Director, Finance – Planning

Director, Finance – Planning at Aga Khan University Hospital

Director, Finance – Planning at Aga Khan University Hospital

Director, Finance – Planning

The Director, Financial Planning is a senior leadership role responsible for driving integrated financial planning, performance management, and strategic decision support across AKU Pakistan, including clinical services, academic programs, research initiatives, and donor-funded activities.

Reporting to the Vice President Finance & CFO, the incumbent will lead the end-to-end planning cycle—budgeting, forecasting, performance monitoring, and long-range financial strategy—while ensuring alignment with AKU’s mission of excellence in healthcare, education, and research. The role serves as a key strategic partner to institutional leadership, enabling data-driven decision-making, strengthening financial discipline, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. The incumbent will also lead business process improvement, digital transformation, and the adoption of automation and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and insight generation across Finance.

In addition, the Director will foster a high-performance culture within the Finance function, oversee talent development, and enhance collaboration across clinical, academic, and administrative domains—ultimately improving the quality of time, information, and decision-making processes across the institution.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning & Direction:

• Lead and facilitate institutional financial strategy development aligned with AKU’s mission and priorities.

• Support the VPF & CFO in setting strategic direction, including long-term financial sustainability and growth.

• Integrate financial planning across clinical, academic, research, and donor-funded activities.

• Develop forward-looking financial scenarios and identify risks and opportunities.

• Enable structured and data-driven decision-making across leadership forums.

2. Financial Planning, Budgeting, Analysis & Performance Monitoring:

• Lead annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and multi-year financial planning processes.

• Oversee performance reporting including KPIs, variance analysis, and actionable insights for Executive Committee and Board.

• Develop integrated financial models incorporating patient volumes, enrollment, research funding, and cost drivers.

• Monitor financial performance and proactively address gaps with relevant stakeholders.

• Strengthen planning processes across AKU globally for consistency and agility.

3. Strategic Projects, Feasibilities & Decision Support:

• Lead development of business cases and feasibility studies for clinical expansion, academic programs, and capital investments.

• Provide financial insights to support prioritization of strategic initiatives.

• Support preparation of Board materials, investment proposals, and strategic papers.

• Evaluate financial impact and sustainability of major institutional initiatives.

4. Stakeholder Management & Business Partnering:

• Serve as a strategic partner to Deans, Hospital leadership, CEOs, and functional heads

• Facilitate alignment between Finance and academic, clinical, and administrative units

• Communicate complex financial insights in a clear and actionable manner

• Ensure responsiveness to stakeholder needs and institutional priorities

5. Process Improvement, Automation & AI Enablement:

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes.

• Identify and implement automation opportunities to reduce manual effort and cycle time.

• Drive adoption of advanced analytics and AI tools for forecasting, scenario planning, and decision support.

• Collaborate with IT and data teams to enhance data systems integration and governance.

• Establish frameworks for responsible, ethical, and effective use of AI in Finance.

• Promote a data-driven culture through training and change management.

6. Governance, Reporting & Compliance:

• Strengthen financial governance, policies, and planning discipline.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and donor restrictions.

• Oversee reporting frameworks for leadership and governance bodies.

• Enhance transparency and accountability in financial processes.

7. Talent Management & Organizational Development:

• Lead and develop a high-performing teams.

• Oversee talent acquisition, performance management, and succession planning.

• Partner with HR to implement performance frameworks and capability development.

• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

8. Donor & Restricted Funds Financial Oversight:

• Support planning, monitoring, and reporting of donor-funded and restricted programs.

• Ensure alignment of fund utilization with donor intent and institutional priorities.

• Partner with development teams on financial evaluation of funding initiatives.

Requirements:

Education:

• MBA, ACA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent professional qualification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in financial planning, strategy, in senior finance leadership roles. Experience within healthcare, higher education, or complex, multi-entity organizations is preferred.

• Proven track record of leading large teams and driving transformation initiatives, including those involving digital innovation and analytics-driven finance.

Knowledge & Competencies:

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate strategy into execution.

• Advanced financial modelling, analytics, and data interpretation capabilities.

• Proven experience in business process re-engineering, automation, and digital/AI-enabled finance transformation.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior academic, clinical, and administrative leaders.

• Strong communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, including Board-level engagement.

• High level of adaptability and ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-paced environments.

• Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on team development and performance culture.

• Should be a self-starter.

• High degree of integrity, accountability, and professional judgment.

*Comprehensive Reference checks will be conducted.