Chief Financial Officer

Overview

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
Reporting Relationship: Director of Administration & Operations
Location: Global Studies University, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Expected Starting Date: For immediate hire
Job Status: Full-time
Application Deadline: The position is open until filled

Position Summary: Global Studies University, Sharjah, UAE, is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer to lead and oversee the Finance and Procurement division. This senior leadership role will be responsible for developing and managing the departmental budget, establishing and operationalizing the Finance and Procurement divisions, and ensuring compliant and effective management of funds from grants, donations, and sponsorships. The role will also be responsible for setting up the different positions with the Finance Unit.

The ideal candidate will combine financial acumen with strong leadership and planning skills and possess a thorough understanding of the budgeting, accounting, and procurement functions within academic institutions. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in guiding the organization’s financial health, stability, and sustainability while aligning operations with institutional, strategy goals, and regulatory frameworks. The position will also be responsible for all dealings with the Government and the University’s Board of Trustees for all finance-related matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Budgeting and Financial Planning:
    • Lead the annual budgeting process, including forecasting, planning, and reporting
    • Monitor and control departmental expenditures in alignment with institutional and project budgets
    • Provide regular financial reports to senior leadership and stakeholders
    • Advise on long-term financial planning and sustainability
  • Finance and Procurement Management:
    • Establish and operationalize the Finance and Procurement divisions within the organization
    • Develop finance and procurement policies, procedures, and best practices in line with university and national and international regulations and accounting policies
    • Oversee finance and procurement activities to ensure compliance with regulations, transparency, efficiency, and value for money
    • Ensure vendor compliance and contract management standards are met
  • Communication with Government, Auditors, and Senior Management:
    • Communication with the Government Finance Department to ensure compliance with their requirements and provision of any information or reports required
    • Work with internal, external, and government auditors on annual reports or special audit assignments
    • Prepare financial reports and financial presentations for senior management and Board of Trustees
    • Provide regular reports to management and department heads related to budgets and the financial health of the organization
  • Leadership and Strategic Oversight:
    • Provide leadership and direction to the finance and procurement teams
    • Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, audit standards, and institutional policies
    • Collaborate with other units, university leadership, and external partners
    • Implement financial systems, technologies, and process improvements

Academic Qualifications:

• • A Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting
  • Master’s degree or professional qualifications in accounting (CPA, ACCA or CMA)

Professional Experience:

• • Minimum of 9 years’ experience as a finance manager of a finance department with at least 4 years in a leadership role within a university, higher education institution, or similar organization
  • Experience working in the UAE’s regulatory environment and financial practices is preferred
  • Proven experience in developing and managing budgets, financial reporting, and compliance in an academic or large organizational setting
  • Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial planning, and procurement management
  • Strong knowledge of financial regulations, grant compliance, and procurement practices.
  • Proven leadership and team management abilities
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and financial reporting tools

Competencies and Skills:

• • Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic
  • Experience in financial matters in educational institutions
  • Experience working with international donors or government-funded projects
  • Understanding of academic or non-profit funding environments
  • High level of integrity and professionalism
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach