Finance Analyst

Kawader Human Resources Consultancy; Sharjah; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A human resources consultancy seeks a financial planning expert in Sharjah, UAE. The role involves supporting financial activities, preparing strategic plans, and developing key performance indicators. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting and 6-7 years of UAE experience in a similar role, preferably in higher education. Proficiency in financial ERP tools and communication in Arabic and English is essential. UAE Nationals are preferred.

Qualifications

• 6-7 years of UAE experience in a similar role, preferably in higher education.
• Ability to prepare professional documents in Arabic and English.
• High integrity and commitment to good governance.

Responsibilities

• Support financial planning and analysis activities.
• Prepare strategic plans and annual budgets.
• Develop key performance indicators.
• Identify business opportunities and improve financial sustainability.
• Assist in allocation of revenues and costs.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Proficiency in MS Office applications

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to build relationships

Financial model development

Business operations review

Knowledge of Financial ERP tools

Team flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or relevant discipline

Membership of a recognized professional accounting body

Tools

Financial ERP tools

Business Intelligence tools

Job description

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, and 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

• 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.