Finance and Compliance Consultant

Job Identification

• 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 of the Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor People & Operations ADVC P & O

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.

• 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.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • 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.

• Education: Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or a closely related discipline, or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with at least 10 years of experience. Professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, CMA or CA is preferred and considered an advantage.
• Additional Credentials: Governance, compliance or audit-related credentials (e.g., CIA, CRMA, CFE or equivalent) are an advantage.
• 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 advantageous.
• Experience in higher education, public sector or large regulated organizations is advantageous.
• 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

• 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…