The University of British Columbia - Director, The School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Interim Vice President Finance – Budgeting & Planning

Reports to : Chief Financial Officer

Duration : 6-12 months

Location : British Columbia, Canada

100% remote

Our client is a high-profile higher education institution that needs an experienced finance leader to add critical capacity and capability to help drive transformation and change as they modernize their finance organization. Reporting to the CFO, the interim will provide leadership and strategic direction to the budgeting, forecasting and planning teams whilst also making a full assessment of people, processes, policies, procedures and technology. Once you have approval for your modernization strategy you will be responsible for driving through the transformations whilst also ensuring the day-to-day activities of the team are delivered effectively.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY :

• Provides effective leadership and direction by establishing priorities and objectives and fostering effective teamwork among team members.
• Work with Director and new Manager Financial Planning & Analysis (FPA) on implementation of Deloitte budget / forecasting report recommendations for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
• Work with key internal stakeholders to improve current budgetary processes.
• Contributes to the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the departmental strategic road map. Identifies business challenges and uses data analysis to help influence changes to the operations, process or programs.
• Develop a methodology and process to eliminate an annual $20M in vacant TBA positions and create new faculty-specific sessional budgets (part-time instructors from industry) as well as a budget for temporary / contract / project personnel.
• Develop a process so the organization can adopt a new multi-year budget / forecast model starting in 2026-27.
• Assists with the monitoring and adherence to organization’s policy, procedures, legislative requirements, Ministry directives and targets as required and as related to the Office of the CFO portfolio.
• Work with Director and new Manager FPA on reducing the number of work-orders.
• Develops and assists the organizations management with the budgeting and monthly forecasting process.
• Ensure high levels of visibility and accountability throughout the organization.
• Oversees government forecast reporting systems and requirements that meet the needs of the Board.
• Oversees capital reporting which includes employees performing the financial administration of Capital Funds and coordination of financial projects.
• Assists units in the development of business cases in support of new program initiatives, capital investment plans and strategic partnerships that will provide the infrastructure necessary to support the organization’s growth objectives.
• Oversees the monitoring of ongoing operations to ensure they meet the organizations and provincial objectives and / or guidelines.
• Research and identify solutions for budgetary, funding and other financial matters.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Executive Budget Committee.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

• Completion of a recognized professional accounting designation (e.g. CIA, CPA, CA, CMA and CGA) and in good standing.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive senior experience in the public sector in general accounting, budgeting, reporting, systems, audit, along with minimum of 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Experience implementing a new budgeting tool.
• Experience in the post-secondary education system or in a unionized environment, are considered assets.
• Demonstrated ability of effective team management and implementing change, resulting in improvements to service quality, staff productivity and systems efficiency.
• Strength in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal, supervisory and communication skills, both written and verbal with a strong focus on customer service.
• Proven ability to exercise tact and diplomacy, confidentiality, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong computer skills, proficiency with spreadsheet programs, and demonstrated ability to use various financial software packages and databases to perform financial analyses and develop reports.

We thank all interested candidates in advance; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.