Interim VP, Finance - Accounting

Interim Vice President, Finance - Accounting

Reports to : CFO

Duration : 6-12 months

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 partner with the permanent controller providing leadership and strategic direction to the accounting teams whilst also making a full assessment of people, processes, 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. The goal will be to coach and engage the controller throughout your assignment and ensure they are set up for success upon your exit.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY :

• Provides effective leadership and direction by establishing priorities and objectives and fostering effective teamwork among team members.
• Analyzes service requirements and consults with other team members and stakeholders to identify, establish, monitor and administer systems and related procedures that maximize technology to support effective and efficient services.
• Work with Director, Treasury & AR on elimination & reincorporation of contract overhead charges.
• Work with Director, Treasury & AR on action plan for revenue recognition issues.
• Full review of the organization’s financial org structure (it’s too complex).
• Develop a process to accurately monitor and track deficit mitigation financial impact (it’s all manual now and is questionable).
• Supervises and provides leadership to direct reports by coaching and modeling key behaviors / strategies, encouraging dialogue and providing guidance and advice to facilitate resolutions to work issues.
• Develops and aligns the division’s strategic plan in support of Finance’s and institutional plans. Works with other leaders in the Finance department to address higher level issues consistent across functional units.
• Responsible for the development and resolution of financial systems, banking relationships and procedures, and monitoring the overall financial position and cash management of the organization, as well as other financial matters as required.
• Work with Controller and Assistant Controller on audit of the organization’s fund (contracts and research).
• Work with Controller and Assistant Controller to develop a new, cleaner, less cumbersome chart of accounts. This will be especially helpful as the organization is beginning work on transitioning to a new ERP within the next 2 years.
• Work with Controller to develop an ERP governance framework.
• Oversees the coordination of training to the community with respect to financial operations including the application of financial policy and procedures and financial systems.
• Oversees the implementation and monitoring of general accounting systems to maintain and improve the institution’s operational efficiencies.
• Interacts with personnel from other higher educational organizations, the Ministry and outside consultants on the development and requirements for financial operations monitoring and compliance.
• Develops and assists management and departments with establishing key practices and other financial processes that meet the organization’s strategies, goals and objectives.
• Assists with the monitoring and adherence to organizational policy, procedures, legislative requirements, Ministry directives and targets as required and as related to this portfolio.
• Responsible for the cash handling and cashiering processes for the organization in conjunction with the Office of the Registrar, and other service areas as required.
• Oversees the development, implementation and maintenance of proper processes, procedures and systems to ensure accounting services are provided to and for the organization including the timely and accurate processing, payment, collection, and reporting of revenues and expenses and cash management in accordance with statutory requirements, collective agreements, standard business practices and organizational policies.
• Develops, implements and maintains financial accounting systems and processes and controls to meet the evolving needs of the organization & its Foundation, Board of Governors, government and other stakeholders and follows standard business practices, Ministry policies and directives and policies.
• Consults with external bodies, such as CRA and PCI to ensure ongoing compliance.

Competencies and Requirements :

• 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 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Experience in the post-secondary education system or in a unionized environment, are considered assets.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting procedures and financial reporting practices.
• Demonstrated ability of effective team management and implementing change, resulting in improvements to service quality, staff productivity and systems efficiency.
• Experience in managing and maintaining systems in a computerized, centralized environment.
• 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.