Manager, Finance and Strategy

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Pakistan, Karachi

Introduction to the Aga Khan University

Chartered in 1983, it is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, Aga Khan University (AKU) provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programmes and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Responsibilities

You will serve as a key strategic partner to the Vice President, Finance & CFO (VP Finance & CFO), supporting the financial leadership team in driving organisational goals and ensuring the efficient execution of priorities. You will be expected to act as a trusted advisor, liaison, and project manager, enabling the VP, Finance and CFO to focus on high-impact activities by managing critical initiatives, streamlining workflows, and ensuring alignment across departments. You will also support the Senior Manager, Business Development in developing strategies and new revenue-generating sources for AKU.

Specifically, you will be responsible to;

1. Strategic Advisory and Planning:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the VP of Finance & CFO on strategic, financial, and operational matters.
• Assist in the development, monitoring, and execution of goals.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on data analysis and research.

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Office of the VP Finance & CFO, ensuring seamless coordination across teams and functions.
• Lead and manage cross-departmental projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor progress of key initiatives, resolving bottlenecks and ensuring timely delivery.

• Act as a liaison between the VP Finance & CFO and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Prepare and review presentations, reports, and briefing materials for meetings and engagements.
• Represent the VP Finance & CFO in meetings, as and when required.

• Support governance processes by preparing agendas, tracking action items, and ensuring follow-up on key decisions.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, regulations, and standards across all jurisdictions in which AKU operates.

• Serve as a point of contact for the leadership team, addressing inquiries and facilitating resolutions on behalf of the VP Finance & CFO.
• Build relationships across departments to promote collaboration and shared success.

• Identify and implement process improvements within the Office of the VP Finance & CFO.
• Foster a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

• Prioritize and manage the workflow of the VP of Finance and CFO to ensure focus on the most critical issues.

• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations for operational and financial improvements.
• Research on revenue generation and cost reduction strategies.
  

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria / Requirements:

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, including senior management or advisory roles.

Proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects across international and multicultural environments.

Strong knowledge of financial and operational management principles.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Competencies:

• Strategic thinking with a results-driven mindset.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to adapt to and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.