< Back to Leadership Vacancies

Director of Finance & Procurement
Cairo American College (Egypt)

 

 

Director of Finance & Procurement at Cairo American College to start July 2024

Cairo American College, a private PK-12 school located in Maadi, Cairo, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Finance & Operations to join our team starting in July 2024. With an enrollment of 975 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, Cairo American College is known for its commitment to promoting health and well-being, diverse student body, American-based curriculum, and state-of-the-art facilities.

As the Director of Finance & Procurement you will play a crucial role in the financial management and operational efficiency of the school. Reporting to the Head of School, you will be responsible for overseeing budgeting, financial planning, accounting, procurement,, and compliance with relevant regulations. Your strategic mindset and strong analytical skills will contribute to the school's financial sustainability and support our mission of providing a high-quality education to our students.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

•  Develop and manage the school's annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic goals.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to the Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and other stakeholders, highlighting key financial indicators and making recommendations for improvement.
• Oversee the school's accounting processes, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Collaborate on fundraising efforts and donor stewardship, including financial reporting and grant management.
• Manage the procurement process, negotiate contracts, and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers to optimize purchasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in finance and operations in the education sector, and implement necessary changes to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

Cairo American College

Cairo American College, situated in Maadi, a scenic residential suburb just six miles from Cairo, is a world-class American International School catering to 975 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. As a nonprofit organization, the school operates under the guidance of a 12-member Board of Trustees, all of whom are residents of Cairo. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), Cairo American College proudly holds memberships with the Near East-South Asia Council for Overseas Schools (NESA) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Our COMMITMENT, CORE VALUES AND MISSION

 Health & Well-being

Cairo American College (CAC) is committed to promoting the health and well-being of our students. 

CAC’s approach to student health and well-being is supported by multiple pillars:  a holistic and American Values-based approach to education, an inquiry-based curriculum, a school-wide strategic plan, theoretical underpinnings in positive education, and a well-being philosophy.  

Health and Well-being at CAC is not the result of any one universal program, rather, it is a cumulative and comprehensive approach to provide a holistic range of experiences, activities and programs that scaffold and spiral school-wide.  Health and well-being is part of the CAC ecosystem. 

Read more about Health & Wellbeing at CAC

Our Students

At CAC we take great pride in our exceptional student body, which stands as the epitome of diversity nationwide. What sets us apart is the vibrant mixture of cultures and backgrounds woven together by our CAC student community. Presently, our enrollment spans 975 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, coming from over 56 countries. Notably, approximately 70% of our students are the children of expats employed by international organizations.

Our Curriculum

The CAC curriculum is rooted in the American education system, complemented by the IB PYP framework in the elementary school and the IBDP in the high school. Our students engage with a wide range of traditional subjects, including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Arts, and Physical Education. We prioritize inquiry-based learning throughout PreK-12, and our elementary and middle schools utilize standards-based grading and reporting. To showcase their learning, students participate in a holistic assessment process that includes tests, written assignments, oral presentations, projects, demonstrations, and discussions.

To ensure academic progress, students in grades 3-9 take part in MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing. In grades 11 and 12, the High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Additionally, our high school students undertake SAT and ACT assessments as part of their college application journey.

Our school week runs from Sunday to Thursday, aligning with the schedule of most International Schools in Cairo. Elementary school students follow a five-day rotation, while middle and high school students follow an eight-day rotation of eight blocks, with each day consisting of four blocks lasting 85 minutes. Beyond regular classes, students actively participate in a variety of clubs, sports, and after-school activities.

Our Facilities

Spread across eleven acres, our school campus encompasses separate buildings for the elementary, middle, and high schools. In addition to indoor facilities, we provide ample outdoor spaces, including two athletic fields, several playgrounds, an all-weather half-track, a heated swimming pool, and a versatile basketball/volleyball court. The theater facility, with a seating capacity of 550, serves as a hub for our drama and dance programs. To support our MS/HS music programs, we have a dedicated building. Our campus also houses two indoor physical education facilities, complete with gymnasiums, an exercise room, classrooms, and PE offices. To facilitate comprehensive learning and research, we have state-of-the-art libraries in both the middle/high school and the elementary school.  Lastly, we take pride in our newly established Early Intervention Center, which caters to the unique needs of neurodiverse non-CAC students on campus.

Living in Maadi, Cairo and Egypt

Living in Maadi, Cairo, and Egypt offers numerous advantages. Working at Cairo American College allows faculty to experience the wonders of a beautiful country steeped in culture and history. Egypt's strategic location at the crossroads of North Africa and the Middle East has resulted in a vibrant and diverse society.

With a population exceeding 100 million, Egypt is among the most populous countries in the Arab world. Cairo, within its metropolitan area, showcases the legacy of every civilization that has thrived in the Nile Valley over the past 6,000 years. As a hub of culture and history, the city offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Egypt boasts a plethora of local travel destinations and activities for all. From the alluring Mediterranean beaches of Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, and Fayoum (Egypt's largest oasis), to the captivating Sinai Peninsula with its iconic landmarks like St. Catherine's Monastery, Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba, Taba, and Hurghada, not to mention the enchanting Red Sea destinations, the choices are limitless.

Within Maadi, the charming leafy suburban district where CAC is located, an abundance of trees and greenery creates a tranquil atmosphere. The community in Maadi is diverse, with many expatriates residing here. Moreover, fascinating archaeological sites such as Giza, Saqqara, Memphis, Meidum, and Hawarra are a short drive away from Cairo. Nearby villages like Harrania and Kerdassa are renowned for their weaving and fabric, adding to the cultural richness of the area.

Egyptians are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, making the country a safe and welcoming place to live. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood by most people. Egyptians are friendly and make an effort to connect with foreigners, and employees in tourist locations often possess multilingual skills, including English.

II- Position Roles & Responsibilities

Cairo American College is seeking a leader who will embrace the school’s guiding statements and will work to continuously enhance the facilities, business, and finance services. He/she will provide the leadership and skills necessary as the school plans to finance an additional campus in Cairo.

The ideal candidate will have a proven record as a dynamic, approachable leader, with excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills and cultural sensitivity.  He/she will demonstrate a firm knowledge of finance, business services functions and will inspire employees to excel and further build upon their successes.

The Director of Finance and Operations will provide expertise and leadership in all business service areas as well as other non-instructional operations. He/she will provide direct and indirect oversight in the following functional areas/departments consisting of 7 managers and 150 staff:

Finance/Accounting:

•  Strategic financial planning and budgeting
• Financial modeling and forecasting
• Leading the annual budgeting and planning process; monitoring progress and changes.
• Ensuring Accounting processes as per national and international standards
• Proficiency in financial software and data driven financial solutions.
• Recording and tracking of all donations/gifts on the general ledger
• Oversee all audit and internal control operations
• Manage organizational  cash flow and forecasting
• Ensure appropriate tax compliance
• General ledger activities
• Investment management
• Provide strategic thought partnership to the head of school and Board Finance Commitee

Business Service Operations:

•  The School Store
• Purchasing/procurement
• Contractual Agreements with external entities
• Risk Management and Insurance

The ideal candidate will have a proven success record in the areas of communication and management. Specific expectations include:

Communication:

•  Communicate effectively with students, faculty, parents, colleagues, and the broader community.
• Exhibit effective listening skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Develop collaboration and seek the input of students, faculty, staff and parents as needed in the major decisions affecting the school.

Management:

• Assume responsibility for sound financial management including accurate program budget planning and fiscal accountability.
• Demonstrate the willingness to seek constant professional learning and professional growth as a committed life-long learner.
• Establish annual goals and work plans that are consistent with the school's Strategic Plan and accepted program direction.
• Serve as a contributing member to the school's administrative team.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as delegated by the Superintendent.
• Prepare and present reports for committees.
• Primary responsibility for financial and facility compliance and establishing/maintaining good government relations.

Experience, Qualifications, Attributes

•  Have a successful track record, preferably 5 years or more, in a senior finance & operations leadership capacity.
• Preference will be given to candidates with international school experience
• Experience in both the not for profit and profit sectors is acceptable.
• A Bachelor’s Degree with a major in accounting or finance is the minimum qualification required. Possessing an MBA, or CPA/CA credential or other appropriate Master’s Degree in a related field from an internationally accredited institution would be preferred.
• Applicants must have a demonstrated capacity to operate in a multi-cultural environment.
• Possess a working knowledge of organizational management, facilities management, and non-profit financial administration.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication (listening, written and oral) skills as well as strong analytical, decision-making and planning skills.
• Be open, approachable, positive and of strong moral character.
• Have demonstrated excellent organizational and managerial skills and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty and the administrative team to ensure the goals and plans of Cairo American College are achieved.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is highly competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Benefits include housing, use of a school car, health insurance, life insurance, annual home leave, shipping in and out allowance, retirement contributions and professional development funds.

III- Application Procedure

Cairo American College has appointed Search Associates as its partner in its search for the Director of Finance & Operations. Rajiv Bhat, Sr. Consultant at Search Associates is the lead consultant.  The deadline for submission of applications for the position is September 22, 2023.  Candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest and the requested materials listed below as early as possible. Cairo American College and Search Associates reserve the right to close the selection process at any time should the right candidate be identified. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Candidates should submit the following information in the format requested:

A one page letter of application.

A current resumé not to exceed two pages.

A list of at least 3 referees who have served as immediate supervisors including their current email addresses and phone numbers.

A maximum of three letters of reference (scanned at low resolution) that may already be in their possession.

Please note that all materials must be scanned into a single pdf attachment of 5MB or less and sent to Rajiv Bhat (rbhat@searchassociates.com).

 

The review of applications will begin as soon as applications are received.  Qualified candidates will be interviewed and potentially forwarded to Cairo American College for further review.  Finalist candidates (with spouses, if applicable) may be invited to Cairo to visit the campus as part of the selection process.

 

Candidates are encouraged to refer to the school’s website  for further information.