Head of the Budgeting & Financial Planning

Knowledge & Human Development Authority; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA) seeks a proven financial leader to head the Budgeting & Financial Planning Section. You will align resource allocation with educational priorities and KHDA’s strategic goals, driving transparency and strong governance across the organisation.

You will guide annual budgeting, analyze scenarios, and lead a high-performing team to deliver robust financial planning and reporting in Dubai.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in budgeting and financial planning, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proficiency in financial regulations, budgeting software, and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of KHDA’s annual budgeting framework, aligned with strategic priorities.
• Oversee resource allocation to support operational and strategic initiatives across educational sectors.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Monitor budget performance, address variances, and maintain financial transparency.
• Conduct scenario analysis and risk assessments to support effective budget planning.
• Provide financial insights and guidance to senior management on key projects and decisions.
• Lead financial projections and oversee budget adjustments to optimise financial flexibility.
• Establish and maintain financial planning policies in line with best practices.
• Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration to ensure accurate financial estimates.
• Develop tools and reports to support real-time budget monitoring.
• Lead and supervise the financial team in alignment with KHDA’s strategic objectives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Financial analysis

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting software

Reporting tools

Education

Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

Budgeting software

Reporting tools

Job description

Head of Budgeting & Financial Planning Section

KHDA is seeking an accomplished financial leader to head the Budgeting & Financial Planning Section and provide strategic leadership in financial planning and budgeting.

The role will support KHDA’s sustainable growth by aligning resource allocation with educational priorities and the organisation’s strategic goals.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development and implementation of KHDA’s annual budgeting framework, aligned with strategic priorities.


• Oversee resource allocation to support operational and strategic initiatives across educational sectors.


• Ensure compliance with internal and external financial regulations and reporting requirements.


• Monitor budget performance, address variances, and maintain financial transparency.


• Conduct scenario analysis and risk assessments to support effective budget planning.


• Provide financial insights and guidance to senior management on key projects and decisions.


• Lead financial projections and oversee budget adjustments to optimise financial flexibility.


• Establish and maintain financial planning policies in line with best practices.


• Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration to ensure accurate financial estimates.


• Develop tools and reports to support real-time budget monitoring.


• Lead and supervise the financial team in alignment with KHDA’s strategic objectives.

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.


• 10+ years of experience in budgeting and financial planning, including 5+ years in a leadership role.


• Proficiency in financial regulations, budgeting software, and reporting tools.


• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.


• Experience in education or public sector finance is an advantage.