Senior Manager, University Advancement
Entity: Aga Khan University
Location: Karachi
Introduction to the Aga Khan University:
Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programmes and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.
As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.
Position Summary:
The Senior Manager for Accounting and Data Management in the Office of Advancement will be responsible for all financial planning reporting, budgeting, and audit-related activities pertaining to fundraising, data management, and advancement-related projects. This role will ensure compliance with local and international financial standards, donor requirements, and institutional policies.
The incumbent will serve as the key finance resource within the Office of Advancement and will work closely with internal stakeholders, external auditors, and donors to ensure the highest standards of financial integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Planning & Management
- Lead the financial planning and budgeting process for the Office of Advancement and its projects.
- Ensure accurate financial forecasting and budgetary control.
- Monitor expenditure and provide regular financial reports to leadership.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Foster strong collaboration with AKU Finance and global Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) units to ensure transparent fund allocation to fulfill the donor’s intent and timely gift recording.
Donor Fund Management:
- Maintain transparent and auditable financial records for all donor contributions, endowments and grants.
- Ensure compliance with donor requirements, including restricted/unrestricted fund tracking and reporting.
- Coordinate with advancement officers to ensure timely financial reporting to donors.
Reporting & Compliance:
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
- Ensure timely submission of internal and external financial reports, including those required by regulatory authorities.
- Oversee the financial component of external audits and donor audits
Data Integrity & Systems Oversight:
Support in developing and implementing strategies to improve advancement data systems, ensuring accuracy, secure access, and effective use of technology
Internal Controls & Risk Management:
- Design and implement effective internal controls to mitigate financial risk.
- Identify areas of financial risk and recommend corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with donor agreements, institutional policies and national regulations.
- Support successful audits (internal, external, donor).
Team Leadership & Capacity Building:
- Provide leadership and guidance to finance staff within the Office of Advancement.
- Train and mentor junior staff in financial management best practices.
- Built capacity in donor financial management and promote a high-performance team culture.
Qualifications and Experience:
Required:
- Chartered Accountant (CA) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), or equivalent qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA with recognition in Pakistan)
- Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience, preferably in a higher education, nonprofit, or donor-funded organization.
- Demonstrated experience with donor financial reporting, fund management, and project budgeting.
Preferred:
- Experience working in advancement/development offices.
- Familiarity with CRM systems and donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge).
- Strong understanding of international charitable giving tax and financial standards and donor compliance requirements.
Skills and Competencies:
- High level of integrity and professionalism.
- Proficiency in financial software and MS Excel.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.
