Director of Financial Administration

Position Summary: 
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Financial Administration is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the fiscal functions of the American University of Iraq, Baghdad (AUIB). This role ensures the financial integrity of the institution by directing accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities in strict accordance with the Iraqi Unified Accounting System (IUAS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the regulatory requirements of higher education institutions. 

The Director serves as a key member of the leadership team, partnering with the COO and other leadership to implement robust internal controls, manage risk, and foster a culture of financial transparency and efficiency. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Financial Management 

Direct the university's key accounting and reporting functions, including general ledger management, treasury, cash management, and procurement. 

Formulate, implement, and monitor financial policies and procedures to improve overall operational effectiveness, ensuring segregation of duties and rigorous internal controls. 

Provide strategic financial input to the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to support high-level decision-making and institutional planning. 

Serve as a strategic partner to the COO, assisting with treasury management and serving as a liaison to external stakeholders. 

Collaborate with Deans, Directors, and administrative units to educate personnel on financial procedures and integrate finance functions seamlessly across the University (e.g., Human Resources, Enrollment Management). 

Budgeting & Forecasting 

Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting processes, providing staff with guidance, timelines, tools, and training to ensure accurate submissions. 

Promote a disciplined budgeting culture focused on efficiency and resource optimization. 

Conduct revenue and expense trend analysis and benchmarking to create comprehensive budget narratives. 

Present proposed budgets and financial forecasts to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees, substantiating data with clear analytical evidence. 

Financial Reporting & Analytics 

Prepare accurate, timely, and user-friendly financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including monthly budget-vs-actual variance reports and long-term financial projections. 

Produce financial statements and footnotes required by external auditors, lenders, and donors to monitor the university's financial health. 

Conduct in-depth financial analysis to assess risk, analyze efficiency, and provide expert perspectives on business decisions. 

Audit & Compliance 

Ensure all financial activities comply with the Iraqi Unified Accounting System (IUAS), GAAP, and local government regulations. 

Serve as the primary liaison to external audit teams during preliminary and final fieldwork. 

Manage the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements, ensuring the University secures unqualified audit opinions. 

Operational Oversight (Procurement & Payroll) 

Oversee the procurement lifecycle, ensuring that all financial obligations (invoices, payouts, employee expenses) are authorized, matched to purchase orders, and processed in a timely manner. 

Partner with the Human Resources department to support the monthly payroll function, ensuring accuracy in compensation, time and attendance administration, and compliance with social security taxes and benefits. 

Continuous Improvement 

Drive continuous improvement by identifying and implementing system upgrades, structural changes, and process enhancements that elevate the quality of service provided by the Finance and Accounting department. 

Qualifications & Requirements 

Education & Certification 

Required: Master's degree (MA/MBA) in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration OR an equivalent combination of education and 10–15 years of related high-level experience. 

Preferred: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or equivalent professional certification. 

Experience 

Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience. 

Demonstrated expertise in financial management in higher education, government, or within complex, donor-funded non-profit institutions. 

Extensive hands-on experience with GAAP and financial reporting standards. Experience with IUAS is desirable. 

Skills & Competencies 

Strategic Vision: Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable strategic advice for executive leadership. 

Technical Proficiency: Strong command of financial software, ERP systems, and advanced spreadsheet analysis. 

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders at all levels of the organization. 

Leadership: An energetic, forward-thinking mentor who can build trust, educate staff, and foster a collaborative team environment. 

Ethics: Unquestionable integrity, high ethical standards, and a professional image suitable for representing the university. 

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