Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

About the Job:

CMU is seeking a senior finance professional to serve as Associate Director of Finance for its location in Rwanda, Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa). This position will partner with the Chief Operations Officer (COO) in the financial functions at CMU-Africa, and be responsible for accounting functions, business intelligence and analytics, developing dashboards, reports, and other analyses for robust business operations. Additionally, they will partner with the College of Engineering and international finance office in Pittsburgh, lead the charge to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of financial and sponsored program practices and processes, under the guidance of the COO. This position reports to the COO of CMU-Africa.

Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can optimally collaborate with a diverse population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values, thrives in an exciting and complex environment, and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Core Responsibilities:

Manage business and financial analyses:

Lead the development and maintenance of regular and robust financial and business analytics, developing dashboards, reports, and other trend analyses for CMU-Africa leadership.Oversee the monthly and quarterly processes of CMU-Africa’s financial close, ensuring the accurate and timely completion of invoice processing, accruals, accounts payable redistributions, and payroll distribution adjustments.Collaborate with the College of Engineering’s Research Accelerator to review and reconcile sponsored research and project expenditures for compliance with sponsor and CMU reporting cycles. Review Oracle Grants Management accounts for sufficient funding, correct charge string coding, and expenditure compliance, and make budget recommendations and offer solutions to program leads.Continually monitor budgets and expenditures to identify potential funding shortfalls and overspending, with timely communication of findings with the COO, Principal Investigators, and Program leads, and make recommendations on corrective courses of action. Partner with the International Finance team on fiscal year-end close and responding to audit inquiries, compliance oversight, and record retention.Lead the continuous improvement and documentation of CMU-Africa’ financial and operational processes and implement an internal quarterly review process with program leads.Provide guidance, administrative management, and operational coordination to various technical, professional, and/or administrative personnel engaged in specified project activities, as appropriate to the position.

Manage purchasing processes:

Provide guidance to all CMU-Africa staff and faculty in the procurement of goods and services in line with the CMU Procurement Manual.Lead strategic sourcing and negotiations with vendors for goods and services, including outreach to local business vendors able to meet the purchasing needs of CMU-Africa.Collaborate with technical staff and faculty to build a pool of preferred vendors.Partner with the International Finance team to implement a process for preparing and executing Request for Proposals where appropriate, reviewing proposals, and selecting vendors.Guide finance officers to ensure that business travel expenditures remain within approved trip costs to support budgeting and financial reporting and administer procedures for ensuring accurate and compliant application of authorized funds.Review purchase order, expenditure reimbursement, and purchasing card expenditures for compliance with CMU policy and correct charge string coding and prepare Accounts Payable Redistributions for reallocations where appropriate.Design, coordinate, and implement training programs for CMU-Africa personnel on the nature and application of operating policies and procedure.

Supervision:

Manage direct reports in Finance and Research administrative support functions. Monitor and manage team workflow. Manage and assess employee performance, provide coaching and mentoring for growth and improved performance.Delegate tasks and assign projects and resources as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, financial management, or business administrationQualified professional accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICPAR, CPA), with a minimum of five years post-qualification experience preferred.At least 5 years of experience within higher education, public or privately funded grant administration, or project accounting a plus.Global exposure and / or experience of working with international organization(s) essential.Fluency in both spoken and written English and French a plus.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong accounting skills; knowledge of higher education, public accounting, and grant administration a plus.Demonstrable experience and ability to lead teams effectively, coaching and mentoring for high performance.Excellent analytical skills, with meticulous attention to detail; keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records.Highly developed critical thinking skills, with ability to solve complex problems in innovative ways.Demonstrable ability to handle multiple concurrent projects in a deadline-driven environment, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions.Demonstrable proficiency with accounting software and MS Office (intermediate Excel and Word skills). Experience with Oracle E-Business Suite a plus.Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English).Demonstrable ability to communicate financial information to non-finance audience, with excellent presentation skills.Demonstrable ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports.Agile learner with the ability to adapt and thrive in an evolving, diverse environment.Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, excellent discretion and maintain confidentiality.Demonstrable ability to maintain composure when dealing with difficult situations and/or individuals.Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Kigali, Rwanda

Job Function

Business Administration and Services

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

More Information: 

Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

Statement of Assurance