Finance Director

The American University in the Emirates is looking for a Finance Director who will serve as the strategic leader overseeing all financial operations of the university. This role ensures the university's fiscal health by developing financial strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The Finance Director will work closely with senior leadership to support the university's mission and long-term goals.

Range of Salary Package: AED 25,000 (subject to experience) with additional benefits

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional certification is highly preferred.
• Must be bilingual (speaks English and Arabic fluently)
• Preferably has proven experience in higher education

Skills / Training / Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and reporting standards.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in financial software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in the higher education sector or a large, complex organization is an advantage.

Job Description

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the university’s mission and strategic goals.
• Provide leadership in financial planning, forecasting, and investment management.
• Advise the executive team on financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Oversee the preparation and management of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Monitor financial performance and provide actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all financial, legal, and regulatory standards.
• Implement internal controls to safeguard university assets and minimize financial risks.
• Liaise with external auditors, ensuring successful audits and resolving any findings.
• Supervise and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and procurement processes.
• Optimize financial systems and processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to align financial planning with institutional priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and financial institutions.