Closing date

07 June 2024

Chief Financial Officer (CFO); UCA

Department: Finance
Report to: The Acting Rector
Duty station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Deadline: 07 June,2024

About the University of Central Asia

The University of Central Asia (UCA) is a world-class centre for knowledge and learning, connecting isolated rural communities with the global community and building human capital needed for modern economies and stable governance.

It was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognized standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information, visit: www.ucentralasia.org

UCA consists of three schools including the School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Development, and the School of Professional and Continuing Education. The working language of the University is English.

The School of Arts and Sciences offers bachelor’s degree programmes with majors in Computer Science, Communications and Media, Global Economics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences at its residential campuses in Khorog and Naryn.

The Graduate School of Development serves as a hub for conducting multidisciplinary research. Its five distinctive but overlapping research institutes have established thematic expertise in the environment, economies, cultures and societies of Central Asia and UCA’s first master’s programmes are planned for 2025.

The School of Professional and Continuing Education is the region’s leading provider of short cycle professional education courses designed to improve employment and income-generating opportunities. These courses are offered at 16 learning centres in Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan.

Summary of Position:

The University of Central Asia (UCA) seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its senior executive team, reporting directly to the Acting Rector. UCA prioritises experience in senior financial leadership positions. Responsibilities include ensuring financial stability, overseeing financial operations, and aligning financial services with the University's strategic objectives. The CFO will be a key contributor within a close-knit senior management team and will help shape organizational strategy as well as manage all financial aspects of the University, including management of accounting operations and investments, financial reporting and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, audit coordination, and tax credits and filings.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

  • Exhibit visionary leadership to contribute to UCA's strategic planning and development, ensuring financial strategy is aligned with University objectives.
  • Be a strategic advisor to the senior management team on all financial matters and all growth plans and projects, making recommendations and suggesting pro-active strategies to keep the organization financially sound.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team within the Finance department, promoting a culture of excellence and ongoing improvement.
  • Build a talent pipeline within the department, equipping team members with knowledge and developing strong leaders.
  • Cultivate a culture of transparency and accountability within the finance department.
  • Engage with internal and external stakeholders to advance UCA’s financial resources.

Financial Management:

  • Formulate and implement financial strategies, policies, and procedures.
  • Guide the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring the provision of accurate and timely financial and analytical reports to senior management, the Board of Trustees and its Committees, including the Executive Finance and Governance Committee and Audit and Risk Committee, as well as external stakeholders.
  • Manage annual operating budgets and optimize the use of financial systems, with a preference for ERP solutions like SAP.
  • Supervise External Financial Audit and Reporting, ensuring compliance with other relevant financial regulations.
  • Spearhead initiatives in strategic risk management, identifying and mitigating potential financial risks to protect university assets.
  • Guarantee adherence to financial and legal standards at all tiers.

Required Qualifications and Experience

  • MBA or equivalent advanced degree in Finance or Accounting.
  • Professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA).
  • A minimum of 15 years' finance experience, including at least 10 years in a leadership capacity, preferably within a nonprofit or university context.
  • Experience working with multiple technology platforms, including ERP (SAP or Peoplesoft), Microsoft Systems, Linux/Open Source, and others.
  • Experience within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) would be beneficial.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with the ability to motivate staff effectively.
  • Exceptional analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills, emphasizing accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with proven experience in managing executive-level relationships.
  • Comprehensive understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and adeptness in handling complex financial and operational matters.
  • The ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
  • Advanced analytical and interpersonal skills, encouraging innovative thinking.
  • Outstanding people skills, fostering positive and collaborative relationships.
  • High ethical standards and discretion with confidential information.

Location and Languages:

  • The working language of UCA is English.
  • Advanced proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. Russian is preferred but not essential.
  • Knowledge of other Central Asian languages (Kyrgyz, Tajik, Kazakh) would be beneficial.
  • The position will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic and would require regional and international travel.
  • Candidates from the founding countries of UCA i.e. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Salary and Package:

Salary and package to attract the best candidate.

How to Apply

Please submit your application (cover letter, CV and contact information of three references) onhttps://tinyurl.com/UCA-CFO-KG 

Candidates from the founding countries of UCA: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply for the position.

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities.