Vice President, Business and Finance

The Vice President, Business and Finance, reports to the President and is responsible for overseeing all the accounting as well as Business and Finance functions.

The Vice President, Business and Finance reports to the President and is responsible for overseeing all the accounting as well as Business and 
Finance functions. He/She is responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of 
internal controls and will ensure that the institution’s assets are adequately safeguarded. 
This will include ensuring the implementation of institution-wide policies covering a 
broad range of financial and business activities; maintaining proper financial 
management systems and arrangements as well as the accuracy, integrity, timeliness and 
security of the University’s financial accounting systems; and, ensure that the University 
satisfies its statutory obligations in a timely manner. 

The VP, Business and Finance is also required to maintain strong working relationships with academic and 
administrative leaders throughout the University as well as with the University’s 
Honorary Treasurer, Chair of the Finance Committee of the University Council and with 
the Ministries of Education and Finance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Chartered Accountant and Master’s degree in finance, business, accounting or other 
equivalent qualification

EXPERIENCE 
At least ten (10) years’ experience at the senior management level in the accounting or 
finance functions in a large private sector or public body, as well as previous relevant
experience at the level of CBFO in an organization of similar size and/or complexity as 
UTech, Jamaica.

SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE:
1. In-depth knowledge of international accounting standards.
2. In-depth knowledge of international financial reporting standards (IFRS).
3. Sound knowledge of the University’s accounting policies and procedures.
4. Knowledge of computerized accounting applications.
5. In-depth knowledge of statutory payroll regulations.
6. Extensive knowledge of Jamaica’s taxation laws.
7. Pertinent knowledge of Jamaica’s labour laws.
8. Knowledge of financial regulations relating to public sector bodies in Jamaica.

SPECIALISED TRAINING:
1. Cost/Benefit analysis
2. Budgeting and forecasting
3. Management reports
4. Financial planning and analysis

SPECIALISED SKILLS
1. Strong awareness of systems of internal controls.
2. Advanced use of information technology tools and accounting software used by 
UTech.
3. Dynamic leadership skills, with the ability to coach, train, develop and motivate 
the team, while building staff confidence.
4. Keen eye for detail.
5. Results oriented and self-motivating capabilities to address operational demands, 
regulatory changes and strong problem solving and analytical.
6. Highly developed organizational and time management skills.
7. Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
9. Strong business, commercial and technical acumen and high levels of 
professionalism and integrity.
10. Excellent presentation skills.
11. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships across the 
University.
12. Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
13. Ability to deal with difficult situations while maintaining a professional 
demeanor.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Analyses and interprets financial data and provide the President with a clear 
understanding of the financial performance and implications of business plans and 
strategies.
2. Reviews, recommends, and implements the accounting policies, systems and 
procedures.
3. Monitors and reports to the President on the financial operations and efficiencies, 
on a timely basis. 
4. Participates in the formulation of the University’s expenditure policies.

5. Ensures compliance with the relevant laws relating to statutory deductions, 

auditing, and financial administration.
6. Identifies and reports on significant variances between planned and actual 
expenditures and takes corrective actions, when required.
7. Liaises with the University’s auditors to ensure the provision of audited accounts, 
in keeping with the timeline required under the University of Technology, 
Jamaica Act.
8. Manages the general financial operations of the University including preparation 
of financial reports, conducts financial analyses and provides appropriate internal 
controls in accordance with the University’s guidelines.
9. Supervises the preparation of the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial 
management reports and implements recommendations to improve organizational 
efficiency.
10. Reviews financial statements and makes the necessary recommendations to 
improve the University’s financial affairs.
11. Manages the Accounts Department and provides technical accounting direction to
the members of the team.
12. Performs periodic reviews of the Accounting Department to ensure that the most 
efficient practices are applied.
13. Attends management and committee meetings and presents various financial 
reports.
14. Performs any other duties relating to the effective and efficient financial 
administration of the University.

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED