Head of Finance

Job Title: Head of Finance (UAE Nationals)Reporting Relationship:Director of Administration and OperationsExpected Starting Date:For immediate hireJob Status:Full timeApplication Deadline: The position is open until filledAbout UsLocated in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and following the successful launch of The Africa Institute in 2018, Global Studies University was established in 2023 as a non-profit institution for higher education by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Read more .Position SummaryThe Global Studies University, Sharjah, UAE, is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer to lead and oversee the Finance and Procurement division. This senior leadership role will be responsible for developing and managing the departmental budget, establishing and operationalizing the Finance and Procurement divisions, and ensuring compliant and effective management of funds from grants, donations, and sponsorships. The role will also be responsible for setting up the different positions with the Finance Unit.The ideal candidate will combine financial acumen with strong leadership and planning skills and possess a thorough understanding of the budgeting, accounting and procurement functions within academic institutions. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in guiding the organization’s financial health, stability and sustainability, while aligning operations with institutional and strategic goals as well regulatory frameworks. The position will also be responsible for all dealings with the Government and the University’s Board of Trustees for all the finance related matters.Key ResponsibilitiesBudgeting and Financial Planning:Lead the annual budgeting process, including forecasting, planning, and reportingMonitor and control departmental expenditures in alignment with institutional and project budgetsProvide regular financial reports to senior leadership and stakeholdersAdvise on long-term financial planning and sustainabilityFinance and Procurement Management:Establish and operationalize the Finance and Procurement divisions within the organizationDevelop finance and procurement policies, procedures, and best practices in line with university and national and international regulations and accounting policiesOversee finance and procurement activities to ensure compliance with regulations, transparency, efficiency, and value for moneyEnsure vendor compliance and contract management standards are metCommunication with Government, Auditors, and Senior Management:Communication with Government Finance Department to ensure compliance with their requirements and provision of any information or reports requiredWork with internal, external and government auditors on annual reports or special audit assignmentsPrepare financial reports and financial presentations for senior management and the Board of TrusteesProvide regular reports to management and department heads related to budgets and the financial health of the organisationLeadership and Strategic Oversight:Provide leadership and direction to the finance and procurement teamsEnsure compliance with relevant financial regulations, audit standards, and institutional policiesCollaborate with other units, university leadership, and external partnersImplement financial systems, technologies, and process improvementsProfessional ExperienceMinimum of 9 years’ experience as a finance manager of a finance department with at least 4 years in a leadership role within a university, higher education institution, or similar organizationExperience working in the UAE’s regulatory environment and financial practices is preferredProven experience in developing and managing budgets, financial reporting, and compliance in an academic or large organizational settingDemonstrated experience in budgeting, financial planning, and procurement managementStrong knowledge of financial regulations, grant compliance, and procurement practices.Proven leadership and team management abilitiesExcellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skillsFamiliarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and financial reporting toolsCompetencies and SkillsExcellent knowledge of English and ArabicExperience in financial matters in educational institutionsExperience working with international donors or government-funded projectsUnderstanding of academic or non-profit funding environmentsHigh level of integrity and professionalismStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organizationAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environmentStrategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-oriented approachHow to ApplyTo apply, please submit the following documents:Cover letter outlining your suitability for the roleContact information for three professional referencesSend your application via email to and include the position title in the subje