The University of Central Asia (UCA) is a private (not for profit), secular University whose charter has been signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, ratified by the parliaments of the founding states and registered with the United Nations. UCA is the first internationally chartered university in the world. UCA’s mission is to foster the socio-economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, while helping the peoples of the region preserve and draw upon their rich cultural heritages as assets for the future.
Summary of the Position
The University of Central Asia (UCA) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer who will be part of UCA’s senior executive team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the review, refinement and implementation of UCA’s financial strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve UCA assets and accurate financial reporting. The Chief Financial Officer will oversee and manage all financial matters of the University and also play a key role in the strategic planning, development and financial operations of a multi-campus university.
The position is located in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Contribute to the achievement of UCA's objectives by developing the short- and long-term financial strategy.
- Review, manage and develop, as required, financial systems, policies and procedures.
- Oversee the production of accurate and timely financial information about UCA's financial status and performance.
- Oversee the smooth transition from iScala to SAP Finance Module and ensure its effective and efficient use for data-driven financial planning and providing input for taking informed decisions on the University’s strategic matters.
- Develop and control UCA's annual operating budget to ensure all financial targets are met.
- Oversee financial control and the production of all necessary statements and reports to enable accurate financial reporting and management analysis.
- Provide financial management and control for the construction of physical facilities.
- Carry out all the necessary actions to ensure that UCA meets its financial and legal obligations, pertaining to finance, at local, national and international levels.
- Direct and control staff of the Finance Division to ensure they are appropriately motivated and trained in order to carry out their responsibilities to the required standards.
- Ensure that a comprehensive insurance programme is maintained for all institutional insurable risks.
- Develop and implement a strategic plan to build national capacity in finance for UCA.
The Requirements
Knowledge and Competencies
- Demonstrated leadership, management experience, and communication skills
- Highly advanced analytical skills and technical knowledge of financial systems, processes and policies.
- The ability to establish, direct and integrate business and finance policies, operations and programs.
- Superior accounting skills and experience, budgeting and financial modeling capabilities, and an understanding of sophisticated databases and large institutional networks.
- The ability to review and assess the operational and financial viability of new and existing contractual managements and grant proposals.
- Knowledge of investment strategies and techniques, assets and funds management principles, methods, and techniques.
- Cultural and gender sensitivity, flexibility and a multidisciplinary approach to work effectively with a wide range of diverse constituencies at the local, regional and international level.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- A senior-level professional with a minimum of 8-12 years of relevant experience, 5 years of which should be in a financial leadership role, preferably within a major university or in an international / multi-campus setting.
- An advanced degree in business administration, finance management, public administration, or another relevant field. Professional certification (CPA or CA) is essential.
- Demonstrated skill in business administration, budget preparation and control, data processing and information systems as well as practical knowledge of accounting, computer operations, record keeping and financial management procedures.
- Superior interpersonal skills to manage multi-cultural personnel and foster team building among staff in multiple locations.
- Strong oral and written English communication skills are required.
- Experience in financial management and control of construction budgets.
- Knowledge of, or experience, working with the Aga Khan Development Network.
- Previous overseas experience would be an asset as would proficiency in Russian.
The application deadline is March 30th, 2020 via the following: www.akdn.org/careers/1655376
