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Senior Finance Partner, Finance Services

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The University of Calgary

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior & Expert Level
  • Accounting & Tax
    Business, Operations & Strategy
  • Calgary

AI generated summary

  • You need a professional accounting designation or MBA, 8+ years in senior accounting, 2+ years in strategic support, budgeting for $20M+, leadership experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of non-profit accounting.
  • You will analyze financial data, support leadership with budget issues, lead planning processes, coordinate reporting, develop proposals, and educate team members while ensuring compliance.

Requirements

  • A professional accounting designation (CA, CMA or CGA) with a related University degree, or an MBA. Other relevant graduate levels of education and experience may be considered.
  • Extensive work experience in senior level accounting functions including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis (8+ years).
  • Experience providing strategic decision support at the executive or senior leadership level (2+ years).
  • Experienced in leading the financial budgeting and forecasting processes for operations in excess of $20M.
  • Proven ability to provide direction and leadership to staff.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Proven skills in building and maintaining productive and supportive working relationships with all levels of senior leadership, management and staff.
  • Proficient user of computer software applications, including large integrated enterprise resource planning systems, data warehousing, business intelligence tools and spreadsheets.
  • Good knowledge of not for profit accounting and university structures and operations.

Responsibilities

  • Gain an understanding of multiple complex areas in a relatively short period to collect, analyze and organize information, establish facts and make pragmatic, value-added recommendations.
  • Provide strategic decision support for Executive and Senior Leadership teams, ensuring leadership is apprised of all critical budgetary and financial issues, treating all matters with professionalism, sensitivity and confidentiality.
  • Lead the comprehensive annual planning and budget preparation process for assigned portfolios and review to ensure alignment and integration with the university's overall strategy and plans (e.g. Business Plan, Research Plan, Academic Plan, Enrollment Plan, etc.).
  • Lead the forecasting and planning process, including regular budget-to-actual variance analysis and forecast.
  • Lead all month / quarter / year-end financial activities within assigned portfolios in accordance with the institutions policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate with Finance Partners for the consolidation of budgets, financial reports, requests for funding, and presentation materials for ELT.
  • Areas of oversight include but are not limited to changes to budget envelopes, VP and institutional one time funding allocations, bridge funding, vacancy reporting, carryover tracking, operating budgets and internally restricted projects within the portfolio.
  • Develop proposals and business cases as required for new initiatives, and continuously review existing activities for process improvement and sustainability.
  • Successful and timely completion of special assignments and projects that have institutional-wide impacts, including assessing, testing, key performance indicators, reporting, recommending, evaluation and feedback assessment (i.e. tuition allocation methodologies).
  • Lead the development and maintenance of educational content and communication tools in a variety of mediums, including the facilitation of budget orientation and information sessions for budget owners.
  • Assist with training and educating team members on accounting, business process, budgeting, process and planning issues.
  • Transition lead for Faculty / Units new to the Partner Model, the transition of Finance Partners to new Faculty / Units, and the transition to standard service levels of Finance Partner support within a Faculty / Unit.
  • Stay current on trends and approaches to financial management and processes through continued professional development.

FAQs

What is the duration of the Senior Finance Partner position?

The position is a Full-time Temporary Relief role for approximately 20 months.

Who will I report to in this position?

You will report to the Associate Director, Finance Services.

What is the operating budget range I will be responsible for?

The portfolio assigned, which includes Vice-Presidents and Faculty/Business Units, has combined operating and internally restricted funds ranging from $60M to $175M.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Senior Finance Partner?

Key responsibilities include providing strategic decision support, leading the annual planning and budget preparation process, forecasting, conducting variance analysis, and mentoring other staff.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A professional accounting designation (CA, CMA or CGA) with a related University degree or an MBA is required, along with extensive experience in senior-level accounting functions.

Is experience in university operations necessary for the role?

Yes, good knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and university structures and operations is required.

How many years of experience are necessary for applicants?

Candidates should have 8+ years of extensive work experience in senior level accounting functions and 2+ years of experience providing strategic decision support at the executive or senior leadership level.

Will there be opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, the role includes staying current on trends and approaches to financial management and processes through continued professional development.

What types of skills are emphasized for this position?

Strong communication, leadership, facilitation, and client service skills are essential, along with excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Are accommodations available for applicants during the recruitment process?

Yes, requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources, and the University of Calgary is committed to removing barriers historically faced by some individuals.

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The University of Calgary

Canada's entrepreneurial university, A top research university

Education
Industry
1966
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.’