Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Senior Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Analyst supports the Associate Head of Financial Planning & Analysis within the university’s Research Division and collaborates closely with the operational team within the research division. This role is responsible for conducting regular financial analyses, preparing performance reports and assisting with multi-year budget development. Leveraging data-driven insights, the analyst enhances financial governance and helps the division adapt to the evolving needs of research units and sponsored programs. The position requires a solid understanding of financial policies and procedures, strong communication and organizational skills, and a keen eye for detail. A proactive, problem-solving mindset is essential. Basic knowledge of grant management principles is considered an added advantage and will support the candidate’s ability to navigate research funding processes effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Budget, Fiscal Affairs and ERP:
- Assist in managing the multi-year financial budget plan for the research division, including manpower, operational (OPEX), and capital (CAPEX).
- Collaborate with departments to accurately reflect budgetary needs and priorities in planning.
- Support financial planning and compliance for grant-funded projects and research labs.
- Support consolidating and submitting the research divisional budget to the central budget office.
- Identify requirements for AI-enabled processes to enhance financial planning and reporting accuracy.
- Participate in the design, testing, and deployment of ERP systems with a focus on financial planning and budgeting modules
- Support data migration and validation processes, maintaining financial accuracy during ERP implementation.
Budget Management & Reporting:
- Establish standards for financial reporting to ensure compliance with institutional policies and best practices.
- Ensure financial data management practices maintain the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of information.
- Conduct regular analysis of financial metrics, delivering insights and recommendations for improvement.
- Collaborate with departmental stakeholders to align reporting practices and enhance transparency.
- Support the annual budget processes, working collaboratively with departments to prepare budget submissions for the central budget office.
- Assist in the annual revision of departmental budgets to ensure alignment with the approved budget and proper funding of core services.
- Supports the day-to-day fiscal management of departmental budgets, ensuring resources align with immediate priorities.
- Ensure the accuracy of financial reports submitted to the Head of Budget & Financial Planning, highlighting key trends and insights.
- Complete budget reports for both the Research division and the Budget Office, ensuring all submissions are timely and accurate.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with financial management best practices.
- Share knowledge and expertise with team members to foster a collaborative work environment.
Other Duties:
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or a related field.
- Master’s degree in a related field, or a CPA/CFA designation is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience, preferably in financial planning and analysis within higher education or comparable sector.
- Experience in developing and managing comprehensive budgets within complex institutions.
- Strong analytical abilities with the capacity to present complex financial data clearly to various audiences.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficient in data management practices with a solid understanding of financial data analysis, ensuring data integrity and effective utilization for financial planning and reporting.
- Data and workflow automation including supporting migration of manual data to systems.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- English working proficiency.
Preferred
- Experience in UAE’s higher education or academic environment, understanding the unique budgeting challenges and needs.
- ERP implementation experience and working knowledge of finance/budgeting software
- Knowledge of UAE’s financial policies and procedures.
- Background in utilizing data analytics to assess effectiveness and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Arabic and/or another language working proficiency.
