Financial Controller

Job description / Role

ASharqiyah University in Ibra, Oman invites applications for the jobs of Financial Controller starting December, 2014.

Basic Function:
The Financial controller position is accountable for the accounting operations of the University, to include the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the Universities reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards.

The Financial Controller contributes to the overall success of the University by effectively managing all financial tasks, overseeing budgeting and accounting.

Principal Accountabilities:

Management:
1. Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
2. Manage outsourced functions
3. Oversee the operations of the accounting department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives
4. Oversee the accounting operations, especially their control systems, transaction-processing operations, and policies and procedures.

Transactions:
1. Ensure that accounts payable are paid in a timely manner
2. Ensure that all reasonable discounts are taken on accounts payable
3. Ensure that accounts receivable are collected promptly
4. Process payroll in a timely manner
5. Ensure that periodic bank reconciliations are completed
6. Ensure that required debt payments are made on a timely basis
7. Maintain the chart of accounts
8. Maintain an orderly accounting filing system
9. Maintain a system of controls over accounting transactions

Reporting:
1. Issue timely and complete financial statements
2. Coordinate the preparation of the University annual report
3. Recommend benchmarks against which to measure the performance of University operations
4. Calculate and issue financial and operating metrics
5. Manage the production of the annual budget and forecasts
6. Calculate variances from the budget and report significant issues to management
7. Provide for a system of management cost reports
8. Provide financial analyses as needed, in particular for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations

Compliance:
1. Coordinate the provision of information to external auditors for the annual audit
2. Monitor debt levels and compliance with debt covenants
3. Comply with government reporting requirements and tax filings

Requirements

- The candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration or equivalent.
- Business experience and 10+ years of progressively responsible experience for a major company or division of a large corporation.
- Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience in Higher Education or University.
- Preference will be given to candidates with the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations.
- Knowledge in local laws governing Oman will be an added advantage.

Working Conditions:
Primarily in an office environment. Will be expected to travel as needed, periodic weekend or evening work is expected.

About the Company

A'Sharqiyah University is a private institution of higher education located in the center of the A'Sharqiyah region of the Sultanate of Oman. It is located in Ibra 150 km from Muscat, the capital. It was established in 2009 and will start operating in the Fall of 2010. The University cooperates with Oklahoma State University and Texas Technological University in the U.S.A. in areas such as the design of academic programs and their implementation according to the best international standards.