Vice President of Finance

About Riyadh University of Arts

Riyadh University of Arts (RUARUA) is a pioneering institution dedicated to cross-cultural arts education and creative innovation in the Middle East. It promotes bold ideas that drive progress and societal transformation by fostering collaboration between academia and industry and reimagining arts education. RUARUA creates an environment where global ideas thrive amid rich cultural influences.

• Vision: To become a beacon of knowledge, integrating culture and arts, empowering students to explore passions, cultivate talents, and encourage creativity and cultural exchange.
• Mission: To nurture an innovative educational setting in culture and arts, offering cutting-edge programs that enhance cultural and artistic involvement, enriching local and global communities.
• Aspirations: To be recognized as the leading cultural university in the Middle East and North Africa, ranked among the top 50 worldwide for cultural education, and serve as a global hub for cultural education and knowledge sharing.

Key Responsibilities

General:

• Provide the President and Board of Trustees with clear insight into the University's financial standing and implement Board directives through policy and procedural frameworks.
• Act as the University’s representative to external parties including auditors, regulatory bodies, and donors.

Strategic:

• Advise leadership on all financial matters, overseeing the stewardship of financial decisions for the institution.
• Ensure the University's financial health by managing budgets, fee structures, cash flow, safeguarding assets, and mitigating institutional risks.
• Implement robust fiscal policies promoting long-term sustainability and fostering responsible financial practices.

Operational:

• Lead annual operating and capital budgeting, financial risk assessments, reporting, accounting operations, and finance services.
• Oversee development and management of financial systems, payroll, accounting, and year-end processes.
• Guarantee accuracy across all fiscal activities, including compliance with accounting, procurement, tax, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Establish strong accounting controls ensuring timely receivables, accurate payroll and expense management, proactive investment handling, and effective coordination with auditors.
• Develop and maintain digital financial information systems aligned with Finance Office needs.
• Create a procurement function that maximizes value across University purchases.
• Ensure full adherence to legal, statutory, regulatory, and tax obligations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Over 20 years of experience in senior financial leadership roles, including at least 10 years within a reputable higher education institution.
• Comprehensive understanding of financial sub-functions such as controllership, legal, accounting, fundraising, and non-profit operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or financial management required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, SAP, Finacle, and related financial systems.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven capability in designing and implementing robust processes and systems within large organizations.
• Strong management experience handling financial assets and engaging with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational leadership and strategic direction.
• Experience in building and mentoring high-performance teams.
• Skilled in developing long-term financial strategies aligned with institutional vision and mission.
• A track record of enhancing operational efficiencies, fiscal sustainability, and cost savings.

Why Join Riyadh University of Arts

RUARUA is a unique platform fostering discovery, nurturing talent, and connecting Saudi art and culture with the world. By joining, you become part of an innovative journey that shapes the cultural future of Saudi Arabia and inspires globally. As the first of its kind in the MENA region, RUARUA serves as a nexus for creativity, knowledge, and innovation, playing a pivotal role in growing Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector in line with Vision 2030.