Head of Financial Operations

JOB PURPOSE / ROLE:

To oversee the financial operations of the Finance Department at Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi (SUAD) and supervise the accounting section to ensure optimization of operations and services in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, to implement and manage adequate systems, software and controls to optimize the core functions of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Asset Management and the release of Payroll to ensure accurate and timely payments and collections in compliance with policies, procedures, accepted accounting practices and contractual requirements.

Key Activities

• Responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts receivable, VAT, and Fixed Assets accounting by ensuring compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and controls for timely and accurate payments and collections, proper documentation, and internal reporting
• Support the University’s efforts to enhance digital transformation focusing on financial systems and tools to improve efficiency and outputs
• Supervise the activities and performance of direct reports, providing both formal and informal feedback and guidance to ensure efficient and effective completion of all accounting tasks in line with established individual targets and expectations
• Ensure that robust financial systems and controls are in place for all accounting functions, including payroll payments, billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants accounting, reimbursement requests, and revenue accounting
• Monitor accounts receivables activity for timeliness and completeness, ensuring billing, collections, and reporting are completed in accordance with set dates, policies, and procedures
• Oversee the development of the Accounts Receivable aging analysis report and review overdue receivables to initiate appropriate follow-up actions
• Review AR statements and maintain a record of doubtful debts and write-offs in order to ensure control over reporting and compliance with the accounting policies and procedures
• Review and maintain relevant sub-ledger accounts in balance with the main ledger accounts in order to ensure accuracy of data
• Review the Fixed Assets register to ensure accurate calculation and reconciliation of the depreciation and manage fixed assets write-offs in accordance with accounting policies and procedure
• Validate and Approve assets additions, disposal, adjustments on the system as per DoA and in alignment with the accounting policies and procedures
• Review the monthly payroll after HR processing and ensure timely payment
• Ensure the collection of the expected expenses (not yet invoiced) on a monthly basis and make the accruals, provisions and prepayments to ensure that funds are available to make all payments due by the month-end
• Check and approve relevant accounting entries and supporting scheduled accruals, provisions and prepayments on a monthly basis to ensure accurate and timely accounting thereof
• Manage monthly and yearly closing activities in collaboration with the Finance Control Section to reconcile all SUAD accounts in preparation for financial reporting, while providing ongoing support to the Section Head - Finance Control, particularly in the preparation of financial reports and drafting accompanying explanatory notes, ensuring accuracy and a true reflection of financial data
• Foster positive relationships with vendors, customers, and students by promptly addressing concerns and resolving disputes in a timely and efficient manner
• Report any discrepancy i.e. defaults, accounts receivable/payable related control issues to the Head - Finance for necessary action
• Ensure all Accounting systems and practices comply with the applicable accounting principles, local financial law, TAX regulations, and any other local applicable laws
• Prepare and share relevant information related to the section with Internal, External, and other auditors, while fostering a cooperative relationship to ensure timely and effective action on all recommendations and findings
• Enforce department policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and guidelines, ensuring that direct reports adhere to them for consistent and controlled execution of work
• Develop, publish and report dashboard summary for all reporting sections
• Assist the Head of Finance in developing strategies and KPIs to enhance performance
• Assist is reviewing the monthly VAT submission to DOF/FTA
• Assist in improving the Banking relationships ensuring smooth operation
• To participate in any internal committee memberships and as per the committee charter
• Perform other related duties or assignments as directed by the Line Managers

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, or other related specializations
• Professional Accounting qualification from internationally recognized body, such as ACCA, CPA,CA

Minimum Experience

10 years Accounting and Finance experience, preferably in the Higher Education sector

Job-Specific Skills

• Proven ability to lead teams and facilitate cross functional collaboration
• Proven track record and evidence of ability to manage and optimize financial systems
• Knowledge and hands on experience of ERP and SIS applications and evolving technologies
• Proficiency in accounting software (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics etc.
• Proficient IPSAS, IFRS, Tax regulations and Financial Reporting
• Familiarity with Business Intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau etc.)
• Knowledge and hands on experience of Workflow Automation and RPA
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to crunch financial data and generate insights
• Comprehensive understanding of regulatory Compliance and Audit Management in the education sector
• Expertise process optimization and streamlining accounting processes and system automation
• Strong aptitude for resolving complex financial challenging.
• High level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail in financial operations and reporting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting financial information and interacting with diverse audiences
• Ability to align accounting activities with organizational goals and contribute to long-term financial strategies
• Knowledge of accounting policies and procedures