The Opportunity
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.
People Leadership & Organizational Development
The Requirements
Must possess a minimum of a master’s degree in finance from an accredited institution and 15 years of experience with at least 8-10 years in a senior strategic leadership role within a complex organization. And to possess professional accounting qualifications such as ACA, ACMA, CPA accredited Institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Other essential requirements:
Strong financial management experience in a complex automated environment, preferably in a university or other service industry/public sector.
English Arabic language skills preferred.
Desired or preferred requirements:
English and Arabic language skills preferred.
The Benefits
The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., Cash housing, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare are provided to the employee and sponsored family members.
While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview.
For any inquires or issues please contact Recruitment@zu.ac.ae
