Executive Director - Finance and Planning at Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Job Qualifications
Minimum Requirements

• At least ten years' relevant experience in a senior financial role with Proft and Loss and Balance Sheet responsibility
• Capacity for innovation, creativity and adaptability to respond to changing needs, technologies and best practices in finance and planning within higher education
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change initiatives, adapt to evolving circumstances and drive continuous improvement in financial and planning processes and systems
• Exceptional leadership and management skills with the ability to lead and motivae teams, foster collaboration and build a culture of excellence and accountability within the finance and planning departments
• Experience in resource mobilization, networking and fund raising
• High ethical standards and integrity with a commitment to upholding the values of honesty, transparency and accountability in all financial and planning matters
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including academic and administrative departments, governing boards, government agencies, donors and community partners
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans, goals and performance metrices to advance institutional priorities and objectives
• Should have a broad knowledge of the laws and policies governing University Education in Kenya
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data, identify trends and make data driven decisions to address financial and planning challenges and opportunities
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting and strategic planning
• A Master's Degree in Businss Administration, Finance, Public Administration or a related field
• Professional Certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or related field

Job Responsibilities

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the University Council, alumni, donors, lenders and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative stakeholders to assess ICT needs, priorities, and opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Communicate financial performance, forecasts, and strategic initiatives to stakeholders in a transparent and accountable manner, fostering trust and confidence in the University's financial management practices.
• Conduct assessments of institutional effectiveness and impact, using data-driven approaches to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
• Conduct financial analysis, forecasting, and scenario modeling to support strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and risk management processes.
• Conduct financial analysis, scenario modeling, and sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of strategic initiatives, investment opportunities, and operational changes on the University's financial position and performance.
• Coordinate strategic planning processes across academic, administrative, and operational units to promote alignment and integration of efforts.
• Develop and implement cash management strategies, banking relationships, and debt financing arrangements to support the University's financial objectives and requirements.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and systems to ensure effective financial management, compliance with regulatory requirements, and alignment with University strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and reporting guidelines, and oversee the preparation of audit schedules and responses to audit inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and institutional policies related to financial management, reporting, and governance.
• Identify and assess financial risks and uncertainties facing the University, and develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks, safeguard assets, and protect the University's reputation and financial sustainability.
• Identify emerging technologies, trends, and best practices relevant to higher education and incorporate them into the University's ICT roadmap.
• Implement a comprehensive ICT plan aligned with the University's mission, strategic goals, and strategic priorities.
• Interpret financial data and key performance indicators to assess the University's financial health, identify trends, and provide insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Lead the development and implementation of the University strategic plans, goals, and performance measures to advance the University's mission and vision.
• Lead the development and implementation of the University's annual budget, and long-term financial plans in collaboration with senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Manage financial risks and uncertainties, and implement strategies to safeguard the University's financial assets and optimize returns on investments.
• Manage the University's cash flow, liquidity, and investment portfolios to optimize returns, minimize risk, and ensure adequate funding for operational and strategic needs.
• Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and recommend corrective actions or adjustments to ensure financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Monitor changes in regulations, industry standards, and best practices in financial management, and recommend updates to policies, procedures, and internal controls as needed.
• Monitor financial markets, interest rates, and regulatory changes to identify opportunities and risks impacting the University's treasury operations.
• Monitor progress towards strategic goals and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Oversee budget development, monitoring, and reporting processes to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability and alignment of financial resources with institutional priorities and strategic goals.
• Prepare and present timely and accurate financial statements, reports, and analyses to the University Council, senior leadership, and external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies.
• Respond to inquiries, requests for information, and audit findings in a timely and professional manner, ensuring compliance with reporting and disclosure requirements.