Description:
The Financial Resources Department seeks an incumbent for the position of Director, Financial Resources. As a key member of the University's senior leadership team, the Finance Director acts as a strategic partner and trusted advisor, driving the institution's financial health and sustainability. This role transcends traditional accounting and control functions to provide forward-looking financial leadership. The Director is responsible for architecting and leading a sophisticated financial strategy that supports Zayed University’s academic mission and long-term vision. By championing a culture of strategic thinking, data-driven insight, and flexible resource allocation, the Director will ensure the University is agile, resilient, and positioned for future growth and innovation in a dynamic global landscape.
The Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Institutional Impact
- Serve as a primary financial advisor to the Chief Administration and Finance Officer and other senior leaders, providing critical insights and constructive challenges to shape institutional strategy.
- Lead the development of the University's long-term financial framework and sustainability models, ensuring alignment with academic priorities, research ambitions, and strategic goals.
- Champion a forward-thinking financial culture, anticipating future trends, opportunities, and risks in the higher education sector to proactively position the University for success.
- Drive financial innovation and efficiency across the institution, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and strategic resource allocation.
- Represent the University in high-level negotiations with government bodies, financial institutions, and other key external stakeholders.
- Direct the financial planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis functions to produce actionable intelligence that supports agile and informed executive decision-making.
- Develop and implement sophisticated financial models and key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure institutional performance and highlight opportunities for enhancement.
- Translate complex financial data into clear, compelling narratives and strategic recommendations for a variety of audiences, including the Board of Trustees and senior management.
- Lead the evaluation of new ventures, programs, and capital projects, providing robust business cases and financial viability assessments.
Financial Control & Risk Management
- Ensure the integrity of the University’s financial systems by overseeing the design, implementation, and monitoring of a robust internal control framework.
- Lead the institutional risk management process from a financial perspective, identifying, evaluating, and mitigating financial and operational risks.
- Guarantee compliance with all relevant regulations, laws, and international accounting standards and oversee all internal and external audit processes.
- Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures that safeguard university assets while enabling operational agility and strategic execution.
Financial Operations & Transaction Management
- Oversee all core financial operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, treasury, and fixed asset management, ensuring they are efficient, accurate, and service-oriented.
- Direct the institutional budgeting process, from consolidation and variance analysis to performance monitoring, ensuring it serves as a strategic management tool.
- Manage the University's cash flow and liquidity to optimize working capital, meet operational needs, and minimize financial risk.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality financial support services to faculty, staff, and students, fostering a collaborative and solution-oriented approach.
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing financial resources team, fostering a culture of professional excellence, strategic partnership, and continuous learning.
- Champion the professional development of the finance team, ensuring they have the skills and mindset to meet the evolving needs of the University.
- Set clear performance objectives, provide regular feedback, and manage the talent pipeline to ensure business continuity and succession planning.