Ashesi University College, located in Berekuso, Ghana is looking to recruit an experienced and competent professional for the position of Chief Operating Officer. As the chief financial and administrative officer of the college, the duties will involve overseeing the financial and business operations of the College, including financial planning, budget development and control, investments, human resource services, operations and facilities management and various Business Operations. In this role Ashesi seeks an ethical professional who can encourage collaboration and a culture of respect and excellence.

Responsibilities:
The Chief Operating Officer will collaborate with the executive team to develop forecasts and budgets for all academic and operational areas as well as capital projects, and is a key contributor to the long term strategic direction of the college.

Strategy, Vision and Leadership:

•  Advise the president and other key members of senior management on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters;
•  Provide general counsel to the President on all business and financial matters, and, oversee the college’s financial accountability ensuring appropriate fiscal controls are in place to meet statutory compliance as well as the integrity of systems data and statements;
•  Investigate and resolve variances in budgets, reporting, internal controls, and general accounting;
•  Serve as the management liaison to the board and audit committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at Board and committee meetings;
•  Contribute to the development of Ashesi’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization;
•  Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the president informed of all critical issues;
•  Represent the organization externally, as necessary, particularly on financial and administrative functions.

Team Development/Leadership:

•  Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality;
•  Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the finance, human resources and operations teams;
•  Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development;
•  Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments;
•  Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.

Operations:

•  Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures;
•  Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual budget process;
•  Ensure that the university is adhering to the strategic plan and delivering status reports to the board;
•  Provide analytical support to the internal management team including development of internal management reporting capabilities;
•  Improve administrative and operational accounting services such as treasury management;
•  Oversee grants management and payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing.

Qualification Required & Experience

Qualifications & Competencies:

•  A Master’s degree in Business Administration is required. A professional qualification in accounting or finance is a plus;
•  The ideal candidate must have a minimum of 5 years’ senior management experience in finance and administration. Experience in a college environment or a similarly complex organization, with extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with financial reporting, budgets, internal controls, business planning, human resources, and asset management is preferred;
•  Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
•  Strong mentoring, coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise;
•  Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask;
•  Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers;
•  Self-reliant, good problem solver, results-oriented;
•  Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives;
•  Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, the Board of Directors, and staff;
•  A high level of integrity, confidentiality and accountability is a must;
•  Must be familiar with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations;
•  Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization;
•  Work experience in a liberal arts college would be an asset;
•  Passion for Ashesi’s mission.

Location: Berekuso

How To Apply For The Job

Application Process:
Qualified applicants should submit their cover letter, CV and statement of leadership philosophy and other relevant information as attachments to the Human Resource Manager through:

jobs@ashesi.edu.gh

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This position is open until the most suitable candidate is found

Closing Date: 04 February 2013