Overview

The University of The Gambia (UTG) is a growing, dynamic institution committed to socio‑economic transformation in The Gambia and the region. Established in 1999, UTG offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across several campuses (Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama, Faraba, Farafenni) to over 8,000 students annually. The Director of Finance will report to the Vice Chancellor and provide strategic financial leadership to ensure transparency, accountability, sustainability and compliance with national regulations, donor requirements and international best practices.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Capacity Development

Provide strategic leadership, supervision and mentorship to all finance staff.
Promote staff development through continuous professional training, mentorship and performance‑based appraisals.
Foster a results‑oriented, service‑driven, ethics‑based financial management culture.
Guide supervisors and department heads in managing their budgets.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

Develop and administer financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
Assist strategic planning through financial analysis and long‑term operating and capital planning.
Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with faculties, schools and administrative units.
Develop medium‑ and long‑term financial sustainability strategies aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan.
Prepare budgets, forecasts, cash‑flow projections and financial performance reports.

Financial Management and Reporting

Oversee daily financial operations including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, treasury and general ledger.
Prepare and submit statutory financial statements to the Governing Council, Management and external regulators.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and alignment with IPSAS.
Manage accounting functions, student financial assistance, bank accounts, cash management and reconciliations.
Produce regular financial and management reports, including variance analysis and cash‑request documentation.
Coordinate payroll preparation with Human Resources and Internal Audit.

Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure adherence to financial laws, procurement regulations, audit requirements and UTG policies.
Maintain robust internal controls to prevent fraud, waste and mismanagement.
Facilitate the annual external audit and implement audit recommendations.
Identify financial risks and implement mitigation measures.

Management Financial Reporting

Establish and implement management accounts cost centres.
Develop a fully functioning stores and inventory management system.
Prepare quarterly budgetary control and variance analysis reports for each cost centre.
Produce monthly reports on vehicle, fuel and spare‑parts consumption.
Provide decision‑oriented management information to senior management.

Treasury Management

Strengthen liquidity management and optimise cash flow.
Plan and coordinate daily, weekly and monthly cash inflows and outflows.
Supervise all treasury operations and maintain strategic banking relationships.

Resource Mobilisation and Donor Compliance / Project Management

Provide financial oversight for externally funded projects.
Ensure full compliance with donor and project financial requirements.
Track project budgets, disbursements, reporting and audits.

Other Responsibilities

Maintain and update fixed‑asset registers.
Participate in contract and grant negotiations.
Serve as liaison with government ministries, regulatory bodies and oversight institutions.
Perform other functions delegated by the Vice Chancellor.

Requirements

Recognised professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, CA).
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Financial Management or related discipline (desirable).
At least 10 years of relevant post‑qualification experience, including 5 years in a senior financial leadership role.
Experience in public financial management and/or higher‑education institutions (desirable).
Strong command of financial software and enterprise systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks or equivalent).
Knowledge of IPSAS, IFRS, national public finance laws and procurement regulations.
Demonstrated strategic leadership and team‑management capabilities.
Strong analytical, strategic thinking and decision‑making skills.
Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation abilities.
Proven ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
Strong interpersonal skills for clear communication of financial information.
Proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting and budget tracking.
High ethical standards, integrity and accountability.

Benefits

Mission‑driven institution fostering regional and global impact.
Supportive environment that values innovation and professional growth.
Opportunity to join an expanded finance team with a multi‑campus setup.

• Company: University of The Gambia • Location: University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia • Type: full-time