Associate Director – Finance Office

Department: Finance Office

Job Posting Details

 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a world-class research university that inspires global impact through education, innovation, and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on science, engineering, business, and interdisciplinary studies, HKUST is home to a vibrant international community and a growing network of alumni across the globe.  Details of HKUST can be found at https://hkust.edu.hk/.

The Finance Office is one of the crucial administrative functions providing best-practice financial management services to support the University’s mission in teaching, research and social-economic development of Hong Kong.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, the Associate Director of Finance is a key position in the University’s finance function.  This requires the position holder to be a hands-on seasoned finance professional with strong technical, managerial and inter-personal skills, and be able to work very effectively with all colleagues across the whole University.

The appointee is expected to contribute to the development of high-quality services and adoption of best practice processes, and support efficiency and value for money initiatives. 

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare the University’s consolidated financial statements, covering both the University and subsidiaries, in accordance with the reporting requirements of the University Grants Committee (UGC) and Hong Kong Accounting Standards.
   
• Consolidate budgets of the University’s operations in Hong Kong and subsidiaries in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
   
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports.
   
• Oversee the financial monitoring of capital projects, ensuring accurate tracking of budgets, expenditures, and funding utilization throughout the project lifecycles.
   
• Play a major role in the implementation of a new ERP system.
   
• Drive continuous improvement through process automation and the adoption of digital tools to enhance productivity and operational effectiveness.
   
• Assist in the enhancement and ongoing maintenance of comprehensive financial policies and procedures, supporting their effective implementation across the University.
   
• Review and strengthen robust internal controls over accounts payable, ensuring compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements.
   
• Lead reviews of payment-related issues and recommend practical improvements to enhance efficiency and risk control.
   
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance.

Key Requirements

• A university degree in accounting/business/finance and a professional accounting qualification.
   
• At least 15 years of extensive relevant managerial experience at senior level in sizable organizations, with substantial hands-on technical experience and a strong track record in financial planning and reporting, ERP system implementation, financial analysis and project management.
   
• Excellent leadership, management, technical, analytical, decision-making, communication, inter-personal and negotiation skills.
   
• Detail-minded, proactive and able to work effectively under tight timelines.
   
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Chinese.

Terms of Appointment

Appointment to the position will be on three-year fixed-term contract basis, renewable on mutual agreement.  Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate, will be provided.  A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.  Applicants should read the Personal Information Collection Statement before submission of application.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.