Association of African Universities -

The Association of African Universities (AAU), an international non-governmental organization (INGO), with headquarters in Accra, Ghana, was set up in November 1967 by universities in Africa to promote cooperation among themselves and between them and the international academic community. The AAU wishes to announce a vacancy in its Finance and Administration Department.

Job Title	Head of Finance
Organisational Unit	Finance and Administration Department
Duty Station	Accra , Ghana
Grade	P2-P3
Purpose of Post	This vacancy is a senior management position. The incumbent, who will report to the Secretary-General and be responsible for the efficient and cost effective management of the finance, accounts, administration, procurement and human resource units at the Secretariat of the Association of African Universities, will be responsible for the following tasks:
Main Responsibilities	Financial planning and control, including the preparation and submission of timely and accurate financial accounting reports; Proper management of donor funds in strict adherence to the donor grant agreements; Managing the cash flow, including preparation of regular cash flow forecasts and ensuring timely submission of funding requests to donors; Preparation of the annual budget, annual report and long term financial projections for review and approval by the AAU Executive Board; Delineating, in accordance with the AAU Finance Policy, a Financial Strategy with guidelines for implementation; Timely and accurate completion of internal and external financial audits; Compliance with national statutory requirements; Ensuring safe custody of fixed assets by maintaining an accurate asset register and appropriate level of asset insurance; Ensuring effective procurement of goods and services, Ensuring effective advice is sought on legal matters; Active participation in the strategic management of the AAU as a member of the senior management team; and Providing financial analysis and appropriate advice to Management, the Board and donors on all decisions with a significant financial implication.
Profile	Possession of an internationally recognized professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CPA, Diplome d’ Expertise Comptable or equivalent); At least five years relevant post-qualification experience working in a non-governmental organisation, public sector agency, university or multinational organisation; Knowledge of computerised accounting systems; Knowledge of procurement procedures, especially donor related; Proven experience of funding and reporting requirements of donor agencies or multilateral partners; Proficiency in English, preferably with a working knowledge of another of the official languages of the AAU (French or Arabic).
Desirable additionals	A Bachelors Degree (or higher) in Commerce, or Accounting, or Financial Management, or Business Administration from a recognised university; At least 5 years experience heading an accounting unit in the public or private sector; Knowledge of financial issues in the African tertiary education environment; Experience and skills in human resources management; Post Graduate degree in finance, accounting or business administration; Computer Skills; Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Project, Internet Skills .
Duration of Appointment	The contract will be for an initial period of four (4) years, subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, and is renewable . The position requires occasional travel outside Ghana.
Conditions of Employment	The AAU offers an attractive remuneration package calculated and paid in US dollars. The candidate will be entitled to an annual leave of twenty-one (21) working days. Other attractive benefits include a monthly post-adjustment allowance and rent subsidy.
How to Apply	The Association of African Universities is an equal opportunity employer. As part of a conscious effort of the Association always to reflect this, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications should comprise: A statement of interest and fitness for the position An indication of the date of availability to assume duty A detailed curriculum vitae describing applicant’s professional experience and qualification for the position Three (3) reference letters Application letters and other supporting documents should be sent (i) by e-mail, and (ii) in a sealed envelope marked “Application Documents”. Each of the three reference letters must be sent under separate cover direct from the referee, sealed and marked “Confidential Reference”. Both sets of documents must be sent to: The Secretary General Association of African Universities, African Universities House, Aviation Road Extension, P.O. Box AN 5744, Accra-North , GHANA Tel: (233) 21 774495/761588 Fax: (233) 21 774821 Email: secgen@aau.org Website: www.aau.org
Closing Date	15 th October 2007. Closing date for receipt of applications is 20th October 2007 . The Association reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed necessary and the right to make no appointment . The Association of African Universities will respond to short-listed candidates only.
Interview	Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview in Accra, Ghana, during the week of 5-9 November 2007, on dates to be advised.