Senior Finance Manager

Staff - Non Union

Job Category: M&P - AAPS
Job Profile: AAPS Salaried - Accounting, Level D
Job Title: Senior Finance Manager
Department: Finance and Administration | VP Academic
Compensation Range: $7,622.83 - $11,886.67 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position.

Posting End Date: December 23, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job Summary:

The role of the Sr. Finance Manager is to provide high level financial and budgetary analysis and management reporting to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G&PS). This position supports the accurate distribution of over $40 million of student financial aid awards to graduate students across campus and supports central academic units with budgets totaling over $22 million.

The Senior Financial Manager is primarily responsible for planning, budgets, financial management reporting and strategic decision support to the Dean, Principals and directors within G&PS. Responsibilities include developing individual budgets, crafting detailed financial statements, providing timely reports on budget versus actual expenditure, conducting financial analyses, and developing financial processes. This position works with a combined GPO and revenue budget of close to $70 million.

A significant portion of each day will be spent dealing with complex financial and data issues, requiring the ability to manage changing priorities and multiple deadlines while building relationships and collaborating with academic and departmental priorities.

Organizational Status:
The Sr. Finance Manager reports to the Portfolio Finance Director and is part of a finance shared services unit in support of the VP Academic Portfolio. This position works independently or collaboratively with various stakeholders within the University.

Work Performed:

• Develops and implements processes to compile complex financial data into meaningful formats for reports and analyses.
• Guides and trains others in techniques and best practices for complex analysis and reporting.
• Manages financial processes across the Faculty and portfolio, especially year-end reviews and data compilation.
• Collaborates with Central Finance and Budget office on complex budget and financial issues.
• Develops recommendations for budgeting and financial planning.
• Fills senior gaps in financial management as needed.
• Oversees existing and revised processes, ensuring documentation and governance compliance.
• Provides budget projections and assesses performance impact.
• Evaluates and reports on all variances to budget, providing recovery plans where necessary.
• Manages monthly or quarterly projections and identifies risks.
• Accountable for the development and delivery of tools and guidelines for the annual budget process.
• Develops standard reporting for departmental comparisons.
• Leads the preparation of the annual budget, forecast, and 5-year plans.
• Manages accounts, cash flow projections, and ensures timely financial reporting.
• Prepares interim financial statements and feasibility studies.
• Implements new financial processes to improve workflow efficiency.
• Identifies and resolves problems to improve financial resource management.
• Ensures compliance with University financial policies and procedures.
• Maintains financial order in expenditures and addresses discrepancies.
• Stays updated on industry best practices and advises on change management.
• Provides financial guidance to management and senior staff.
• Develops and prepares financial and analytical reports.
• Advises senior management on financial matters affecting the unit’s position.
• Works with Development Office on fundraising planning.
• Completes additional projects as requested by the Portfolio Finance Director or VP Academic.

Consequence of Error/Judgement:
The Sr. Finance Manager must possess a thorough understanding of accounting principles and sound financial management skills. Errors in reports could lead to poor financial decisions, damage relationships with funders, and jeopardize the financial health of the Faculty and the University.

Supervision Received:
Reports directly to the Portfolio Finance Director and is expected to work independently in a collaborative environment.

Supervision Given:
The Senior Finance Manager will manage and assign work to various finance staff within G&PS and the Provost and VP Academic portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications:
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, completion of the CPA accounting program, and a minimum of seven years of related experience or equivalent education and experience. Experience managing budgets in a large, complex environment is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing budgets in large, complex organizations.
• Accounting experience in both profit and non-profit settings.
• Management of operating revenue budgets over $30M preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Experience in producing financial and budgetary reports.
• Advanced computer skills, especially in Excel and financial applications.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to manage priorities and develop productive relationships.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide training and mentoring as required.