Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Company: A For-profit Private University  

Location: Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer

Company Overview

The University is a dynamic and growing private university in Bahrain dedicated to providing high-quality, career-focused education. We pride ourselves on our innovative academic programs and our commitment to student success. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are seeking a strategic and hands-on Chief Financial Officer to steward our financial health and guide our sustainable expansion.

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for all financial and fiscal management aspects of the university's operations. The CFO will provide leadership and coordination in the administrative, business planning, accounting, and budgeting efforts of the university. This role is critical in developing and implementing financial strategies to support the university's mission, ensure its profitability, and maintain its long-term viability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• Partner with the President/CEO and the Board of Directors on the institution's financial, operational, and strategic planning.
• Develop and execute financial strategies to support enrolment growth, program development, and potential campus expansion.
• Evaluate and advise on the financial impact of long-range planning, new programs, and capital investments.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Oversee all accounting operations, including Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, Cost Accounting, and Revenue Recognition.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS.
• Manage cash flow planning and ensure the availability of funds needed for operations and investments.
• Develop and maintain robust internal control policies and procedures to safeguard university assets.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance for all financial and tax filing requirements in Bahrain.

Treasury & Risk Management:

• Manage relationships with banks, lenders, auditors, and other financial institutions.
• Oversee the university's investment strategies and management of investment projects (if applicable).
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks.
• Secure appropriate insurance coverage for the institution.

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee the financial implications of student lifecycle processes (admissions, registration, financial aid, collections).
• Leverage technology to streamline financial processes and improve the efficiency of the finance and administration departments.
• Manage and optimize the university's procurement and contracting processes.
• Provide financial analysis for tuition pricing, discount rates, and financial aid strategies.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and administration team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification (e.g., ACCA) is an advantage.
• Experience: Ideally minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with ideally at least 3 years in a senior management role (e.g., CFO, Finance Director).
• Sector Knowledge: Prior experience in the education sector (higher education preferred) or a similarly complex service-based industry.
• Regional Expertise: Proven experience working within the GCC, with specific expertise in Bahrain's legal, financial, and regulatory environment is an advantage. Knowledge of Ministry of Education (MOE) regulations for private universities is highly desirable.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the "big picture" and contribute to overall institutional strategy.
• Hands-On Leader: Willingness to be deeply involved in day-to-day financial operations while maintaining a strategic outlook.
• Financial Acumen: Expert knowledge of corporate finance, IFRS, financial modelling, and data analysis.
• Tech-Savvy: High proficiency with financial management software (e.g., ERP systems like Oracle NetSuite, SAP) and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Communication: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and team-building skills with a proven ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Language: Fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in Arabic is a strong advantage.

What We Offer

• A competitive, tax-free salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including housing allowance, transportation allowance, and annual flight tickets.
• Health insurance for employee and family.
• End-of-service benefit as per Bahraini labour law.
• A pivotal leadership role in a growing and mission-driven organization.
• The opportunity to shape the financial future of a key educational institution in Bahrain.