Finance Analyst

Job Description

JOB ROLE:

• To support the Head of Planning and Financial Performance in all financial planning and analysis activities, and provide critical Financial Planning and Analysis functions including strategic planning, management reporting, performance management, commercial/operational decision support and effective business partnering
  
  

Key Accountabilities

• Prepare strategic plans, annual budgets and monthly management reporting, as well as develop internal
  
  

financial reporting templates for periodic internal financial reports to Finance Department and Top

management.

• Support the continuous improvement of the University budgeting and forecasting process, and implement
  
  

and maintain reporting procedures to comply with internal control requirements.

• Develop key performance indicators to measure both financial and non-financial performance.
• Provide financial sustainability analyses at the organizational unit and program/course levels.
• Identify business opportunities, formulate strategies to improve financial sustainability (revenue/costs) and
  
  

allocate resources more strategically.

• Assist in allocation of revenues and costs to the correct cost centers, and audit transactions to make
  
  

appropriate corrections and entries.

• Develop business cases and financial models to support the strategic decision-making process.
• Support the curriculum review, provide commercial and financial advice on existing and new programs
  
  

(e.g. strategic fit, competition, demand, maturity cycle, teaching delivery options, pricing strategy, financial

viability)

• Drive efficiencies and performance improvement through the evaluation of systems and processes, and
  
  

contribute to the development of Business Intelligence Tools, dashboards, benchmarks.

• Develop an understanding of the financial implications of business activities, communicate complex
  
  

finance ideas, and answer accounting and financial questions by researching and interpreting data.

• Challenge business partner assumptions and goals. Provide value add advice to support decision-making.
• Ensure the security, integrity and confidentiality of any incoming or outgoing financial information/data.
• Complete any other job-related tasks as assigned by line manager within the expected time limit.
  
  

Operational Plans

• Participate in developing the department/college’s operational and business plans, and contribute in its
  
  

execution, in line with the department/college’s strategy in order to support the achievement of the

University’s strategic objectives.

Continuous Improvement

• Provide input to enhance the processes and procedures that help implement the relevant best practices.
• Follow all relevant processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions accurately to ensure that job
  
  

tasks are carried out in a controlled and consistent manner

Systems, Processes and Reports

• Generate relevant reports and ensure that they are prepared timely and accurately, and meet the
  
  

department’s requirements and standards.

• Operate the required software/hardware accurately and effectively.
  
  

Skills

Required Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to prepare professional documents, in both Arabic and English.
• Excellent proficiency in MS office applications.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build productive relationships with a broad range of staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to absorb high volume of information and translate concepts into practical business models.
• Experience in developing financial models.
• Experience in reviewing business operations and recommending improvement strategies.
• Knowledge of and experience in using Financial ERP and Business Intelligence tools or solutions.
• High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.
• Flexibility and ability to function effectively as part of a team
  
  

Required Qualification & Experience

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or a relevant discipline.
• 6-7 years of UAE experience in similar role preferably in higher education institutions.
• Membership of a recognized professional accounting body (e.g. CA or CPA)
• Priority is to UAE Nationals.