Financial Operation Head

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Abu Dhabi seeks a Finance Operations Section Lead to oversee financial activities, ensuring compliance and efficiency. The role demands strong leadership skills and a robust background in accounting and finance, particularly within higher education. The incumbent will manage financial systems and support the team in achieving operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 10 years in Accounting and Finance, preferably in Higher Education.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Experience managing and optimizing financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance Operations Section, overseeing day-to-day financial activities.
• Ensure compliance with policies for timely payments and collections.
• Supervise accounting team performance and provide guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Financial Systems Optimization

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accountancy or related field

Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CPA, CA)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Role Summary:

To lead the Finance Operations Section within the Finance Department at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), overseeing all day-to-day financial activities and ensuring high standards of efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. The role includes direct supervision of the accounting team and responsibility for core financial functions: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Asset Management, and Payroll Processing. The incumbent will manage and enhance financial systems, tools, and internal controls to ensure timely payments and collections in line with SUAD policies, contractual obligations, and recognized accounting practices. This role requires strong leadership to guide, develop, and support the Finance Operations team in achieving operational excellence.

Key Activities

1. Responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts receivable, VAT, and Fixed Assets accounting by ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and controls for timely and accurate payments and collections, proper documentation, and internal reporting.
2. Support the University's digital transformation efforts focusing on financial systems and tools to improve efficiency and outputs.
3. Supervise the activities and performance of direct reports, providing feedback and guidance to ensure efficient completion of all accounting tasks in line with targets and expectations.
4. Ensure robust financial systems and controls are in place for all accounting functions, including payroll, billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants accounting, reimbursement requests, and revenue accounting.
5. Monitor accounts receivables activity for timeliness and completeness, ensuring billing, collections, and reporting are completed as per policies and procedures.
6. Oversee the development of the Accounts Receivable aging analysis report and review overdue receivables to initiate follow-up actions.
7. Review AR statements and maintain records of doubtful debts and write-offs to ensure control and compliance.
8. Review and maintain relevant sub-ledger accounts to ensure data accuracy.
9. Review the Fixed Assets register for accurate depreciation calculation and reconciliation, and manage fixed assets write-offs as per policies.
10. Validate and approve assets additions, disposals, and adjustments on the system as per DoA and policies.
11. Review the monthly payroll after HR processing and ensure timely payment.
12. Ensure collection of expected expenses not yet invoiced, and make accruals, provisions, and prepayments for month-end payments.
13. Approve relevant accounting entries and supporting documentation for accruals, provisions, and prepayments monthly.
14. Manage monthly and yearly closing activities, reconcile accounts, and support financial reporting with accurate and reflective data.
15. Foster positive relationships with vendors, customers, and students by addressing concerns promptly.
16. Report discrepancies and control issues to the Head - Finance for action.
17. Ensure compliance of accounting systems and practices with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
18. Prepare and share relevant information with auditors and foster cooperative relationships for timely recommendations and findings.
19. Enforce department policies, processes, SOPs, and guidelines for consistent work execution.
20. Develop, publish, and report dashboard summaries for all reporting sections.
21. Assist the Head of Finance in developing strategies and KPIs to improve performance.
22. Assist in reviewing monthly VAT submissions to DOF/FTA.
23. Contribute to improving banking relationships for smooth operations.
24. Participate in internal committees as per charter.
25. Perform other duties as directed by Line Managers.

Qualifications, Experience, & Skills:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accountancy or related field.
• Professional accounting qualification from recognized bodies such as ACCA, CPA, CA.

Minimum Experience:

10 years in Accounting and Finance, preferably in Higher Education.

Job-Specific Skills:

• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Experience managing and optimizing financial systems.
• Knowledge of ERP and SIS applications and emerging technologies.
• Proficiency in accounting software (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.).
• Understanding of IPSAS, IFRS, Tax regulations, and Financial Reporting.
• Familiarity with Business Intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.).
• Experience with Workflow Automation and RPA.
• Strong analytical skills and data insight generation.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance and audit management in education.
• Expertise in process optimization and automation.
• High accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to align activities with organizational goals and contribute to strategic planning.
• Knowledge of accounting policies and procedures.