Job Description
ApplyBoard simplifies the study abroad application process by connecting international students, international student advisors, and educational institutions on one personalized platform. For more than a decade, ApplyBoard's team members have been dedicated to breaking down barriers to international education, while thriving at a company that invests in their career growth. Our six core values guide us in our mission to educate the world, and are the foundation of our company culture. As an organization built on diversity, our team members are representative of the students we support.
The Opportunity:
Saint Leo University is establishing its India operations hub to support our Global Workforce initiative. This role owns site launch and team buildout in India while serving as the on-the-ground finance and accounting lead supporting U.S. headquarters in Florida. Player-coach: hands-on with the books, hands-on with hiring, hands-on with vendors.
What you will be doing everyday:
Finance & Accounting (80%)
Execute month-end close activities in coordination with U.S. Finance: journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, intercompany transactions
Process AP/AR; manage vendor payments, expense reports, payroll inputs
Maintain general ledger accuracy and support the U.S. team on audit prep, schedules, and variance analysis
Own budget vs. actuals reporting; flag variances weekly
Support U.S. Finance on ad hoc accounting projects: reclassifications, allocations, capitalization decisions, account analysis
Site Operations & Hiring / AI Automation (20%)
Lead office buildout: IT setup, security, insurance, vendor contracts
Partner with ApplyBoard (or selected staffing partner) and U.S. HR to recruit, onboard, and retain staff
Establish local HR policies, benefits, and compliance with Indian labor laws
Define and maintain site operating cadence: facilities, security, business continuity
Serve as primary India point of contact for U.S. leadership; manage IST/EST overlap and reporting rhythms
Analysis of business processes creating efficiencies through automation and AI.
Create clear SOWs and KPIs for each position.
What you will be doing everyday:
Communication
Fluent Clear English, spoken and written, is non-negotiable. This role communicates daily with U.S. leadership via email, Teams, Zoom and video. Clear, concise, written-first communication is the core operating mode.
Ability to write structured updates, reports, and memos that U.S. executives can act on without rework
Comfort presenting to senior U.S. stakeholders over video
What you bring to the table:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce
Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification strongly preferred; CPA, ACCA, or CMA also considered
8+ years progressive accounting and finance experience, including month-end close and GL ownership
3+ years managing or leading a team
Experience standing up or scaling an India GCC, captive, or shared services center for a U.S. or international parent
Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS); ability to bridge between them
Direct experience with Indian statutory framework: Companies Act, GST, TDS, transfer pricing, FEMA
Proficiency with ERP systems (Workday Financials preferred); strong Excel
Ideally, you also have experience with some of:
Higher education or non-profit accounting experience
Familiarity with FERPA, data privacy frameworks, and education sector regulations
Experience integrating India teams with U.S. parent operations
Workday Financials hands-on experience
Located in or able to relocate to the chosen hub city
About ApplyBoard
ApplyBoard empowers students around the world to access international education. Our global team leverages cutting-edge technology to build innovative tools and share sector insights that support our network of international students and 1,500+ partner institutions. We've helped more than 1,300,000 students from over 180 countries with their study abroad journey so far, and we're just getting started.
Ready to join us? We're grateful for your interest in joining the ApplyBoard team. However, only select applicants will be contacted for an interview.
We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the hiring process, potentially while reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing applicant responses. These tools don't replace human judgment, and final hiring decisions are made by our team members. If you'd like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
ApplyBoard welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all aspects of the hiring and selection process.