Overview

About Mzuzu University

Mzuzu University (MZUNI) is one of Malawi’s public universities established by the Laws of Malawi Cap 30:09 (Mzuzu University Act No. 12 of 1997). Currently, the University has six faculties of Education; Environmental Sciences; Health Sciences; Tourism, Hospitality and Management; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Humanities and Social Sciences.

It is a dual mode University offering its courses through face-to-face and open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) teaching and learning modes.

MZUNI has its main campus located in Mzuzu City at Luwinga which also houses its ODeL Main Hub. It has a Tourism and Hospitality Skills Application Centre located at Dunduzu within the City. MZUNI has a physical presence in all the four regions of Malawi through its purpose- built and well equipped ODeL Satellite Learning Centres in Karonga, Lilongwe, Balaka and Mulanje.

Given its multi-campus/centre nature and its expansion drive, the University offers a unique opportunity to its Finance Officer in providing financial and accounting services across all campuses and centers of the University.

The Finance Officer

The Finance Officer reports to the Vice-Chancellor and is responsible for provision of leadership and strategic direction in the management of University’s financial resources and assets.

Applications are therefore invited for this exciting and demanding position of Finance Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Finance Officer is required to fulfil the following duties and responsibilities, inter-alia:

(a) Finance Management
(i) Providing strategic financial leadership to the University to ensure that it achieves its objectives;
(ii) Developing, reviewing and implementing sound financial management and control systems, policies, plans, strategies, procedures and regulations;
(iii) Controlling and enforcing financial management procedures;
(iv) Implementing a system of accounting and financial controls that comply with Public Finance Management policies and standards and financial regulations;
(v) Ensuring that all financial, corporate, legal requirements and obligations are complied with and consistently applied;
(vi) Coordinating and facilitating the development of budget estimates for the University and regulating expenditure to ensure conformity with approved budgets, existing regulations and grants contract;
(vii) Reviewing final accounts and engaging external auditors to conduct audits as and when they are due;
(viii) Overseeing management of assets insurance and pension portfolios;
(ix) Preparing final accounts and reports timely and presenting to the Council in liaison with
the Vice-Chancellor;
(x) Producing monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports on the performance of the department for management information and decision making; and
(xi) Supporting resource mobilisation and ensuring funds raised through projects and research are properly used.

(b) General Management

(i) Providing secretarial services to the Finance Committee of the Council in collaboration with the University Registrar; and
(ii) Coordinating performance management system in the Department of Finance.

(c) Networking

Ensuring a close working relationships with external stakeholders such as auditors, suppliers,
financial institutions, providers of tuition and scholarships, regulatory bodies and others.

Qualifications

The candidate must have:

(a) Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy or equivalent obtained from reputable and accredited institutions of higher learning recognised by the National Council for Higher Education;
(b) A professional qualification such as ACCA, CPA or CIMA;
(c) Must be a paid up member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM); and
(d) At least eight (8) years’ experience at senior level in Finance.

Desired Attributes and Skills

(i) Excellent understanding of the Malawian Higher ducation operational environment;
(ii) Excellent leadership and organisational skills;
(iii) Successful supervisory experience in a people-oriented environment;
(iv) Excellent analytical, conflict management and problem-solving skills;
(v) Ability to develop, plan, and implement short and long-range goals;
(vi) Excellent IT skills and familiarity with the use of databases and the internet;
(vii) Effective verbal and written communication skills;
(viii) Strong personal and professional integrity;
(ix) Ability to work with people from a range of backgrounds and with a range of needs;
(x) Superior interpersonal and team oriented aptitude;
(xi) Ability to work collaboratively in a higher education environment; and
(xii) Diplomatic, with strong negotiation and advocacy skills.

Terms and Conditions of Service

Mzuzu University provides an attractive salary and benefits in accordance with its emolument structure.

The appointment is for a period of four (4) years.

Retirement Age

The normal retirement age for MZUNI is sixty (60) years. Applicants should not be more than fifty-five (55) years of age at the time of appointment to be able to serve a four (4)-year term.

Instructions and Mode of Application

Applicants are required to adhere to the following instructions:

a) Applications should be submitted strictly through e-mail to: ur@mzuni.ac.mw, with a copy
to jobvacancies@mzuni.ac.mw;
b) All documents should be in PDF Format;
c) The subject line for the e-mail should read: “Application for the Post of Finance Officer”;
d) The application package should include the following documents:

i) An application letter with a motivation for the position;
ii) An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) with names and contact details of three traceable
referees; and
iii) Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications.

Closing Date

The application should be e-mailed before mid-night of Friday, 22nd March 2024. Note that only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and therefore encourages applications from qualified men, women and persons living with disabilities.