Leadership Position: Risk Management and Compliance Specialist

Chartered in 1983, a renowned international university offers higher education in various disciplines, conducts research pertinent to the countries it operates in, and has campuses in six nations across three continents.

The institution provides equal opportunities for its diverse workforce, faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and stakeholders. It adopts standards for safeguarding and promoting respectful relationships with all parties involved, including children and vulnerable adults.

A key role within the organization involves leading the development, implementation, and management of the risk management and compliance framework.

This leadership position requires:

1. Leading the identification, assessment, and mitigation of financial and operational risks within the organization.
2. Conducting regular risk assessments and developing strategies to manage risks associated with financial transactions, operational processes, and regulatory requirements.
3. Developing risk management frameworks and policies that align with the organization's goals and best practices.

Internal Control Review:

1. Reviewing and evaluating internal controls within the Finance Department, focusing on areas such as patient billing, student billing, fixed assets management, cash and treasury management, and other critical financial operations.

Regulatory Compliance:

1. Ensuring adherence to local and international statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the organization, including tax laws, financial reporting standards, healthcare regulations, and higher education regulations.
2. Collaborating with legal and regulatory bodies to ensure awareness of changing regulations and maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and industry standards.

Audit and Monitoring:

1. Tracking the implementation of internal and external audit findings and ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly.
2. Preparing regular reports on risk and compliance activities for senior leadership, providing recommendations for improvement as necessary.

Training and Awareness:

1. Developing and implementing training programs for finance and other relevant departments to raise awareness about internal controls, compliance requirements, and risk management practices.
2. Promoting a culture of compliance and continuous improvement within the organization.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Working closely with other departments to ensure coordinated efforts in managing risks and maintaining compliance.
2. Collaborating with senior management to develop strategies for improving operational efficiency and minimizing risk exposure.

Reporting and Documentation:

1. Preparing regular reports on risk and compliance activities, audits, and assessments for senior management, the Board of Trustees, and regulatory authorities as needed.
2. Maintaining comprehensive records of compliance activities, risk assessments, and remediation efforts.

Information Technology and Data Analytics:

1. Utilizing advanced technology tools and platforms, developing interactive dashboards and reports for tracking financial performance, risk indicators, and compliance metrics.
2. Collaborating with the IT team to implement and enhance financial systems, ensuring seamless integration with reporting and analytics tools.
3. Analyzing large datasets to provide actionable insights, facilitating data-driven decision-making across multiple departments.
4. Establishing and maintaining strong data governance practices, maintaining the integrity and security of financial and operational data.
5. Identifying opportunities for process automation and digital transformation to improve efficiency and accuracy in risk management and compliance activities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CIA, CISA, ACA/FCA or equivalent are preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in risk management, internal audit, or compliance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in reviewing and managing internal controls, particularly in the areas of finance, billing, fixed assets, and treasury.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks, accounting standards (e.g., IFRS), and compliance requirements for educational and healthcare institutions.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in risk management software, audit tools, and financial management systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities.