Finance Operations Director

ABOUT ALU

At the African Leadership University (ALU), we're more than just an institution—we're a catalyst for transformation. Our mission is to develop a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who will shape Africa's future. Through our innovative curriculum, focus on experiential learning, and vibrant pan-African community, we empower students to become changemakers, problem-solvers, and innovators. At ALU, we're not just teaching; we're nurturing the leaders who will drive Africa's progress and prosperity in the 21st century.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

The ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Finance Operations Director (FOD) is responsible for rebuilding and leading the Finance function’s operational backbone, ensuring timely, accurate, and reliable financial processes that serve staff, students, vendors, and donors. The FOD will lead the end-to-end execution of core finance operations (AP, AR, Payroll, Treasury, and Procurement), drive process and systems improvements, and build a culture of accountability and service excellence within the Finance team.

This role is pivotal to restoring trust in Finance by removing inefficiencies, establishing robust controls, and enabling the delivery of accurate information to the wider organization. The FOD partners closely with the VP Finance to ensure seamless month-end close, reporting, and audits.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance Operations Leadership

• Lead and oversee day-to-day Finance operations across AP, AR, Payroll, Treasury, and Procurement.
• Establish and enforce clear policies, procedures, and controls for all transactional finance activities.
• Drive a culture of accountability, timeliness, and accuracy within the Finance operations team.
• Act as the “first line of defense” in ensuring transactions are processed accurately and compliantly.

Accounts Payable & Payroll

• Ensure vendor payments and payroll are executed accurately and on time.
• Oversee proper tax treatment on vendor and payroll transactions.
• Monitor outstanding payables and resolve disputes promptly.
• Maintain transparent communication with staff and vendors to improve trust and service.

Accounts Receivable & Revenue Operations

• Oversee invoicing of students, corporate clients, donors, and other revenue streams.
• Monitor collections and aging reports, escalate risks proactively.
• Ensure accurate and timely revenue recognition in line with donor and accounting requirements.
• Partner with our fundraising & partnership teams to align invoicing/grant accounting with grant agreements.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Manage day-to-day cash flow, ensuring liquidity for operational needs.
• Prepare short-term cashflow forecasts and align with fundraising inflows.
• Implement controls for bank reconciliations, cash handling, and fraud prevention.
• Support investment of reserves in line with policies.

Procurement

• Oversee procurement policies and compliance with donor and institutional requirements.
• Ensure transparent and competitive vendor selection processes.
• Partner with operational teams on major CAPEX and OPEX procurement needs.

Month-End Close Execution

• Ensure all transactions are processed, reconciliations completed, and schedules prepared on time.
• Deliver a “ready-to-close” package to the VP Finance for reporting and analysis.
• Continuously shorten cycle times to achieve timely monthly close.

Audit & Compliance Support

• Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for internal and external auditors.
• Respond promptly and accurately to audit queries.
• Support implementation of audit recommendations related to reporting and controls.

Process & Systems Improvement

• Redesign workflows to eliminate bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Champion improvements in ERP / finance systems (e.g., NetSuite, Salesforce, HRIS, Payroll integration).
• Introduce automation and digitization to reduce manual work and error rates.
• Track and report operational KPIs (e.g., payment turnaround time, invoice accuracy, close cycle time).

Team Development & Leadership

• Manage and coach team leads (AP/Payroll, AR, Treasury, Procurement).
• Build capacity and resilience within the team by addressing skill gaps and improving morale.
• Establish clear performance goals and conduct regular evaluations.
• Foster a customer-service mindset in Finance.

KPIs for Success (First 12 Months)

• 95% of payments and payroll processed on time and error-free.
• Donor and student invoices issued on schedule with <5% error rate.
• Month-end close completed within agreed timeline (target: Day +7 calendar).
• Reduction of payment complaints and disputes by 50%.
• Treasury dashboard in place with rolling 90-day cash forecast.
• core operational processes redesigned and automated (e.g., vendor onboarding, invoicing).
• Staff satisfaction with Finance service improves (measured via survey or feedback, or through ticketing).

Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal,  by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards. 

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA/ACCA preferred).
• 8–12 years of progressive finance experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong track record of leading operational finance in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment (education, nonprofit, or similar sectors a plus).
• Experience in systems and process improvement; ERP/NetSuite expertise desirable.
• Proven ability to manage and coach teams through change.

Skills & Competencies

• Execution-focused: Strong operational grip, detail orientation, and accountability.
• Leadership: Ability to motivate, coach, and hold team members accountable.
• Problem-solving: Skilled at diagnosing inefficiencies and redesigning workflows.
• Stakeholder management: Strong communication skills, able to restore trust with staff, vendors, and donors.
• Systems mindset: Comfort with technology, automation, and digitization.
• Integrity & Compliance: Commitment to transparency and robust controls.