Director, Budget

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Job Summary

The Director supports the work of the Executive Director, Budget and Resource Planning and the Budget Department with a primary focus on budgeting and analysis. Assistance is provided in preparation for year-end reporting as required.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Budget and Resource Planning, and working with the Budget Team, the Director participates in all budget functions of the university. The Director is integrally involved in strategic planning for all financial resources of the university; co-ordination of the annual operating budget; and development of an effective budget stewarding strategy enabling accurate budgeting and forecasting. The Director will be integrally involved in enrolment modelling and forecasting to ensure revenue projections for tuition and grants are aligned with enrolment planning.

The Director will work with Vice Principals, Deans, Faculty Business officers and others in preparing the annual budget, as well as assisting with the budget function for the Vice Principal (Academic). The role will also be participating in the management and development of the university’s annual budget and long-term financial strategy, for all funds (including operating, health sciences, ancillaries, trust, research, capital, endowment, etc.). Due to the high level of responsibility in the development of university planning and policy, its implementation and interpretation, the decisions of the incumbent influence and impact the entire university.

As a key member of the management team, the Director will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; ensuring that these principles remain at the forefront when participating in medium and long-term strategic planning for the Department, including preparation of staffing plans, and performance indicators.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Planning and Forecasting

• Coordinate financial planning for programs, services and projects to ensure departmental needs are met within the university’s strategic plan. Participate in intermediate and long-range financial planning strategy development; provide advice on the integrated financial plan.
• Compile and analyze data and conduct the research required for the preparation, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of new projects/initiatives, identifying the institutional, financial, and other implications and making recommendations for action as required.
• Closely monitor Board of Trustees, Senate, university Council, Finance Committee, PACB and other key activities to ensure related financial impacts are incorporated in financial plans, budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor results of operations, review variance reports, and prepare quarterly revenue and expenditure forecasts.

Budget Administration

• Assist in the preparation of the university’s annual budget (including operating, ancillaries, capital, research, trust, endowment etc.).
• Determine the revenue and expenditure parameters of the annual budget and three-year budget projections.
• Assist with the budget function for the Vice Principal Academic. Provide guidance and advice in the formulation and implementation of recommendations for the improvement of the financial operations of the Vice-Principal Academic portfolio.
• Assist the Executive Director in the budget planning and financial reporting of activities for Bader College including making recommendations on the effective budget administration of the organization.
• Plan, organize and manage the preparation of financial components of the university’s annual budget and multi-year financial plans; developing the annual budget and multi-year business plan guidelines, instructions and templates.
• Perform high-level research and analysis to support the Executive Director in developing an effective budget-stewarding strategy to enhance financial awareness throughout the university.
• Facilitate position planning and tracking processes together with the Budget Team.
• Regularly provide budget information and analytical support to department managers and other stakeholders.
• Research, develop and analyze management information in support of resource allocation decisions.
• Assist with co-ordination and production of the Planning and Budgeting Annual Report.
• Provide support to institutional committees such as the Senate Committee on Academic Development and Procedures and other Ad hoc Committees as required.

Budget and Planning Systems

• Facilitate, review and assess all budgeting and planning processes and systems, identifying opportunities and making recommendations to the Executive Director to improve efficiencies and effectiveness.
• Analyze and recommend improvements in all budgeting and planning methods, systems and procedures used by the university.
• Initiate enhancements and innovations for budgeting and costing techniques.
• Develop appropriate costing models.
• Develop and implement forecasting systems to accurately predict financial results.
• Develop and continually refine appropriate modeling techniques to facilitate medium- and long-term financial forecasting.
• Manage and oversee the development, revision and maintenance of financial enrolment models (e.g. the undergraduate model and graduate model).
• Work closely with the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, the School of Graduate Studies and Institutional Research and Planning to analyze the effects of enrolment trends and other key performance indicators on the financial enrolment models.

Projects and Administration

• Ensure currency with all university financial policies, generally accepted accounting principles, Province of Ontario reporting requirements, Federal Government reporting requirements.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required in support of special projects.

Managerial Duties

• Create a positive work environment that supports and promotes a culture where a diverse range of ideas and perspectives are incorporated into decision-making.
• Build an effective team by planning, prioritizing, and managing the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching.
• Manage performance by establishing performance standards, review and evaluate performance and conduct formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Assess staff training and development needs and ensure that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigate, address and resolve employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate degree in business or a related field combined with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a Professional Accounting designation.
• Several years’ experience with university finances, including in-depth budget experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in contemporary budgeting, forecasting and modeling, as well as an advanced proficiency in preparing management reports and business plans.
• Familiarity with university budget policies and provincial funding regimes preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current accounting principles.
• Proven prior supervisory experience, demonstrating strong leadership and team development skills to manage a group of skilled professionals.
• Advanced Microsoft Office computer skills including Advanced Excel Modeling.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Superior ability to assess organizational strategy and objectives and to develop solutions and initiatives that align with organizational goals.
• Demonstrated strength in engaging and empowering others to achieve objectives.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and adept at fostering relationships with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Aptitude for processing and communicating complex information in a way that can be readily understood by others.
• Ability to evaluate, organize and manage a demanding schedule of competing priorities and deadlines, and effectively adapt to change.

DECISION MAKING:

• Provide advice on policy options concerning budget issues.
• Assist with policy development – budget policies, budget allocations, internal control policies.
• Analyze and recommend appropriate levels of funding for new initiatives being proposed; determine strategic and tactical approach in the development and implementation of initiatives.
• Advise and recommend to the Executive Director on appropriate procedures, systems and organization for the provision of information to internal and external constituents.
• Advise on appropriate solutions/procedures for financial or budgetary issues and related problems that continually arise.
• Determine appropriate support, guidance and advice while supporting departments and faculties with budget administration.
• Determine suitable recommendations for planning and administering an effective budget-stewarding strategy to enhance financial awareness throughout the university.
• Evaluate candidates and make effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Make decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluate employee performance and decide on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities.
• Assess investigation outcome of grievances and make effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Make effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.