The CFO is accountable for accurate financial results, budgets and other financial matters; remuneration, benefits, risk management, financial controls and control environment, and related administrative operations. This includes the development of operational and financial strategies for the University.
The CFO serves as the strategic financial partner of the University’s leadership. The CFO is responsible for the management and supervision of the finance team, oversight of the finance and bursary functions, budgeting, capital management, financial and management reporting and financial and accounting processes.
The CFO works closely with senior leadership throughout the University to develop strategies to strengthen its business, financial and administrative plans, and policies to achieve its strategic goals. The CFO advises the president and Board of Governors on financial and business matters relating to the University and the campus. The CFO will collaborate with other leaders of the University to build upon and support an innovative vision for UCCI’s future during a time of great momentum with exciting initiatives on the horizon. The CFO directs all financial operations including budgeting, accounting, procurement, cash, student financial aid, risk and asset management. The CFO develops financial planning processes to ensure that financial plans are aligned with University goals, which includes preparing financial models and annual and long-term operating and capital budgets that provide for the realization of the University’s growth. The CFO also has responsibility for all reporting and compliance related to fiscal activity, investment, pension obligations and debt management, official credit cards and for promoting the development and growth of the University in sound budget management and oversight.
The CFO is a member of the President's Executive Leadership.
- TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
- The Chief Financial Officer is appointed by the Board of Governers upon recommendation of the President.
- Continuation of an appointment as CFO is subject to a satisfactory annual performance review.
- CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT
- A Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field;
- Professional accounting designation (CPA, CMA, ACCA or equivalent);
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, at least three (3) of which should be in a senior financial role;
- Working knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Skills/Knowledge and Expertise:
- Experience leading an organization’s accounting and finance team;
- Demonstrated leadership in developing relationships with the business community;
- Demonstrated technical competence in financial functional areas including financial reporting, internal controls development and implementation, policy development, financial planning and budgeting, financial systems implementation and management, and bursary and debt management;
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work proactively in the creation and management of financial and administrative solutions resulting in organizational growth and success;
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with peers and subordinates and effectively with other internal and external constituents;
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills;
- Impeccable commitment to operating with high standards of ethics and integrity, professionally and personally;
- Demonstrated ability to establish credibility and trust with broad and diverse constituencies;
- Commitment to excellence in achieving the division’s goals and
supporting the University’s strategic initiatives;
- Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to engage others to address complex issues collaboratively;
- Strong leadership skills to establish vision and inspire and motivate others to achieve extraordinary results;
- Poised under pressure and able to maintain a sense of humor in stressful situations;
- Ability to balance competing demands and multiple responsibilities, making progress on long-term projects and addressing urgent needs.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
- Experience preparing externally audited accounts;
- A sound understanding of public sector procurement principles and the assessment of value for money; and
- Broad understanding of the Cayman Islands Public Sector financial framework.
- Accountabilities
The CFO shall be accountable to the President of the University College of the Cayman Islands for the following:
Institutional Commitment
- recognizes diversity in UCCI’s organizational culture; understands department and UCCI policies, and promotes an environment conducive to learning;
- demonstrates professional conduct in discussing and dealing with internal issues;
- maintains appropriate work/life balance while engaging in new knowledge to enhance personal growth and skills;
- adheres to UCCI’s policies regarding social conduct, attendance, and dress code;
- acts in accordance with UCCI’s privacy and legal requirements;
- maintains good relationships with UCCI’s clients including the students, visitors, and other colleagues, even when facing pressure situations and when confronted;
- shows respect for colleagues; and
- provides constructive feedback when needed.
Accountabilities Specific to the Role
The CFO will partner with UCCI’s President and senior leadership team to help propel forward strategic initiatives aimed at making UCCI a model for higher education through leveraging opportunities afforded by residing at the center of one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic regional economies. The CFO will contribute to UCCI’s success in a variety of ways, including:
- Collaborating with other senior leaders to develop and execute strategic initiatives that must rapidly adapt to changing circumstances;
- Telling UCCI’sconstantly evolving financial“story” in a manner that is
informative and accessible to all stakeholders; and
- Promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation across the University.
University Leadership
- Serve as a member of the President's Corporate Management Team;
- Provide financial and business guidance to support the University’s
mission and goals;
- Participate in the development and implementation of the University’s strategy; and
- Support the development of financial expertise and leadership throughout the University.
Financial Planning and Oversight
- Ensures all financial operations including annual audit, financial reporting, revenue collection, budgeting, reporting, financial aid, accounting, procurement, cash management, risk and asset management are carried out timely and compliantly.
- Ensures the existence and functionality of an appropriate ERP system to
manage the University’s finances.
- Ensure the provision of adequate, accurate and timely data for strategic decision-making and operational leadership;
- Develop financial planning processes to prioritize and ensure that the short-term and long-term financial plans are aligned with the goals of the University. This includes a multi-year financial plan, preparing financial models and annual and long-term operating and capital budgets that provide for the realization of the University’s goals;
- Lead the development of policies, planning guidelines, and procedures for the University's capital planning including the development of the 10-Year Facilities Plan;
- Oversee bursar functions; and
- Provide analysis and recommendations regarding the University’s financial policies and access to financing.
Engagement and Communications
- Promote effective communications across the campus on financial and administrative matters;
- Offer opportunities for faculty, staff and students to provide input to the President on the University’s finances;
- Provide financial and budget transparency for faculty, staff and student constituents; and
- Familiar with personnel and operations management best practices.
- Background Information
The University College of the Cayman Islands is a public university established as a statutory authority by statute of the Cayman Islands. The University operates principally under the University College Act and the Public Authorities Act. The University College Act sets out a bicameral governance structure for the University, dividing fiscal and academic authorities between two bodies, the Board of Governors and the Administrative and Academic Committee, each of which has been granted individual statutory powers and responsibilities. The primary area covered by the job is to support the President on a strategic level in accordance with obligations imposed by the Public Management and Finance Act.
The post holder is expected to work independently, with minimal supervision.
- Assignment and Planning of Work
The post holder will identify and allocate to himself/herself accounting and finance activities within the scope of the responsibilities, as laid down in the Principal Accountabilities and under the supervision of the President.
- Supervision of Others
The CFO has full supervisory responsibilities for the Accounting and Finance department in relation to the financial needs of the institution.
- Other Working Relationships
- Provide financial information and analysis to the President and the Board of Governors and the Board’s Audit and Finance Committee;
- Ensure that the governance bodies are informed about and confident in the financial management of the University and support governance bodies’ members in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities; and
- Represent the University as a member of professional associations and with other partner organizations.
Internal:
- Board of Governors and governance committees
- President
- All Staff
External:
- Public and Private enterprise
- Professional organisations
- University auditor and Office of the auditor general
- Government and other SAGC’s
- Decision-Making Authority and Controls
The post holder may take decisions on matters within the ambit of the principal accountabilities and as otherwise delegated by the chief executive officer under section 32 of the Public Authorities Law, 2017. Budget oversight of $13.5 million.
- Working Conditions
This is normally an office-based position and is expected to work long and abnormal hours with attendance at off-campus meetings with external entities as required.
Compensation
- KYD $90,912.00 - $122,268.00 per annum. (salary grade G)
- Medical, pension and five (5) weeks annual leave
How to apply
- CV and Letter of Interest stating how the applicant’s experience is applicable to the opportunities, attributes and qualifications as identified in the position profile.
2. Five professional references with email addresses and telephone numbers.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please submit the following to recruitment@ucci.edu.ky by August 16th 2024.