Chief Financial Officer

About Us: A dynamic and exciting startup initiative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a higher education institution specialized in arts and creativity, the first of its kind in the region. This initiative aims to significantly expand opportunities across all artistic and creative sectors. The institution will offer a comprehensive range of creative academic programs, from vocational courses to doctoral degrees, through various modes of learning.

With an innovative outlook and entrepreneurial spirit, the institution will play a central role in nurturing the next generation of creative leaders and practitioners who will join a dynamic and growing hub for arts and creativity. It will also focus on fostering values, social responsibility, and cultural enrichment, playing an important role in celebrating the Kingdom’s rich heritage and contributing to shaping its future. We are currently seeking an outstanding, enthusiastic, and committed individual to join us and contribute to the transformation of arts and creative education across the Kingdom.

We invite you to be part of this exciting journey toward an exceptional beginning. Job Roles and Key Responsibilities: General ResponsibilitiesProvide visibility into the financial metrics and status of the educational institute to the President and Board of Trustees and implement the Board’s decisions through the establishment of policies, procedures, and guidelines. Represent the institution to external stakeholders (auditors, regulatory authorities, donors etc. )Strategic ResponsibilitiesAdvise the President and Board of Trustees on all fiscal matters, and serve as the steward for all financial decisions of the high educational institute.

Ensure financial sustainability and well-being of the institution and Academies by exercising control over institution budgets and program fee structures, providing timely reporting, monitoring cash flow, safeguarding all financial assets of the institution and preventing institutional risk and liabilityEstablish strong fiscal processes and policies that ensure long-term economic sustainability of the institution and promote a culture of responsible fiscal operationsOperational ResponsibilitiesLead the annual operating and capital budget/planning processes, financial risk assessment, financial reporting and analysis, accounting operations, and service delivery for the Finance DepartmentDirect creation and management of financial systems/procedures, payroll processing, general accounting, interim and year-end closing, working capital management, and annual report finalisation and sign-off Ensure the accuracy of all fiscal activities including accounting, budgeting, procurement, tax, legal, compliance and financial reportingEstablish a strong controllership and accounting function to ensure timely accounts receivable, accurate payroll/expense operations, proactive investment management and coordination with auditors and other external stakeholdersSet up and maintain digital finance information systems catering to all functions within the Finance OfficeBuild a robust procurement function, that delivers maximum value to all purchases made by the educational institution.

Establish strong processes to ensure legal, statutory, regulatory and tax complianceIdeal Experience, Capabilities and Skills: Industry Experience 20+ years of experience in a senior finance leadership role, with preferably 10+ years in a reputed institute of higher educationExtensive knowledge and exposure to various sub-functions of finance such as controllership, legal, accounting, fundraising, non-profit etc. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or financial management. Master’s degree is highly preferredStrong know-how of systems and tools such as Microsoft Suite, SAP, Finacle etc.

Management capabilitiesProven ability in setting up robust systems and processes in large organizationsStrong experience in managing financial assets and external stakeholdersProven excellence in organizational management and providing strategic direction Experience in building and mentoring a high-performing teamProven ability to develop a strong, long-term financial strategy in line with the vision and missionTrack record of increasing efficiencies, enhancing fiscal sustainability through varied means and generating cost savingsReporting Lines: Reports to and is appointed by: President and Board of TrusteessReports from: All finance departments including accounts receivable, accounts payable, controllership, budgeting, planning & analysis, procurement, reporting and legal