Introduction

Introduction to the Aga Khan University:
The Aga Khan University is a private, international university committed to international standards of excellence in teaching, research and service. Its teaching hospital, the Aga Khan University Hospital has been accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission International for achieving the highest international healthcare standards.
As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Responsibilities

Job Role / Responsibilities:
Reporting to the VP Finance and CFO, the incumbent will provide strategic leadership and oversee Finance operations across Pakistan, the UK, and Afghanistan, focusing on technology integration and automation to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and drive financial insights. Responsibilities include managing financial systems and controls for all assets and income sources, including endowments, donations, investments, treasury management, and reviewing construction, capital, and operating expenses. The role will also oversee accounting operations, external audits, financial reporting, internal controls, corporate governance, insurance, taxation, and payroll.
This position requires a blend of technical expertise in finance, strong leadership, and the ability to collaborate across departments to meet organizational goals. It directly contributes to the institution's financial stability and success.
Specifically, you will be responsible to;
Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the Finance Department, guiding and supporting the finance team.
• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Advise senior management and boards on financial matters, ensuring the long-term economic health of the organization.
• Monitor financial performance and recommend improvements to operational efficiencies and cash flow.

Technology Integration & Automation

• Drive digital transformation in Finance by identifying opportunities for technology integration and automation.
• Recommend and implement new financial technologies, data analytics tools, and AI-driven platforms.
• Automate manual processes like accounts payable, receivables, and reconciliation.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments for seamless integration of financial systems.

Finance Operations

• Oversee Finance operations in Pakistan, the UK, and Afghanistan, ensuring efficient management of accounting, treasury, cash flow, fixed assets, endowments (including donor reporting), payroll, receivables, payables, annual audits, ERP systems, and statutory compliance.

Financial Reporting

• Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring accurate and timely capturing of all assets, liabilities, income, and expenditures.
• Consolidate financial data across regions and report to stakeholders promptly.

Corporate Governance & Taxation

• Oversee taxation and corporate governance, ensuring that contracts address financial guarantees, payment terms, and tax clauses.
• Advise on investment of endowment and retirement funds, supporting committees responsible for these investments.

Process Optimization & Efficiency

• Identify inefficiencies in finance processes and implement automation or technology solutions to improve accuracy, speed, and transparency.
• Ensure the team adopts best practices for leveraging technology in financial reporting.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, tax laws, and internal policies.
• Continuously review and implement internal controls to prevent fraud and ensure financial accuracy.
• Collaborate with auditors and address their findings or recommendations.
• Assess and mitigate financial risks, ensuring sound risk management practices.

New Ventures & Projects

• Work with stakeholders to develop new business ventures, ensuring adequate financial support to assess and select these opportunities.
• Participate in commercial negotiations, including capex financing, assessing tax implications, and structuring financial arrangements.

Financial Advice

• Provide strategic financial advice to the VP Finance and CFO on investments, business opportunities, and project financing.

Stakeholder Communication & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary contact for all financial matters, both internally and externally.
• Build strong relationships with auditors, regulators, donors, and financial partners.
• Communicate financial data to non-financial stakeholders in a clear, understandable manner.

Staff Recruitment & Development

• Lead staff recruitment and retention efforts, develop team KPIs, and foster a high-performance culture.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities

Requirements

To Apply

Applications should be submitted latest by December 16, 2024