Accounts Payable Coordinator

About UOWD

Established in 1951 and ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide*, Australia’s University of Wollongong is a global brand with international campuses in Dubai, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) offers over 40 internationally recognised bachelor’s and master’s degrees spanning 10 in-demand industry sectors.  Our programs are accredited by CAA and KHDA in UAE, but also by AQF in Australia. All business programs of the University of Wollongong are accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In addition, individual programs in the School of Business are accredited by professional bodies including CFA, ACCA, CIPD, CIM, CILT.

The first internationally accredited Australian university in the UAE, we are the education gateway of choice for over 3,500 students, representing 100+ nationalities. Our global community of 152,000 alumni are pursuing career goals with respected blue-chip companies and industry giants such as 3M, ADCB, Adidas, Amazon, Deloitte, Emirates, FedEx, GE, IBM, Microsoft and Pepsico. Additionally, research reveals that 83%** of fresh graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

Life at UOWD is rooted in the continued pursuit of excellence through teaching, research and industry engagement, with the student experience at its heart. Our 200,000-square-foot campus at Dubai Knowledge Park features access to cutting-edge technologies and a mix of traditional and innovative learning spaces, all housed in a vibrant modern setting that promises to deliver an enriched learning experience for our students. Located strategically near the Palm and the Burj Khalifa, the University benefits from the huge investment and innovation opportunities the city is known for globally.

*QS World University Rankings 2024

**Data from the Graduate Destination Survey 2017 to 2021

About the Role

The University is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Coordinator to manage and oversee the accounts’ payable function. This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all payables, maintaining strong vendor and stakeholder relationships, and supporting continuous improvement through approved automation and process enhancements.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Accounts Payable Coordinator provides direct supervision of the Accounts Payable Officer and acts as the primary escalation point for accounts payable matters. The role operates within a high‑volume, compliance‑focused finance environment and plays a critical role in audit readiness and institutional financial control.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations

• Manage day‑to‑day accounts payable activities, including invoice processing, employee claims, and non‑payroll payments
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing in line with UOWD financial policies and delegated authorities
• Maintain up‑to‑date and accurate supplier records within the ERP system

Supervision & Stakeholder Support

• Supervise and support the Accounts Payable Officer, ensuring consistent application of policies and professional standards
• Act as the escalation point for complex supplier, employee, or stakeholder queries, ensuring timely and effective resolution
• Coordinate closely with Procurement, Treasury, and the wider Finance team to support end‑to‑end financial operations

Compliance, Reporting & Audit

• Ensure compliance with UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, and institutional financial policies
• Prepare and review month‑end accounts payable reconciliations, accruals, and closing entries
• Oversee preparation of audit documentation and support internal and external audit processes

Process Improvement & Automation

• Embed approved automation initiatives and process improvements within accounts payable operations
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service quality
• Provide operational reporting and insights to support decision‑making by the Head of Finance

Key Relationships

• Internal: Head of Finance, Procurement, Treasury, Finance Team, employees and students
• External: Suppliers and vendors, auditors, regulatory authorities, banks

Working Environment

This role operates in a structured, high‑volume finance environment. Occasional extended hours may be required during month‑end closes, audit periods, or peak transaction cycles.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline
• 6–8 years’ experience in accounts payable or finance operations, including 1–2 years in a supervisory role
• Strong experience using ERP systems (Oracle preferred) and accounts payable automation tools
• In‑depth knowledge of UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, and financial compliance requirements
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organisational skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Ability to manage high transaction volumes and meet tight deadlines

Key Competencies

• Integrity and accountability in financial management
• Service‑oriented approach with a strong focus on stakeholder satisfaction
• Proactive mindset toward continuous improvement and automation
• Resilience under pressure and commitment to compliance
• Collaborative leadership and coaching skills

Compensation and Benefits

UOWD offers a competitive and comprehensive employment package designed to attract and retain high‑quality professional staff. The package for this role includes:

• Competitive tax‑free salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical insurance for the employee (and eligible dependents, subject to policy)
• Annual leave entitlement of 25 working days
• Public holidays as per the UAE calendar
• End‑of‑service gratuity, in accordance with UAE Labour Law
• Access to a stable, well‑governed working environment within a reputable international university
• Opportunities to contribute to institutional improvement, automation initiatives, and professional development

UOWD is an equal opportunity employer that attracts, develops, motivates, empowers, and retains a diverse workforce.