Finance Lead, Finance & Administration

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at Faculty & Staff Benefits.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Finance and Administration (Senior Financial Officer), the Financial Lead position leads the technical aspects of financial process design, development and implementation for the Office of the Registrar (RO). This position works with both internal and campus stakeholders, to lead the RO in financial best practices and be a key change agent within the organization as the University financial landscape changes. This position will be a systems power user and will be known as a financial systems and process expert.

The Finance Lead supports the effective financial management of the RO, including the delivery of unique institutional initiatives/programs that extend to the campus community.  The incumbent is responsible for leading RO units in budgeting and forecasting processes and develops complex financial analyses, scenarios, options and reports for leadership (senior and executive) review to assist with strategic decision making. This position provides advice and input into RO policies, procedures and guidelines and acts as a senior resource for financial issues management. 


Duties

  • Works closely with Associate Director, budget owners and senior management to develop draft unit budgets and business plans
  • Monitors business plans for integration with financial activities, ensures completeness and alignment with budgetary targets
  • Develops and manages formal multi-year commitment database and integrates into budgeting and forecasting processes
  • Leads monthly and quarterly financial reporting process, including distribution and communication to all units; performs budget and actual variance analyses
  • Develops custom internal and external reporting to meet organizational needs
  • Analyzes and collates ledger details, patterns and data; identifies anomalies and develops key performance indicators for financial and business performance measurement
  • Analyses and resolves financial discrepancies and responds to financial issues raised by RO business units and other University stakeholders
  • Investigates and evaluates current financial processes – includes identifying opportunities for efficiency and scalability that leverage Management Information System practices, in conjunction with Accounting and University rules, system capabilities, user adoption best practices; considers interdependency (cause and effect) impacts in recommendations
  • Uses Business Analysis and Change Management techniques to improve integration of financial processes with overall business practices and needs to improve financial accuracy and usability
  • Develops documentation, layouts, templates, tools, and process maps, tailored to stakeholder needs, ranging from front-line administrators to senior and executive management
  • Develops and delivers customized training sessions for both financial (technical) and non-financial staff
  • Acts as internal control and/or administrative reviewer to ensure financial integrity and proper financial governance practice; advises Associate Director of issues and recommendations to resolve
  • Reconciles financial activity, including RO unique balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy of University’s student accounts; follows up on discrepancies as needed
  • Provides customer service to all RO business units, RO leadership, and unit/faculty stakeholders across campus and sets tone for quality assurance in all interactions


Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Commerce, Business, Finance or related degree; A designation is required (CA/CMA/CGA/CPA)
  • A minimum of five or more years of progressively responsible experience in a financial environment, including experience with budgeting, analysis, forecasting, financial operations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reporting and analysis, auditing
  • Understanding of GAPP (General Accepted Accounting Principles), fund accounting and Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS)
  • Strong understanding of management information systems and financial data relationships.
    Experience in business analysis and process design is preferred
  • Expertise in Charts of Accounts, Trees and Reporting structures
  • Experience with fiscal framework of large corporations/agencies including knowledge in application of internal controls, risk analysis, record keeping and audit requirements
  • Leadership skills – relationship building, judgement, strategic thinking, prioritization, time management and coaching
  • Superior communication skills—verbal and written; ability to communicate complex financial reports and concepts in clear, precise language to both financial experts and to laymen
  • High degree of initiative, ability to work independently, and ability to manage multiple tasks/priorities
  • Flexibility and adaptability-the ability to modify plans, processes and priorities in a dynamic and changing environment
  • Expert data analysis skills and abilities (primary tools in Microsoft Office). nVision experience is an asset
  • Demonstrated professionalism with a high degree of tact, discretion and confidentiality


**NOTE**  If you are qualified and interested, please visit the web site address below to apply.

Only applications received using the University of Alberta Careers competition below will be considered.

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