Annual Conference and Training for Bursars, Accountants, Directors of Finance and Internal Auditors in African Higher Education Institutions
Introduction:
The financial management landscape in higher education institutions across Africa is evolving rapidly, driven by the increasing demands for transparency, accountability, and efficiency. As key financial leaders, Bursars, Accountants, Directors of Finance and Internal Auditors play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of these institutions. To support these professionals in navigating the dynamic challenges of financial management, the Association of African Universities (AAU) is organizing its annual conference and training program. This event will provide a platform for sharing best practices, discussing emerging trends, and building capacity in the financial management of higher education institutions.
Objective:
The primary goal of the conference is to enhance the leadership and management capabilities of finance professionals in African higher education institutions. The event will focus on equipping participants with the latest knowledge and skills in financial planning, management, reporting, and governance, which are critical for improving institutional performance.
Specific Objectives:
1. To provide a forum for networking and sharing of experiences among finance professionals in African higher education institutions.
2. To explore contemporary issues and compliances in financial management, including financial sustainability, resource mobilization, and compliance with international standards.
3. To offer capacity-building training on the latest financial management tools, techniques, and best practices.
4. To foster experiential learning with the global North through collaboration and partnerships among finance professionals to promote institutional growth and financial stability.
Target Audience:
This conference is designed for:
ü Bursars
ü Accountants
ü Directors of Finance
ü Directors of Internal Auditors
ü Internal Auditors
ü Senior financial officers of higher education institutions across Africa
Themes:
The following themes, not conclusive though, are proposed to guide discussions and training sessions:
1. Financial Sustainability in Higher Education
Exploring strategies for resource mobilization, diversification of income streams, and long-term financial sustainability.
2. Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management
Strengthening financial governance, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and managing risks effectively.
3. Digital Transformation in Financial Management
Embracing digital tools and technologies to improve financial processes, reporting, and decision-making in higher education.
4. Budgeting, Financial Planning, and Forecasting
Best practices for financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to align with institutional goals and objectives.
5. Auditing, Reporting, and Transparency
Enhancing the quality of financial reporting, auditing practices, and transparency to meet the expectations of stakeholders.
Expected Outcomes:
By the end of the conference and training, participants will:
ü Gain updated knowledge on financial management strategies and tools.
ü Develop practical skills to address financial challenges in higher education.
ü Build stronger networks with peers from institutions across Africa.
ü Be better equipped to drive financial sustainability in their respective institutions.
ü Secondment of selected participants, subject to the availability of funds, to reputation HEIs for experiential learning.
Format
The 5-day Conference will be held over plenary and parallel sessions.
The proposed format per session will be:
1. Presentations and discussions
2. Participants sharing of their institutions’ experiences
3. Group work over carefully selected case material, or as instructed by the Facilitators
To encourage active participation, there will be pre-conference exercises on the various themes to be presented at their respective sessions. Reading materials would also be shared with participants.
One of the Conference days will be dedicated to a site visit of a reputable institution identified by the host institution for a half-day engagement.
Date and Venue:
The conference will be held annually at a selected venue, with dates to be confirmed in alignment with institutional calendars. The maiden conference will be hosted by the AAU Europe Office hosted by University of Nottingham in the UK.
Registration Fees
The registration fee, which is exclusive of participants’ board, accommodation and other expenses while in the host country, are as follows:
Registration: US$2 500 per person
Organizers:
The Association of African Universities (AAU) will organize this event, with support from the AAU Regional Networks and strategic partners in higher education and finance.
Conclusion:
The annual conference and training for Bursars, Accountants, and Directors of Finance in African higher education institutions is an important initiative that will not only enhance financial leadership but also contribute to the overall development and sustainability of higher education on the continent. We look forward to bringing together finance professionals to share knowledge, build capacity, and foster collaboration.
