Principal Finance Officer at Mount Kenya University

The Principal Finance Officer shall report to the Vice Chancellor and will be responsible and accountable for the administrative, financial and risk management operations of the University to include the development of a financial and operational strategy, metrics tied to that strategy and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve University assets and report accurate financial results.

Finance Officer Job Responsibilities

• Assisting in formulating the University’s future direction and supporting tactical initiatives and the University’s strategic plan.
• Overseeing the capital requests and budgeting processes
• Developing performance measures for the Finance department that support the University ‘s strategic direction
• Participating in key decisions as a member of the executive management team
• Overseeing the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the University including:
• University revenue/expense and balance sheet reports, reports to funding agencies, development and monitoring of University and contract/grant budgets
• Overseeing the financial operations of all campuses
• Developing and maintaining systems of internal controls to safeguard financial assets of the University
• Overseeing the coordination and activities of independent auditors ensuring all audit issues are resolved, and all compliance issues are met, and the preparation of the annual financial statements is in accordance with the University’s schedules and processes.
• Attending Board and Subcommittee meetings; including being the lead staff on the Audit/Finance Committee.
• Monitoring banking activities of the University.
• Overseeing the coordination and activities of independent auditors ensuring all compliance issues are met, and the preparation of the annual financial statements is in accordance.
• Ensuring that record keeping meets the requirements of auditors and government agencies e.g KRA
• Advising and reporting on key risk issues that may affect the University to the University Council and the Board of Directors.
• Maintaining relations with external auditors and investigating their findings and recommendations

Qualifications for the Finance Officer Job

• Have a master’s degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience for a major institution or division of a large corporation.
• Should have experience in partnering with an executive team, and have a high level of written and oral communication skills.
• Preference will be given to candidates with an MBA in Finance and the Certified Public Accountant CPA (K) or its equivalent.
• Good negotiation skills the ability with the ability to explain financial matters firmly and clearly
• Good interpersonal & organization skills