Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

Opportunity Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

Position the Role

Specification

Primary Functions

The Director, Financial Planning and Analysis is responsible for overseeing the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) department and a wide range of functions including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, financial statement reviews, problem resolution and general business advice to Deans, Managers, and the Executive of the University. The FP&A department provides a service-oriented approach as the primary contact for the University’s faculties, schools and departments for all financial service needs. The position will provide leadership to the Financial Services Department in the implementation of the key areas of the organizations strategic plan particularly around financial sustainability. The position will be key in exploring new technologies and service options for both internal and external customers. As a member of the Financial Services team, the incumbent is responsible for providing analysis, advice, and business support to all levels of management on a variety of financial and business matters.

This position is an integral part of the senior Financial Services team and works collaboratively with all Directors and Managers on the team to achieve the strategic and operational goals of the Financial Services division and the University.  Specifically the team is responsible for the full scope of financial services and will work together to prepare financial statements, analysis, internal and external reporting, review and implement new systems, business processes, procurement, warehousing, and internal controls.

The scope of the Director, Financial Planning and Analysis includes management, administration and coordination of the full range of budget development, financial analysis, variance analysis, preparation of special reports, problem resolution, general business support and streamlining of budget processes, systems and services provided to internal and external clients.  

The Director also assists the Associate Vice-President in developing and implementing a divisional mission congruent with the organization's vision.

Major Responsibilities

• Plans and directs the functions of budgeting and financial planning.
• Participates in developing short and long-term financial plans for Financial Services with the Associate Vice-President Finance, the Executive Director, Financial Services, and the Director, Supply Chain.
• Develops and implements operational plans and objectives that support organizational and departmental plans and cascade them through the FP&A department.
• Leads a professional, knowledgeable and innovative team to deliver the goals and objectives of the University and the department, while ensuring a customer-focused and efficient approach to service delivery to the TRU community.
• Manages the finance team by establishing goals, objectives and standards; supports staff development through performance management, training, feedback, and goal setting; manages team processes, performance objectives and strategies.
• Leads and undertakes process improvement initiatives with FP&A and cross-functional team members.
• Manages the development of budgets for all university funds and oversees the implementation and improvement of budget processes and systems. 
• Manages the preparation of quarterly and annual forecasts, variance and financial analytics and management reports.
• Ongoing assessments and enhances efficiency of a customer-focused approach to service delivery of financial services to the TRU community. 
• Assists the Associate Vice-President, Finance, in presenting budgets, forecasts and other reports as required.
• Provides financial and business services to Deans, Managers, and the Executive.
• Responsible for hiring, promotion, dismissal, or reassignment of staff. 
• Creates and maintains an inclusive and respectful work environment.
• Participates in the evaluation of financial systems and implementation of new systems and reports as needed. 
• Participates in the review of business processes and implementation of new processes in the University. 
• Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director, Financial Services, in his/her absence as directed.
• As part of the Finance team, the Director, FP&A will assist in:
• Reporting of statutory filings required by the provincial and federal governments.
• Prepares and reviews year-end working papers and files.
• Prepares the annual financial statements.
• Conducts financial analyses and interprets results for all levels of management, including recommendations for corrective action if and where required.

Reporting

The Director, Financial Planning & Analysis will lead a team of approximately 11 finance professionals in the FP&A department.

This position reports to reports to the Associate Vice-President, Finance and is based on the campus of Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC.

Salary range is $139,899 to $164,592.

Individual the Person

Specification

The Director, Financial Planning & Analysis will utilize a blended approach to the practical application of financial management practices combined with a naturally strategic style in dealing with team, peer, technical, external and executive relationships. The Director, Financial Planning & Analysis collaborates alongside leaders at the highest level of the organization.

To be successful, the incumbent requires a high degree of motivation, critical thinking, independence, judgement, management and supervisory skills, tact and diplomacy and wellpolished communication and interpersonal skills. In addition the incumbent needs to have significant knowledge and experience in business processes, current technology, and emergent technology to institute and maintain leading business practices.

• Ability and commitment to promote and apply a high value of customer-service.
• Strong client service orientation and passion for the Student and Faculty experience that is integral to the mission of TRU.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent supervisory, organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• High level of initiative, integrity, and honesty.
• Excellent skills in developing, analyzing, and reporting on large amounts of data in electronic format.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate financial data to nonfinancial stakeholders.
• A track record in successfully working with complex multi-campus organizations including large project implementations and effective change management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the University.
• Familiarity with government, public sector or higher education environments and their critical issues and challenges.
• Highly motivated, enjoy challenges in a fast-paced, highly evolved environment.
• Proven strengths in team building, oral communications and meetings management. 
• Demonstrate the enthusiasm, willingness and commitment to provide coaching and mentorship. 

Education Requirements and Length of Experience

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Canadian accounting designation.
• The position requires a Post-Secondary degree, preferably in business.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in a financial leadership role. 
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Recruitment Process

All applications will be acknowledged.  A selection committee will meet to consider applications and Stanton Chase will advise all applicants if they have been selected for a preliminary interview. 

The selection committee will agree to applicants that have been short-listed and candidates will be informed. Further assessments for those selected candidates will be confirmed. 

How to Apply 

If you are interested in being considered for this opportunity, please examine the Position and Individual specifications to assess the suitability of success for your candidacy. 

By applying for this position, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection processes. 

Applications can be sent to; Christine Fisher at c.fisher@stantonchase.com 

or 

Ward Garven at w.garven@stantonchase.com 

Queries

If you have any queries on any aspect of the position, recruitment process, need additional information or wish to have an informal discussion, please contact Ward Garven or Christine Fisher at 403 262 6780. Stanton Chase will respect the privacy of any initial approach or expression of interest in this position. 

Stanton Chase 

Stanton Chase is a leading global retained executive search firm. With proven expertise in key sectors of the global economy, it has nine specialist practice groups that operate as international teams. Stanton Chase is owned by its partners who take individual responsibility for delivering outstanding results for each engagement. Stanton Chase is a member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants. 

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