Vice President, Finance & Operations

Concordia University of Edmonton is a community of learning grounded in scholarship and academic freedom, preparing students to be independent thinkers, ethical leaders and citizens for the common good. Concordia is seeking candidates for the position of Vice President Finance & Operations. This position is available to begin April/May 2018.

Reporting to the President & Vice Chancellor, and in collaboration with colleagues across the campus, the incumbent is responsible for the administrative leadership, management, and oversight of the University's division of Finance and Operations. The incumbent provides comprehensive leadership to ensure that the University budget, campus capital planning efforts, risk management and safety policies, and resource acquisition and use, all support the University's strategic plan and mission. The incumbent must be dedicated to creating and supporting a workplace committed to collaboration, teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

As chief financial officer of the University, the Vice President is a member of the President’s Executive Council. The Vice President is responsible for providing the campus community with high quality support services and provides leadership and guidance for the approximately 22 employees who make up the following units: Custodial Services and Security; Financial Services; Human Resources; and Plant Operations.


Responsibilities:

As one of four vice presidents, the Vice President, Finance and Operations plays a key role in the development of University policy and represents the campus in dealings with external stakeholders, and with the local community in matters of mutual interest and concern.

The successful candidate will have strong analytic skills, experience in communicating effectively, and the ability to build strong university-wide working teams with faculty, staff, students, and administrators. The Vice President will also: foster relationships with alumni, business partners, and other institutional constituencies; develop and implement a comprehensive financial plan aligned with the University’s strategic plan and priorities; ensure that sound financial recording and reporting principles are followed; ensure compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and procedures; ensure the campus master plan for facilities construction and development is maintained and advanced, and allocates resources to execute the plan.

 Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Advise the President & Vice-Chancellor on operational issues and the fiscal impact of policy options;
  • Provide oversight and stewardship of fiscal, human, and facilities resources;
  • Actively participate in the strategic financial planning required to meet the Concordia's objectives;
  • Oversee resolutions and Board agenda items for Audit and Finance Committee meetings;
  • Manage the design and implementation of operating procedures leading to improved, timely, accurate financial information and reporting;
  • Oversee the use of information technology as a critical component for the success of Concordia.
  • Oversee facilities use and development including oversight of management, master planning, public safety and security, transportation and parking;
  • Point of contact for all contracts and partnerships; and
  • Represent Concordia to the community as delegated by the President.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution;
  • A master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited university would be considered an asset;
  • Chartered Professional Accountant designation is an asset;
  • Senior level experience, and a proven record of leadership, in planning, project management, problem solving and managing a highly skilled professional organization with a diverse fiscal structure;
  • Prior responsibility for finance and budgetary decisions at the organizational level in the public or private sector;
  • A thorough knowledge of, or extensive experience in, budget development and management; accounting theory and practice; and familiarity with risk management;
  • Knowledge and experience in working with non-profit boards;
  • Demonstrated history of creating and supporting a workplace committed to collaboration and teamwork;
  • Leadership experience in capital project planning;
  • Familiarity with non-profit accounting, budget, and auditing best practices;
  • Ability to manage challenging situations and use a fact-based approach to problem solving;
  • Commitment to an open and supportive organizational culture that embraces discussion and debate;
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to establish good working relations with faculty, staff, students, business partners, and other institutional constituencies;
  • Experience with integrating current technology into administrative systems;
  • Experience in a collective bargaining environment and experience in public/private partnership development would be considered an asset; and
  • Experience in post-secondary education would be considered an asset.

 

Closing Date: Application review will commence February 22, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. Concordia is an equal-opportunity employer. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Please note, the candidate selected for the position must successfully pass a security check.

 Application packages must include:

  • Cover letter (including a statement of citizenship/immigration status);
  • Curriculum vitae
  • List of three confidential professional references

 

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.