Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Financial Data & Systems Analyst provides direct support to the Head of Financial Control, GL &
Reporting by ensuring accurate financial data analysis, system integrity, and reporting efficiency. This role plays a crucial part in financial control, process automation, and compliance, supporting the university’s financial oversight function. It is responsible for analyzing financial trends, improving reporting processes, and enhancing financial systems to align with best practices and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Data Analysis & Reporting Support:
- Assist the Head of Financial Control, GL & Reporting in analyzing financial performance, variances, and trends.
- Develop financial models and reports to enhance financial planning and control.
- Provide in-depth financial insights for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
- Monitor P&L variances, assess financial risks, and identify control gaps.
- Ensure financial reporting aligns with internal controls and compliance standards.
- Consolidate financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
- Assist in preparing financial statements, reconciliations, and management reports.
- Maintain accuracy and integrity of financial data in MBZUAI’s systems.
- Implement and uphold financial controls to ensure regulatory and policy compliance.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to streamline processes and enhance data integrity.
- Serve as the primary contact for financial data and system-related inquiries.
- Communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- Partner with finance leaders and department heads to align financial analysis with MBZUAI’s strategic goals.
- Support team members in financial data analysis tools and techniques.
- Coordinate with budgeting, financial planning, internal audit, and external auditors.
- Facilitate interdepartmental financial data requests, ensuring accuracy across finance divisions.
Financial Systems & Digital Transformation:
- Support the Head of Financial Control in driving financial system enhancements and ensuring data integrity.
- Assist in implementing financial automation tools and process optimization projects.
- Maintain and improve internal financial systems and data analytics capabilities.
- Ensure financial transactions and reports are accurately recorded and aligned with internal policies.
- Collaborate with IT and Finance teams to improve financial system functionalities and efficiencies.
Process Optimization & Internal Controls:
- Assist in reviewing financial policies, procedures, and Delegation of Authority (DOA) to enhance control measures.
- Track compliance with internal control frameworks (ICFR) and audit requirements.
- Support in financial risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- Help streamline accounting processes and improve efficiency in financial control functions.
- Work closely with Finance leadership to strengthen financial governance.
Business Insights & Benchmarking:
- Conduct financial benchmarking analysis to evaluate MBZUAI’s financial efficiency against peer institutions.
- Analyze trends in financial reporting, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance.
- Prepare weekly industry reports on relevant sectors, including higher education, AI, and technology finance.
- Assist in preparing board and executive presentations on financial performance.
Other Duties:
- At the direction of management, execute other duties that commensurate with these functional responsibilities.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
- A master’s degree is preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- 5-10 years of experience
- Experience in financial data analysis and financial modeling.
- Demonstrable expertise in financial accounting, financial monitoring, and reporting.
- Demonstrable familiarity with Oracle financial management systems.
- Evidence of meticulous attention to detail, and strong analytical skills.
- Demonstrable understanding of best practice accounting policies and procedures, and relevant accounting standards including International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
- Evidence of the ability to plan, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
- Experience successfully building, managing, and motivating teams, and empowering individual employees.
- Understanding of Middle Eastern working practices and culture.
Preferred
- Certification such as CFA or CPA or ACA is highly desirable.
- Experience successfully working in the UAE.
- Arabic language speaker.
