Assistant Director (Finance) - Finance Office

Department: Finance Office Job Posting Details Reporting to the Associate Director of Finance, the Assistant Director of Finance will lead a small team overseeing the preparation of financial statements, managing budget processes, conducting financial analysis, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and leading process improvement initiatives.

Key responsibilities

Lead the team in the preparation of the University’s and consolidated financial statements, ensuring compliance with the reporting requirements of the University Grants Committee (UGC) and Hong Kong Accounting Standards. Conduct thorough monthly reviews of financial statements, perform in-depth variance analyses, and provide insightful commentary and strategic recommendations.

Prepare the University’s annual budget, analyse budget proposals submitted by different departments, and consolidate budgets of the University and its subsidiaries in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and impactful financial reports, papers, and presentations for senior management, Council and committee meetings.

Evaluate and improve existing financial processes and policies, identify areas for enhancement. Establish, strengthen, and maintain effective internal controls across accounts payable and payment operations, ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Oversee the full asset lifecycle by maintaining records, calculating depreciation, reconciling accounts, tracking construction projects, and leading physical inventory counts.

Prepare financial projections and assess the financial feasibility of new initiatives and long-term plans to support the University’s strategic goals. Participate in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation projects, drive process improvement initiatives, and lead strategic process re-engineering to enhance efficiency and optimize financial operations.

Manage and develop team members, providing guidance and support to ensure their success and growth. Perform any ad hoc duties assigned by supervisors.

Requirements

A university degree in accounting/ business/ finance and a recognized professional accounting qualification. Minimum 12 years of relevant managerial experience, preferably in universities, NGOs, or sizable organizations. A strong track record in financial planning, reporting, analysis and project management. Detail-minded with strong analytical problem-solving skills.

Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently and collaboratively. Proficiency in English and Chinese (including Putonghua). Experience with Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems. Terms of Appointment: Appointment to the position will be on two-year fixed term contract basis, renewable on mutual agreement.

Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing where appropriate, will be provided. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of the contract. Please apply on or before: 13 November 2026 . Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. (Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.

Applicants should read th e Personal Information Collection Statement b efore submission of application.) HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.