Chief Financial Officer

Job description

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, the Chief Financial Officer’s primary role is to manage all the Accounting, Finance, Treasury and Tax operations of the University. Specific duties and responsibilities will include but will not be limited to those outlined below:

Lead and manage the University’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and long-term sustainability;
Oversee the preparation, execution, and monitoring of the University’s budgets, cash flows, and financial forecasts;
Ensure the integrity of financial reporting, delivering accurate and timely financial statements to Management, the University Council, and external stakeholders;
Safeguard the University’s financial resources and assets through effective financial controls, risk management, and compliance with financial regulations;
Guide the allocation of resources across departments, schools, and initiatives to optimize the University’s operational and strategic priorities;
Collaborate with senior management to drive cost-effective strategies, including revenue generation, fundraising, and cost control initiatives;
Provide expert financial advice to the Vice Chancellor and the University Council on investment opportunities, expenditure patterns, and financial performance;
Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement;
Ensure robust systems for the security and accuracy of financial transactions, including audits and compliance checks; and,
Manage financial relationships with external bodies, including banks, auditors, and regulatory authorities; and,
Any other assigned duties.

Qualifications and Experience

Grade 12 Certificate or its equivalent with at least five (5) credits including English and Mathematics;
A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business Administration from an accredited University; or
CA Zambia, ACCA, IPFA, ICMA/CIMA or equivalent;
A Master of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Finance or Economics would be an added advantage;
Minimum Ten (10) years’ experience in Finance, with at least Three (3) years as part of Senior Management Team;
Proficiency in different accounting packages;
Member of ZICA or ACCA or CIMA.

Desirable skills and personality characteristics

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
Analytical, organizational and leadership skills;
Excellent strategic planning skills;
Excellent writing and presentation skills;
Excellent ICT skills;
Honesty and reliable with high moral strength;
High degree of attention to detail;
High degree of integrity;
Up to date with the latest International Accounting Standards; and,
Ability to work with minimum supervision.

Tenure

The appointment shall be for an initial period of three (3) years.

Remuneration

A competitive remuneration package shall be offered to the successful candidate.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

The position applied for should be clearly stated in the application letter and marked on the envelope.

Eligible candidates who meet the above specifications should submit a motivation letter indicating their suitability for the role, detailed Curriculum Vitae with three traceable referees, and certified copies of academic and professional qualifications to:

The Chairperson

Search Committee

ZCAS University

P.O. Box 50497 RW

LUSAKA

The application should be submitted via the link: https://zcasu.edu.zm/category/vacancies/ provided on the ZCAS University website, www.zcasu.edu.zm

No hard copies shall be accepted.

Closing Date: 28th February 2025.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

ZCAS University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.