Bursar/ Chief Financial Officer

The Organisation:

Pacific Adventist University (PAU) is owned and operated by the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The institution is accredited by the Adventist Accreditation Association, an international denominational authority for all tertiary and graduate educational programs and institutions owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church entities. The main campus is located on the pristine Koiari Park, 14 miles outside Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. The institution was established in 1984. Since then, it has grown from a college of 20 students to a university of over 1000 students from across the Pacific.

The Role:

The Bursar/ Chief Financial Officer reports to the Vice Chancellor and, oversees and manages the financial and business operations of the University. This executive role is responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability of the institution through strategic planning, rigorous internal controls, and the management of all service and business enterprises. As a senior member of the Management Team, the Bursar/CFO provides expert financial counsel to the Vice-Chancellor and University Council to ensure resources are utilized effectively in support of the University's mission

Core Responsibilities:

• To promote a culture of good governance, transparency and accountability, integrity and service as consistent with the ethos, values and principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Vision and Mission of the Pacific Adventist University.
• To provide high-level financial and strategic advice to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Council on all matters pertaining to the fiscal health of the institution.
• Oversee the operations of the University’s Finance Office, Farm, Support Services, and Book Shop in counsel with the Vice-Chancellor and in harmony with directives of the University Council and South Pacific Division Policy.
• Work with the Vice-Chancellor and other senior administrators of the University in the preparation and implementation of financial reports, annual budget and other operational reports.
• Review the monthly financial operation of the University and report to the Vice- Chancellor.
• Review annual financial statements for presentation to the University Council.
• Maintain an effective reporting system for all the financial operations of the University.
• Arrange for the internal auditing of business records and work with the Vice-Chancellor to arrange external auditing by the auditing department of the South Pacific Division.
• Serve as custodian of all property and equipment under the administration of the University including the maintenance of safety and security.
• Provide for the safekeeping of all funds, securities and other valuables of the University. Investments of funds are to be made in harmony with Division Policy allowing for adequate liquidity.
• Make recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Council on benefits and entitlements for the staff and on charges to students.
• Liaise with the Support Services Director regarding the financial aspects of the service and auxiliary business activities of the University and receive periodic reports.
• Prepare and present to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Council cost studies of all service and business enterprises of the University.
• Maintain regular surveillance of departmental expenditure, ensuring that departmental expenses remain within budget provisions.
• Receive from all department’s regular requests for purchase and replacement of equipment and vet or verify these as determined appropriate in terms of budget allowance and/or cost priority.
• Be responsible for the maintenance and safe keeping of all financial records including adequate back up of computer-based data.
• Foster a campus environment that encourages the spiritual growth of students and staff
• Under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor to represent the University as required externally in advancing the aspirations and interests of the University.
• To serve as Chairperson or as a member of designated University Committees, as well as Ad hoc Committees and Selection Panels as constituted from time to time.
• From time to time the Bursar/CFO maybe requested to act in in the absence of the Vice-Chancellor as necessary and required in ensuring business continuity.
• Any other duties as requested by the Vice-Chancellor

About you:

Qualifications and Skills required:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration; CPA or equivalent professional certification is highly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior financial management, preferably within a higher education or church-related environment
• Has a strong understanding of higher education systems in Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific, with the capacity to enhance teaching, research, and professional activities.
• Demonstrated financial knowledge and experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of international accounting standards and South Pacific Division financial policies.
• Demonstrated analytical abilities and wisdom in financial judgment and decision-making.
• High level of proficiency in financial software and data management systems such as Attaché’
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment with a commitment to team dynamics and collaborative leadership

If you feel you are the right person for the role and you meet the minimum requirements above, you may request a ‘Position Description’ and ‘Application Form’ from the Human Resource Department via [email protected] . It is a requirement that ‘application forms are to be completed in full and that all supporting documentation including updated CV and copies of educational qualification be submitted also. As an equal opportunity employer, PAU particularly encourages applications from male applicants As an equal opportunity employer, PAU particularly encourages applications from women.

Application closes on Monday, 05^th October 2026