Head Finance

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

- Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the institution's long-term goals.
- Support decision-making on growth and profitability , including new academic programs, infrastructure projects, and partnerships, through financial analysis.
- Represent the Finance Department in various university-level committees, including the Fee & Finance Committee, Governing Body etc.
- Conduct market and sectoral analysis on key financial and operational metrics for benchmarking, and develop strategies to achieve and sustain those benchmarks.

2. Financial Planning & Management

- Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes.
- Monitor financial performance at micro and macro level against budget and provide timely monthly reports (MIS) to leadership.
- Develop performance metrics for various parameters, monitor and report on such metrics regularly, observe trendlines, ensure corrective action to remain on track
- Ensure optimal utilization of resources and cost efficiency across all functions and departments.
- Actively participate in the Purchase Committee as per SOP to ensure procurement of projects and services at the right quality and price, driving value for money and transparency in the process.

3. Treasury & Fund Management

- Prepare cash flow forecasts, oversee actual cash flow, working capital management, and liquidity planning, avoiding surprises and ensuring smooth operations
- Manage banking relationships, loans, and fundraising (including grants, endowments, and donor contributions).
- Support funding for capital projects and new initiatives. Ensure usage of funds as per plan and control deviations

4. Governance & Compliance

- Establish strong accounting system to ensure timely and accurate recording of transactions. Strengthen the ERP to deliver seamless efficiency in implementing policies
- Implement strong internal controls for adherence to law of the land,sector, SOP, etc, risk management frameworks, and financial policies.
- Liaise with auditors, regulators, and tax authorities and ensure clean governance

5. Reporting & Analytics

- Present financial results and analysis to the Board and senior leadership, also to other peers or users as required
- Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor institutional financial health.
- Drive adoption of technology for financial reporting, ERP systems, and analytics.

6. Team Leadership

- Build and mentor a high-performing and motivated finance team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate cross-functionally.

Any other duties as assigned by the management from time to time.

Qualifications & Experience

- Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent qualification.
- 15+ years of progressive financial management experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Prior experience in the education, non-profit, or service sector .
- Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks, taxation, and funding models relevant to education.
- Experience in capital projects, fundraising, or institutional expansion is an advantage.

Key Skills & Competencies

- Strategic financial leadership and analytical thinking.
- Strong stakeholder management and board-level communication.
- Team work within and outside the function
- Integrity, transparency, and adherence to ethical practices.
- Ability to balance financial prudence with growth and mission objectives. Agility to deal with evolving situations
- Proficiency in ERP/financial systems and advanced Excel/analytics.