Deputy Finance Officer – Grade XIV

Role Overview

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance) heads the University's finance, human resource, procurement, estates and general administration functions, converting institutional strategy into budgets, systems and services that keep teaching, research and innovation running. Working alongside the Vice Chancellor, fellow Deputy Vice Chancellors, the University Council and unit heads, the holder ensures that scarce public resources are planned, deployed and accounted for in line with academic priorities and statutory obligations. The post carries direct accountability for the University's operational integrity, service culture and long-term financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, presentation and implementation of the University's annual budgets, medium-term expenditure plans and financial statements, and advise the Vice Chancellor and Council on resource allocation.
• Oversee accounting, revenue collection, expenditure control and audit follow-up, ensuring full compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, related regulations and University statutes.
• Provide management oversight to the finance, human resource, procurement, estates and physical development, ICT and administrative service units, setting performance targets and holding heads of unit to account.
• Direct human resource planning, recruitment, performance management, staff development, welfare and discipline, promoting industrial harmony, equity and fair practice across all categories of staff.
• Drive resource mobilisation and income-generating initiatives, including partnerships, grants administration and commercial ventures that strengthen the University's financial base.
• Guide the development, maintenance and security of physical infrastructure, utilities, land and other assets, and supervise the delivery of capital projects within approved budgets and timelines.
• Champion service delivery improvement, digitisation of administrative processes and the use of management information for evidence-based decision making.
• Serve on or chair relevant Council, Senate and management committees, and represent the University in negotiations and engagements with regulators, funders, unions and other stakeholders.

Requirements & Qualifications

• An earned doctorate from a recognised university, together with a demonstrable record of university teaching, research and postgraduate supervision; senior academic rank would be an added advantage.
• A minimum of ten years' progressive experience in senior academic or administrative roles, including several years at management or leadership level in a university or comparable public institution.
• Demonstrated competence in financial planning, budgeting, expenditure control and audit processes, with working knowledge of Kenyan public finance, procurement, employment and governance frameworks.
• Professional qualifications in accounting, finance or management (for example CPA, ACCA or CPS) would be an advantage.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, negotiate with internal and external stakeholders, and communicate clearly in writing and in person.
• Familiarity with computerised administrative and financial management systems and with data-driven planning.
• High personal integrity and full compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, on leadership and integrity.
• Applications must include a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of academic and professional certificates, the National Identity Card or passport, testimon