Director of Finance and Procurement at HEC Paris in Qatar

HEC Paris, one of Europe's and the world's most prestigious business schools, is seeking a senior leadership professional for its distinguished campus in Qatar: the Director of Finance and Procurement. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for ambitious professionals to join a top-tier academic institution shaping the future of executive education and business in the heart of the Gulf region.

Overview of the Role

The Director of Finance and Procurement will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the campus's financial and procurement functions in Doha. This position operates within an international framework, requiring a nuanced understanding of local Qatari regulations and the global financial policies of the HEC Paris group. The successful candidate will be a cornerstone in ensuring financial integrity, operational efficiency, and fiscal support for the campus's academic programs, research, and development initiatives.

Key Expected Responsibilities and Duties

• Financial Leadership: Oversee all aspects of accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and cash flow management for the Qatar campus, ensuring full compliance with Qatari laws and regulations and the parent group's standards.
• Strategic Budget Management: Develop and monitor operating and capital budgets, providing proactive financial analysis and recommendations to support administrative decision-making.
• Procurement Function Leadership: Design and implement procurement strategies and policies to ensure the acquisition of high-quality goods and services in a cost-effective manner, while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and governance.
• Team Management: Lead and develop a local team of finance and procurement professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Conduct in-depth financial analysis, modeling, and forecasting to support strategic planning and performance evaluation.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as a key liaison with vendors, external parties (e.g., banks, auditors), and the HEC Paris central administration in France on all financial matters.
• Compliance & Internal Controls: Ensure a robust internal control system, manage audit processes efficiently, and implement best practices in financial governance.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Academic Qualification: A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, or equivalent are a significant advantage and often a prerequisite.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with a substantial portion in a leadership role (Manager level or above). Experience within international academic environments, non-profit organizations, or multinational corporation branches in the Middle East is a strong plus.
• Technical Knowledge: Advanced proficiency in accounting software packages (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and spreadsheet applications (Excel). Deep knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and local Qatari accounting practices.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate a multicultural team, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills in both English and Arabic.
• Personal Attributes: Strategic thinker, high degree of accuracy and integrity, ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment. Excellent negotiation skills and a strong understanding of risk management.

What the University Offers

Joining HEC Paris in Qatar means becoming part of an elite community of professors, researchers, and professionals. While specific benefit details are not listed, roles at prestigious international institutions in Qatar typically include:

• A competitive, internationally-benchmarked salary.
• A comprehensive benefits package (health insurance, travel allowances).
• An intellectually stimulating and multicultural work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Working on a state-of-the-art campus in Education City, Doha.

How to Apply for the Position

Application for this position is primarily through specialized professional platforms like Naukrigulf, where the posting was advertised. Interested candidates should prepare the following:

1. Update their professional Curriculum Vitae (CV), highlighting leadership experience and tangible achievements in finance and procurement.
2. Draft a compelling Cover Letter expressing interest in the role and the value of joining the higher education sector, aligning their skills with the needs of this global institution.
3. Locate the job posting under the title "Director of Finance and Procurement" on the Naukrigulf website or the official HEC Paris careers portal and follow the online application instructions.

This position is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional to assume a pivotal role in supporting the mission of a leading global educational institution in the Gulf and contributing to its academic journey in Qatar.