Chief Financial Officer

Role Purpose

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key executive responsible for overseeing the financial management and strategic planning of the university. This role ensures financial sustainability and operational efficiency while aligning with the objectives of the Board of Directors. The CFO is tasked with managing financial operations, driving profitability, and supporting the university's academic mission through prudent fiscal policies to achieve the University’s "Road to 500" objectives.

Principal Accountabilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategies that align with the university’s academic goals and private equity objectives.
• Provide financial insights to the executive team, board of trustees, and private equity stakeholders to guide decision-making.
• Lead long-term financial planning and scenario modeling to support institutional growth and sustainability.

Financial Management and Operations

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and treasury operations.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to ensure operational stability.
• Manage relationships with banks, auditors, and external financial partners.

Budgeting and Cost Optimisation

• Develop and manage annual budgets in collaboration with academic and administrative leaders.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising academic quality or operational efficiency.
• Implement processes for budget tracking and variance analysis to ensure accountability.

Revenue Enhancement

• Work with Marketing & Enrollment teams to forecast tuition revenues and optimise enrollment strategies.
• Explore alternative revenue streams, including grants, endowments, and partnerships.
• Ensure efficient utilisation of private equity investments to maximize returns and institutional value.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all Malaysian regulatory requirements, including financial reporting standards and higher education regulations.
• Develop and oversee risk management policies to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Manage audits and maintain transparent financial records for stakeholders.

Capital Planning and Asset Management

• Lead initiatives related to capital projects, infrastructure investments, and facility management.
• Oversee asset allocation and ensure effective management of endowments and other investments.

Stakeholder Communication

• Prepare and present financial reports to the Management Committee and Board of Directors.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the university and private equity stakeholders on financial matters.
• Clearly communicate complex financial data and strategies to non-financial stakeholders.

Job Requirement

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; CPA or CFA preferred.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of financial management experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Experience in higher education or private equity–backed organisations is highly desirable.

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Financial Planning
  • Expertise in aligning financial strategies with institutional goals and private equity investment objectives.
  • Proficiency in long-term financial forecasting, modelling, and scenario analysis.
  
  
• Financial Management
  • Advanced knowledge of budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting standards.
  • Strong grasp of fund accounting, particularly in higher education.
  
  
• Revenue and Profitability Management
  • Ability to drive revenue growth through tuition planning, enrollment strategies, and alternative revenue streams.
  • Proficiency in managing profitability metrics like EBITDA, ROCE, in a private equity–backed setting.
  
  
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Comprehensive knowledge of financial regulations, tax compliance, and accreditation requirements specific to higher education.
  • Expertise in ensuring transparent and accurate financial audits.
  
  
• Investment and Asset Management
  • Proficiency in managing endowments, capital projects, and infrastructure investments.
  • Familiarity with private equity principles, including return on investment (ROI) analysis and investor reporting.
  
  
• Risk Management
  • Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks.
  • Knowledge of insurance policies, contingency planning, and compliance risk strategies.
  
  
• Financial Systems and Technology
  • Strong command of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial management systems used for higher education.
  • Proficiency in managing profitability metrics like EBITDA, ROCE, in a private equity–backed setting.
  
  
• Stakeholder Management
  • Ability to communicate financial insights effectively to academic leaders, senior management team, and Cadence/ Board members.
  • Expertise in balancing the expectations of diverse stakeholder groups with differing priorities.

Behavioural Competencies

• Leadership and Vision
  • Proven ability to lead diverse financial teams and inspire confidence in decision-making.
  • Visionary mindset to navigate both academic priorities and investor expectations.
  
  
• Strategic Thinking
  • Capacity to anticipate future financial challenges and opportunities in the higher education sector.
  • Skill in translating complex financial data into actionable strategies.
  
  
• Communication Skills
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to articulate financial strategies and results clearly.
  • Ability to present financial data to non-financial audiences, including faculty and private equity investors.
  
  
• Collaboration and Influence
  • Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with academic, operational, and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to negotiate and build consensus in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
  
  
• Resilience and Adaptability
  • High tolerance for ambiguity and capacity to adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced private equity–owned environment.
  • Resilience under pressure, especially during financial restructuring or regulatory scrutiny.
  
  
• Results Orientation
  • Focus on achieving measurable outcomes, such as meeting financial targets and optimising operational costs.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency in financial operations.
  
  
• Integrity and Ethics
  • Strong ethical standards and commitment to transparent financial practices.
  • Ability to balance profit-driven goals with the educational mission of the university.
  
  
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
  • Understanding of the unique culture of higher education institutions.
  • Ability to align financial decisions with academic values while meeting investor expectations.