The Opportunity Vice President, Finance and Administrative Services

Reporting to the President, the Vice-President, Finance and Administrative Services, leads the division as head of Administrative and Financial Services, and is a member of the University's executive team, with responsibilities for advising and assisting the President, and other University management on matters affecting the University. The Vice-President is responsible for planning, developing, monitoring, implementing and evaluating all the Division's administrative services and activities, including Financial Services and Risk Management, Facilities Management, Information Technology Services, Human Resources, and Business and Retail Services.  As a member of the Executive Committee, which advises the President, the Vice President participates in decision-making and policy-making at the highest level with respect to matters affecting the University. The Vice-President provides advice to the Board of Governors, including the finance committee, the audit and risk committee and the campus development committees of the Board. This position will also assist with overseeing the financial wellbeing of the University either acting as the CFO or supporting a CFO as a direct report. Current direct reports to the Vice President which support the overall Finance and Administrative Services portfolio include: AVP, Financial Services and Risk Management, AVP, Facilities Management, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services, AVP, Human Resources, and the AVP Business and Retail Services.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the development and coordination of financial plans and University budgets
• Ensures the University has in place effective financial management procedures, controls and audit procedures satisfactory to the President, Board of Governors, Advanced Education, Alberta Infrastructure and the Auditor General
• Provides a prime point of contact for the University with Advanced Education, Alberta Infrastructure and the Auditor General on financial and facilities related matters
• Identifies and ensures compliance with policies and procedures to invest and safeguard the funds available to the University
• Advises the President on a wide variety of issues, including sources of capital and operating funds for the University
• Assesses University exposure to risk of loss of assets and/or liability and prescribes risk management processes including insurance coverage to protect the University’s interests
• Maintains an effective business relationship with the Students' Association concerning administrative and financial matters
• Identifies and recommends the organization structure, management systems and services needed to fulfill the functions of the division
• Recruits, appoints and monitors performance and development of direct reports
• Oversees the development and provision of information and communication technology and processes for instructional and administrative purposes
• Oversees the provision of an effective Human Resources service and control function
• Oversees the provision of other administrative support and services deemed necessary to fulfill the mandate of the University and to meet the needs of the University community
• Participates as a member of the President's Executive Committee in definition of University purpose and priorities and in assessing overall administration planning, organization and operational effectiveness of the University
• Provides advice to, and maintains relationships with the MRU Foundation and other affiliated societies and associations
• Maintains a profile in the Calgary and wider Alberta communities, including corporate contacts and affiliations
• Maintains contacts and relationships with colleagues from other post-secondary institutions as well as the provincial government
• Represents the University as required by making presentations, speeches, and other public appearances

The Person

Required Qualifications

• A relevant undergraduate degree plus an MBA or professional business designation (typically a recognized Canadian accounting designation or CFA) is required.  The successful candidate will possess demonstrated experience leading significant business process change.
• Able to build and lead a team that is committed to the strategic priorities of the University and its success as an institution.
• Strong leadership experience in one or more of the functions within the division (i.e. Financial Services, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, etc.)
• Familiarity with and understanding of the post-secondary setting in the public sector
• Experience leading and motivating large teams through change
• Leads and organizes people to achieve goals by providing clear directions and adapting leadership style as needed; serves as a role model for others by exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, ethics and honesty
• Makes timely decisions and applies sound judgment to assess risks, evaluate alternatives and select the best course of action; uses a combination of analytical thinking, intuition, mental agility, and seasoned experience to address complex or ambiguous issues
• Must continuously assess and when required redesign programs that meet the changing needs of students and employees within a sustainable business environment.
• Must represent the University in a positive and professional manner with partners and affiliates. The individual will be a strategic thinker, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a strong working knowledge of financial and accounting principles.  Given the nature of this position, a Criminal Record check will be required.