Job Description Finance and Compliance Consultant 1. Job Identification Item Details Position Title Finance and Compliance Consultant Reports To Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor – People & Operations (ADVC–P&O) Functional Support Department of Finance, Diversification & Efficiency – supporting financial operations, governance, compliance, cost optimization, and revenue enhancement initiatives Supervises None (Individual contributor / advisory role) Department / Office Office of the Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor – People & Operations (ADVC–P&O) 2. Position Purpose The Finance and Compliance Consultant reports administratively to the Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor – People & Operations (ADVC–P&O) and is established to provide specialized advisory and operational support to the Department of Finance, Diversification & Efficiency. The role addresses an identified gap in resources and specialized expertise within the Finance Department by providing dedicated technical support for the closing of books, preparation of financial statements, Management Information System (MIS) reporting, and compliance with applicable financial standards, laws, and internal policies. In line with the Department's mandate, the Consultant also supports initiatives aimed at cost optimization, revenue enhancement, and operational efficiency, and provides expert advice on financial governance, regulatory compliance, and internal controls to leadership and management. The role contributes to sound financial stewardship, a strong governance and compliance culture, and the long-term financial sustainability of the University. 3. Key Responsibilities 3.1 Closing of Books & Financial Statements • Support the Department of Finance, Diversification & Efficiency in the timely and accurate closing of monthly, quarterly, and annual books of accounts. • Assist in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards (IFRS) and approved University financial policies. • Review and reconcile general ledger accounts, sub-ledgers, accruals, prepayments, and provisions to ensure accuracy and completeness. • Coordinate year-end closing activities and assist in preparing audit-ready financial statements and supporting schedules. • Liaise with external auditors and respond to audit queries in coordination with the Finance Department. 3.2 Management Information System (MIS) Reporting • Prepare and deliver periodic MIS reports, dashboards, and financial analyses for senior management and the ADVC–P&O. • Develop variance analyses comparing actuals against approved budgets and forecasts, with clear commentary and recommendations. • Enhance the quality, timeliness, and usefulness of management reporting to support institutional decision-making. • Identify and recommend opportunities to automate and streamline reporting processes for greater efficiency. 3.3 Cost Optimization, Revenue Enhancement & Efficiency • Support the Department in identifying, analyzing, and implementing cost reduction and cost optimization initiatives across the University. • Conduct financial reviews of operations, contracts, and resource utilization to identify opportunities for savings, efficiency gains, and value-for-money improvements. • Contribute to the development of revenue enhancement and diversification initiatives, including financial feasibility studies and business cases for new revenue streams. • Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and tracking mechanisms to assess the impact of efficiency and revenue initiatives. • Monitor and report on the realization of cost savings, revenue uplift, and efficiency outcomes against agreed targets. • Benchmark financial and operational performance against peer institutions and recommend areas for improvement. 3.4 Financial Governance • Provide expert advice to leadership and management on financial governance frameworks, structures, and best practices. • Support the design, review, and implementation of financial policies, procedures, delegations of authority, and governance documents to ensure they remain fit for purpose and aligned with University strategy. • Advise on the financial governance implications of organizational decisions, new initiatives, contracts, and institutional agreements. • Promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the management of University financial resources. • Support relevant governance committees with financial inputs, papers, and advice as required. • Contribute to financial risk identification, assessment, and reporting in line with the University's risk management framework. 3.5 Compliance & Regulatory Advisory • Advise leadership and management on compliance with applicable financial laws, regulations, accounting standards, and University policies. • Monitor changes in relevant financial and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Omani tax and labour-related financial regulations, IFRS updates, OAQA financial reporting requirements) and advise on implications for the University. • Review key financial processes, contracts, and transactions for compliance risks and recommend mitigation measures. • Support the development, review, and dissemination of compliance policies, procedures, and guidelines related to financial operations. • Assist in preparing compliance reports and responses to regulators, auditors, and accreditation bodies as required. 3.6 Internal Controls Advisory • Assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and recommend improvements where weaknesses are identified. • Support the refinement of internal control procedures and standard operating practices to strengthen the control environment. • Promote a strong control culture across the University and assist in embedding adherence to internal control requirements. • Provide advisory support on the implementation of corrective actions arising from audit findings and control reviews. 3.7 Consultation on Bookkeeping & Financial Matters • Provide professional consultation to the Finance Department on bookkeeping standards, journal treatment, and accounting policies. • Advise on the financial implications of transactions, contracts, and operational decisions where requested. • Act as a subject-matter expert on technical accounting issues and their institutional implications. 3.8 Capacity Support & Collaboration • Bridge resource and expertise gaps within the Finance Department by providing hands-on support to ongoing work streams. • Share knowledge and provide informal coaching to Finance staff on technical accounting, reporting, governance, and compliance matters. • Participate in cross-functional initiatives involving financial planning, efficiency, diversification, governance, and compliance activities. • Undertake any other related duties assigned by the ADVC–P&O. 4. Authority & Decision-Making (Delegated) • Acts under delegated authority from the ADVC–P&O, in accordance with the MU Delegation of Authority Matrix. • Has no independent authority to approve financial transactions, policies, or commitments. • Provides advisory inputs, compliance opinions, governance recommendations, and financial analyses; final decisions rest with the approved authority channels. • Escalates material financial, governance, compliance, risk, or regulatory issues, or matters outside delegated authority, to the ADVC–P&O. • Operates strictly within the boundaries defined by the Delegation of Authorities Matrix and the approved Financial Policies of the University. 5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs: Annual Targets to be in the Annual Performance appraisals Form) • Timeliness and accuracy of monthly, quarterly, and annual book closures. • Quality and timeliness of financial statements and MIS reports. • Measurable contribution to cost optimization, revenue enhancement, and efficiency initiatives (e.g., savings realized, revenue uplift, efficiency gains). • Strength of financial governance practices and stakeholder feedback on governance advisory inputs. • Level of compliance with applicable financial laws, regulations, and accounting standards. • Reduction in audit findings and improvement in internal control assessments. • Successful delivery of assigned projects, compliance reviews, and process improvement initiatives. 6. Qualifications (MU Compliant) • Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline. • or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with 10 years of experience. • Professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, CMA, or CA is preferred and considered an advantage. • Additional governance, compliance, or audit-related credentials (e.g., CIA, CRMA, CFE, or equivalent) are an advantage. 7. Experience • Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in accounting, finance, financial management, governance, or compliance. • Demonstrated experience in closing books, preparation of financial statements, and management reporting. • Prior experience in an advisory or consulting capacity on financial governance, compliance, and internal controls is highly desirable. • Experience in cost optimization, efficiency improvement, or revenue enhancement initiatives is an advantage. • Experience in higher education, public sector, or large, regulated organizations is an advantage. • Demonstrated experience in: • Financial accounting and reporting under IFRS • Management information and variance analysis • Financial governance, internal controls, and risk management • Regulatory compliance and audit coordination • Cost optimization, efficiency, and revenue enhancement initiatives 8. Key Competencies • Strong financial, analytical, governance, and compliance expertise. • Solid understanding of financial regulatory frameworks and accreditation requirements applicable to higher education in Oman. • Demonstrated ability to identify cost savings, efficiency improvements, and revenue opportunities. • High ethical standards, integrity, and sound professional judgement. • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical financial, governance, and compliance matters for non-financial audiences. • Diplomatic and collaborative; able to operate effectively in a matrixed advisory environment. • Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision. • Strong stakeholder management and advisory skills. • Commitment to compliance, transparency, and institutional sustainabilit
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