Senior Finance and Planning Officer, Academic Affairs

About MRU 

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors. Learn more at mru.ca/AcademicPlan.

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis. Learn more about MRU's Land Acknowledgement.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

 

About the Division of Academic Affairs

The Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic is responsible for maintaining the academic integrity of program offerings, support for teaching excellence, support of academic research, and for academic planning, budget, faculty relations, and providing meaningful and engaged learning opportunities for students. In addition, the Office of the Provost liaises with the Government of Alberta, especially staff within the Ministry of Advanced Education, the Campus Alberta Quality Council, and other relevant ministries for matters pertinent to the academic mission. As well, the Office of the Provost is responsible for relationships with other academic institutions. The Provost’s portfolio includes the faculties of Arts, Science & Technology, Business, Communication Studies and Aviation, Health, Community & Education, the Library and the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension, as well as a number of units that are essential to faculty and student success and that serve to build institutional reputation and advance knowledge, learning, and understanding.

 

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Finance and Planning Officer to join our Academic Affairs division. This key role reports directly to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, and is responsible for overseeing all financial and planning activities within the division. The incumbent will lead in planning, developing, forecasting, implementing, monitoring, and reconciling the financial operations, ensuring alignment with the university's strategic goals and compliance with policies and procedures. 

Responsibilities 

Financial Strategy and Planning:

• Develop and implement integrated planning and budgeting processes.
• Collaborate with senior academic leaders and other leaders across the university to align financial plans with university-wide objectives.
• Identify potential revenue streams and mitigate financial risks.

 

Budget Management:

• Oversee the preparation, tracking, and reporting of the annual Academic Affairs budget.
• Lead capital budget planning, tracking, and reporting for Academic Affairs.
• Ensure effective communication and implementation of budget model assumptions across the division.

 

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Prepare and monitor quarterly projections and budget allocations.
• Provide strategic advice through detailed financial analyses, cost analyses, and scenario building.
• Develop analytical tools and reports to support decision-making and resource allocation.

 

Policy and Compliance:

• Analyze financial policies and procedures and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure legislative compliance and keep stakeholders informed of relevant policy changes.

 

Operational Leadership:

• Collaborate with Faculty Financial Officers to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of faculty workload.
• Participate in divisional and institutional committee meetings.
• Provide guidance and direction to employees involved in financial and planning activities.

 

Strategic Decision Support:

• Offer strategic advice and decision support for planning, operational analysis, and resource allocation.
• Develop and refine financial models to test the viability of new programs and initiatives.

 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in commerce or business; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Professional accounting designation is required, an acceptable combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of six years of experience in a complex, dynamic, and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Experience in the public sector; post-secondary education experience is preferred but not required.
• Proven experience in budget development, financial analysis, and policy interpretation.
• Strong financial acumen and excellent judgment.
• Strong stakeholder management; ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
• Strategic thinking and integrity.
• Leadership skills to influence decision-making and empower others.
• Capacity to engage and support others while fostering growth and innovation.

What We Offer 

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days, and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees, and the public.

 

Salary:                 $105,845 – 130,000.00 per annum

Closing Date:      Open until suitable candidate found. Application reviews will commence on September 5th.

 

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently eligible to work in Canada will be given priority. Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus.  Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp.