Director of Finance

Role Overview

Georgetown University seeks an experienced and strategic financial leader to serve as Director of Finance at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), located in Doha.

Company Overview

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation's capital. The Hilltop Campus is located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus is just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court. Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. The community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Role Purpose

The Director of Finance provides strategic financial leadership to GU-Q in close consultation with the Chief Operating Officer. The role oversees all financial management functions, ensures compliance with the Qatar Foundation agreement and regulatory requirements, and manages the financial operations that support the university's academic mission.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Policy

• Oversee the execution of GU-Q's financial management strategy in close consultation with the COO.
• Provide leadership in financial policy formulation, revenue and expenditure management, and capital budget management in close collaboration with the COO.
• Develop, communicate, manage and provide guidance to faculty and staff on university financial policies and procedures.
• Establish the annual planning and budget process and incorporate planning parameters to develop 5-year financial plans at the department level.
• Develop a financial framework and model for managing all assets and liabilities of the organization over the useful life of those assets and liabilities.

Financial Operations & Accounting

• Oversee and manage general accounting including accounts payable and accounts receivable, payroll approvals, procurement including development and negotiation of contracts, treasury operations, and student financial services.
• Ensure that all monthly and year-end accounting activities are carried out in a timely and efficient manner.
• Oversee student financial services, procurement and payment, and treasury operations, including foreign gift and contracts reporting to the GU Office of Compliance for Department of Education reporting.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure that all GU-Q programs and activities are carried out in accordance with the Qatar Foundation (QF) agreement.
• Manage and coordinate all fiscal reporting requirements for GU-Q, including coordination of all audit activities.
• Ensure adequate controls are in place and substantiating documentation is approved to ensure compliance with audits, regulatory and/or reporting requirements.
• Evaluate and make improvements in internal controls.
• Liaise with appropriate units to ensure pre- and post-award compliance with sponsor and university requirements.

Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships

• Provide support in major contract negotiations, acquisitions, and/or joint venture opportunities.
• Collaborate with appropriate University divisions to evaluate, plan, and deploy the use of technology and related processes to advance the mission of the University.
• Coordinate all quarterly and yearly budgeting activities.
• Develop and maintain adequate financial forecasting models.
• Serve as a liaison with the Main Campus Finance Office, GU-Q HR, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Sponsored Programs, Internal Audit and other appropriate departments at GU-Q or GU-DC.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Staffing & Development

• Manage and oversee the work of staff, including setting and reviewing performance objectives, and identifying training and development needs.
• Liaise with Human Resources to manage recruitment, hiring, onboarding and offboarding of direct reports, as required.
• Provide leadership to a diverse staff.

Availability

• Respond to urgent requests and concerns via email, texts, and phone calls outside of normal working hours.
• Perform other similar duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, management, finance or business administration.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• CPA certification is preferred.
• 7 or more years of progressively responsible management experience, preferably in a large, complex institution of higher education.
• Demonstrated leadership interpreting and applying federal and fiscal policies, regulations and reporting requirements.
• Experience in providing leadership to a diverse staff.
• Experience evaluating and making improvements in internal controls.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of GAAP, GAAS, FASB, and GASB.
• Knowledge of process improvement and security best practices.
• Knowledge of accounting and financial information system technology, including web-based applications.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to present a service-oriented approach in a highly-regulated and compliance-driven environment.

Additional Information

Expatriate Benefits and Relocation Support

Georgetown University in Qatar offers a highly competitive expatriate benefits package including a monthly transportation and home leave travel allowance, worldwide health insurance, and generous private school tuition support for accompanying children, along with other benefits.

GU-Q is committed to providing comprehensive relocation support. This includes assistance with visa processing, arranging travel to Qatar, fully furnished temporary accommodation, transportation upon arrival, and campus orientation, helping new employees and their families settle into life in Qatar and the GU-Q community.

General Benefits

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options.