CFO/VP Finance

The Organisation

Aga Khan University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. Chartered in 1983, it is a private, autonomous and self-governing international network of universities and healthcare institutions with 13 teaching sites, 7 hospitals and 325 outreach and other health facilities in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programmes and teaching hospitals providing first rate healthcare in Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK and Afghanistan with over 3,000 students and 15,500 staff. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact and access.

The Role

The VP Finance is a key and integral member of the Executive Committee of the University. Reporting directly to the President and managing a global finance team of 400, the CFO/VP Finance is accountable for the administration of all financial operations of the University, including the development of a financial strategy, working with the President and Executive Committee in the development of operational strategy, undertaking and overseeing the preparation of financial feasibilities, development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve organisation assets, monitoring adherence to the budget, and reporting accurate financial results.

He/she is accountable for overseeing financial systems encompassing all university assets and all sources of university income, including patient and non-patient related revenues, tuition revenues, endowments, grants and contracts and all categories of capital and operating expenses. The incumbent will also support institutional fundraising and will oversee and monitor research and development contracts.

This is a hugely exciting opportunity to play a significant role in advancing the University’s mission to support academics, research, and patient care, while also developing the strategic direction of the University globally. A key thought partner and strategic advisor to the University, the VP Finance will promote and support a climate of innovation, creative problem solving, and diversity of thought, people, and cultures.

The Person

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with the vision, capacity, knowledge and expertise to set a direction for the finance function, closely aligning with the University’s academic and administrative strategy. He/she will understand and balance a complex array of constituent needs and available/potential funding sources. The post holder will have the perspective to consider the short and long-term impacts of decisions, plans and programmes in the University and make sound recommendations accordingly.

A driven, evidence-based and commercially-oriented finance leader, he/she will demonstrate extensive experience in a senior leadership position, managing a large and complex global organisation, establishing effective strategies, financial control and reporting systems. With extensive international experience gained working across multiple geographies and cultures, he/she will bring entrepreneurial drive and the ability work in a dynamic and constantly evolving environment.

An affinity with the University’s mission and strategic plan is essential and some exposure to academic or health services is preferred. This could be at a non-executive level.

For further information on the role, including a candidate briefing document, or for a confidential discussion about the position and details of how to apply please visit www.odgers.com/84160

The closing date for applications is 11th November 2021.