Sai University - Director - Finance & Administration

Description:

Role Summary:

Location: Chennai

- Experience: 12-15 years (with at least a few years in educational institutions)

JD:

Senior leadership role to oversee end-to-end Finance, Accounts, Audit, Taxation, Funding, Legal, Commercial and Administrative functions for the University, working closely with the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor on both operational and strategic matters.

Reporting to:

- Operational matters: Vice Chancellor

- Management & Strategic matters: Chancellor

Role Overview:

The Director Finance & Administration will be responsible for leading and managing the Universitys Finance and Administrative functions. This is a senior leadership role that covers Finance, Accounts, Audit, Taxation, Funding, Legal, Commercial and Administration activities.

The incumbent will work closely with the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to support strategic decision-making, ensure strong financial governance, and build robust administrative processes in line with institutional goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance & Accounts:

- Ensure timely preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements in line with applicable accounting standards and regulatory norms.

- Monitor income, expenditure and variance analysis, ensuring cost control and optimal utilisation of resources.

Audit, Taxation & Compliance:

- Lead statutory, internal and special audits; ensure timely closure of audit observations.

- Manage direct and indirect tax compliances including Income Tax, GST and other applicable regulations.

- Ensure adherence to all statutory, regulatory and university-specific compliance requirements.

Funding & Commercial:

- Support fundraising initiatives, grants, endowments and external funding opportunities in

collaboration with leadership.

- Negotiate and manage commercial contracts, vendor agreements and service-level arrangements.

- Evaluate and support key financial decisions related to capital expenditure, projects and new initiatives.

Legal & Governance:

- Coordinate with legal counsel on matters relating to contracts, disputes, compliance and risk management.

- Ensure that financial and administrative policies are aligned with the Universitys governance framework.

Administration & Operations:

- Oversee key administrative functions and ensure smooth day-to-day operations in coordination with relevant departments.

- Implement and improve systems, processes and controls to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.

- Provide support to academic and non-academic units through effective administrative policies and practices.

Stakeholder Management & Leadership:

- Work closely with the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and senior leadership on strategic initiatives and institutional planning.

- Lead, mentor and develop the Finance & Administration teams, fostering a culture of accountability, integrity and collaboration.

- Prepare and present financial and operational reports to leadership and governing bodies as required.

Qualifications:

- ACA / FCA qualification is mandatory.

- 12-15 years of overall experience, with at least a few years in educational institutions (university / higher education / similar institutional setups).

Preferred Profile:

- Strong exposure to finance leadership roles in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

- Prior experience in educational institutions will be highly preferred.

- Based out of Chennai or willing to relocate, with proficiency in spoken Tamil.

- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills.

- Ability to work closely with top management on both strategic and operational priorities.

Compensation & Joining:

- Joining Time: Immediate to within 4 weeks preferred.