institutional governance.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications and Experience

• 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

Experience requirements:

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

Knowledge and Competencies

• 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

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Kazakh and Russian
• English intermediate is desirable