Job description

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The Chief Financial Officer is a senior management position responsible for directing and overseeing all aspects of the University’s finance and accounting functions. This is in order to ensure transparency, accountability, value for money, financial sustainability and sound stewardship of institutional resources. The Chief Financial Officer reports to the Vice Chancellor.

JOB PURPOSE

To provide strategic leadership in financial management, accounting, budgeting, treasury management, internal controls, financial reporting, audit coordination and policy development. This is to ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, statutory requirements and best practice in public financial management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the preparation, implementation and review of the University’s financial strategies, budgets, financial plans, forecasts and departmental work plans.
2. Oversee the preparation of accurate financial statements, management accounts, operational performance reports and statutory reports to facilitate effective decision-making.
3. Superintend financial planning, financial analysis and forecasting processes to support institutional growth, sustainability and value for money.
4. Manage budgeting and budgetary control systems through careful analysis, monitoring and control of approved budgets.
5. Monitor and control cash flow, treasury operations, banking arrangements and utilisation of financial resources to optimise liquidity and safeguard University funds.
6. Develop, strengthen and maintain effective internal control systems in compliance with applicable accounting principles, legal requirements and regulatory frameworks.
7. Coordinate internal and external audits, ensure timely responses to audit queries and oversee implementation of audit recommendations.
8. Lead the development, review and implementation of financial policies and procedures to facilitate the achievement of short, medium and long-term strategic financial objectives.
9. Provide leadership, supervision, performance management and staff development within the Finance and Accounting function.
10. Promote accountability, transparency, ethical conduct, innovation and continuous improvement in all financial operations of the University.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or its equivalent with at least five (5) credits, including English Language.
• Full professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, ZICA/CA Zambia or equivalent.
• Master’s degree in accountancy, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
• Membership in good standing with the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant post-qualification experience, of which at least five (5) years must have been at senior management level.
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, financial planning, budgeting and budgetary control, treasury management, internal controls, audit coordination and financial policy development.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, applicable accounting standards, public finance management requirements, taxation, corporate governance and risk management.
• Experience in a university, public institution or large complex organisation will be an added advantage.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Excellent strategic leadership, analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent planning, organisation, decision-making and performance management abilities.
• Proficiency in accounting software packages, financial management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work under minimum supervision, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, enforce discipline in accordance with institutional procedures and promote effective staff performance.