Overall, Purpose of the Job

The Finance Officer supports the delivery of day-to-day financial operations in coordination with the Finance Manager and central finance teams. The role is responsible for the accurate processing and maintenance of financial data within the ERP system, including invoices, payments, banking transactions, and purchase orders via CRM, as well as handling financial queries from staff, students, suppliers, and colleagues in Manchester. The position plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting budget monitoring and reporting, and ensuring compliance with internal controls, policies, and relevant regulatory requirements. In addition, the Finance Officer provides financial input to support effective operational decision-making across the branch and may occasionally assist with People & Organisational Development activities to ensure continuity of operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Core Finance Operations

1. Manage the full Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) cycles, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all invoices, payments, receipts, and student/customer billing in line with UAE regulations and university policies.
2. Review, validate, code, and process supplier invoices in the ERP system, ensuring all supporting documentation and checklists are complete prior to posting.
3. Process supplier payments and payroll-related transactions via online banking, ensuring appropriate approvals, accuracy, and adherence to payment schedules and internal controls.
4. Prepare and post cashbook entries across all bank accounts (AED, GBP, and debit card), including petty cash transactions, ensuring completeness and regular reconciliation.
5. Perform regular bank and petty cash reconciliations to ensure all balances are accurate and fully supported.
6. Review and process purchase orders submitted via CRM, ensuring completeness, compliance, and approval readiness by the Finance Manager.
7. Manage credit control activities, including proactive follow-up on overdue student accounts and payment plans, ensuring timely collections in coordination with the wider finance team.
8. Handle sponsor-related billing requirements where applicable, including preparation of consolidated invoices and supporting documentation.

2. Month-End, Year-End & Reporting

1. Manage monthly and year-end closing processes, including preparation and review of prepayments, accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules for audit purposes.
2. Prepare regular financial reports covering budgets, expenditure, commitments, payables, receivables, and variance analysis for both local management and central finance teams.
3. Ensure accurate and timely financial data is maintained to support audit requirements and statutory reporting.

3. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

1. Support annual budget preparation, forecasting, and ongoing monitoring against approved budgets.
2. Monitor actual versus budgeted expenditure at nominal code level, highlighting variances and providing actionable insights.
3. Contribute to financial planning through data analysis, trend identification, and performance reporting to support decision-making within the Dubai branch.

4. Tax & Regulatory Compliance (VAT & Corporate Tax)

1. Support VAT compliance, including preparation of VAT return drafts, reconciliations, and coordination with the Manchester tax team for final review and approval prior to submission to the UAE Federal Tax Authority.
2. Work closely with external Corporate Tax consultants to compile, structure, and validate financial data required for annual corporate tax submissions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

5. Intercompany & Central Coordination

1. Manage the full intercompany transaction cycle, including expense submissions, purchase order processing, invoice preparation, billing, and follow-up for timely settlement and reconciliation.
2. Act as a key liaison between the Dubai branch, central finance in Manchester, external auditors, suppliers, and internal departments, ensuring clear communication and timely resolution of issues.
3. Serve as the primary point of contact for all finance and accounting matters within the Dubai branch.

6. Systems, Controls & Process Management

1. Maintain strong financial controls, processes, and documentation standards across all finance activities.
2. Prepare and maintain Excel-based invoicing templates for programmes (where applicable) to ensure accurate and efficient billing processes.
3. Ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded in ERP systems and aligned with internal policies and compliance requirements.

7. General Support & Operational Continuity

1. Provide timely responses to financial queries from students, Dubai-based staff, and Manchester colleagues in a professional and accurate manner.
2. Support wider operational finance activities as required, particularly during peak periods, to ensure continuity of service across the Dubai branch.
3. Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the effective operation of the finance function.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The person appointed should:

1. A minimum of four years’ experience in an accounting or finance role, ideally within a higher education or international branch campus environment.
2. Strong proficiency in ERP systems, with hands-on experience in Sage 300 and Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM, particularly within finance-related processes such as purchase order processing, approvals, and financial tracking.
3. Advanced proficiency in computerised accounting systems and Microsoft Excel, supporting financial analysis, reporting, and data management.
4. Solid understanding of accounting principles, financial processes, and operational finance procedures, with the ability to apply them accurately in day-to-day operations.
5. Good knowledge of financial regulations and compliance requirements, including VAT and corporate tax obligations within the UAE context.
6. Strong ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating excellent organisation, time management, and attention to detail.
7. Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, contributing to a wider finance team and cross-functional environment.
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels, including senior management and external partners.
9. Strong problem-solving skills, initiative, and self-motivation, with a proactive approach to improving processes and enhancing operational efficiency.
10. High level of accuracy, resilience under pressure, and ability to consistently meet tight deadlines.
11. Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and discretion, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential financial information appropriately.

This position requires

1. Flexibility to occasionally work outside standard working hours to support operational or reporting requirements.
2. Willingness to undertake additional duties as reasonably assigned by the line manager, in line with the needs of the Department / organisation.
3. Consistently present a professional image of The University of Manchester – Dubai, representing the institution appropriately in all interactions.