Director, Budget and Resource Planning

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. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

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 Department of Financial Services

Financial Services is responsible for the accurate and timely capture of all financial information for Mount Royal University, The Mount Royal University Foundation and Mount Royal University Child Care Centre.

 

About the Role

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Financial Services, the Director, Budget and Resource Planning, is an integral team member of Financial Services. The Director is responsible for planning and managing the University’s operational and capital planning processes, developing budgets, and recommending resource allocation. The Director is responsible for implementing the MRU budget and planning framework. The role maintains close working coordination with the Provost’s Office and the Vice President, Finance and Administration, on the four phases of the budget and planning framework, establishes budgetary and resource planning parameters, oversees the operating and capital budget processes, as well as controls and provides ongoing decision-support analysis and recommendations. 

The Director participates in the University’s strategic planning and implementation efforts and integrates strategic priorities and resource allocations. The position is also responsible for directing research and financial analysis on new program initiatives and other issues that have a significant financial impact on the University. The role is a key participant in long-term planning and goal-setting for faculties, departments, units and the anticipated resource needs to support the growth and development of the University. The role is responsible for overseeing a robust University-wide budget management information system. The Director works with the University Executives and Leadership team on meeting budget priorities and funding needs throughout the year.

 

Responsibilities

 

Budget Development

  • Direct, coordinate and oversee the development of the University's multi-year budget and budget process for reliable, strategic financial planning aligned with the University's strategic objectives.

  • Direct analysis and development of financial projections for all major components of the University budget including grants, aggregated conditional grant activities, student enrolment levels, tuition and fees revenue, investment income, labor and benefits, capital expenditures, amortization and other material elements of the $250M annual operating budget. This budget analysis and development is critical to ensure sustainable operations of the University through sound projections strategically aligned to institutional activities and reflecting the financial and sector economics.

  • Direct the analysis of projected activities on all reserve-funded activity, financial and budgetary impact support for the University's collective bargaining processes, long-term scholarship and bursary planning, donation and endowment-earning supported programs. Budget preparation also includes multi-year cash flow and unrestricted net asset perspectives for the long-term sustainability of University operations.

  • Budget development also includes the management of budget systems, providing oversight for the integrity and security of the system and the provision of guidance to all faculties and operations units through the development of their area budgets. Directs the compilation of all budget documentation for reference through the Institutional budget development and decision-making processes for ultimate recommendation of the Budget and 3 year projections to the Board of Governors for approval and inclusion in the university's Annual Report submitted to the Province.

  • Participate in multi-year, institution wide enrolment planning and enrolment target setting for sustainment of the provincial targets for education and in line with the institution's strategic objectives in terms of student numbers. provision of timely, reliable and informative financial reporting to all internal and external decision-makers, governments, and related industry bodies for the purpose of operational and strategic decision-making.

  • Advise on University budget methodology, policy and practices related to overarching financial and budget models considering industry best practices and aligning with the strategic objectives of the University as a whole and taking into consideration the financial and budgetary incentives created by financial policy and budget models employed.

 

Resource Planning and Client Relations

  • Lead the Resource Planning and Client Relations team, directing the analysis, delivery, development and review of business processes and business cases for projects and activities throughout the institution; advise and review on policy compliance and business process revisions, monitor and advise on strategic institutional initiatives for the strengthening of the University's sustainability and financial integrity.

  • Direct the strategic support to major institutional initiatives including new projects whether capital or program delivery, service provision changes, or process changes within current operating areas. All areas within the University rely on the Resource Planning and Client Relations team, as led by the Director, for the strategic direction and advice on a variety of business and control challenges and opportunities.

  • Support major University projects and committees, including policy development related to the business and control functions of the institution for inclusion of the strategic, financial, budgetary and business control perspectives of new developments.

 

Management of Resource Planning and Client Relations Team

  • Develop and direct staff through empowerment and information sharing to ensure the correct skills and accountabilities are developed in order for those roles to perform independently.

  • Team development to ensure cohesive and efficient working relationships are maintained, although varied job duties exist amongst the various staff members.

  • Promote communication and problem-solving and critical thinking skills to ensure all staff members can effectively manage their responsibilities, while at the same time ensuring an effective information-sharing and advice forum is maintained in order for this role to have full knowledge and maintain confidence in the operations.

 

Strategic Planning and Policy Development

  • In collaboration with the management team of Financial Services, help define the vision, priorities and objectives for the department in alignment with Institutional strategic objectives, responsible for the executive of sound financial analysis and planning advice to the senior executive.

  • Direct and advise on policy and procedure developments for the University and The Mount Royal University Foundation required to ensure strategic long-term financial sustainability at the institutional level as well as serving the units within.

  • Participate on Provincial committees and attend industry conferences to explore best practices, emerging trends, and collaborative opportunities for the enhancement of technologies and resource savings in the context of the University's long-term strategic plans.

 

Qualifications 

 

  • University Bachelor Degree in Commerce with accounting major required; Master of Business Administration preferred

  • Chartered Professional Accountant designation required

  • 10 - 12 years of directly related experience; Post-secondary experience is strongly preferred

  • Experience with developing and managing budgets exceeding $200M annually required; Post-secondary education budgeting experience ($200M+) preferred

  • 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience

  • 5-7 years of experience developing and managing large, complex budgets in a multi-stakeholder environment

  • Complex accounting expertise for full-cycle, financial statement and budget reporting in the post-secondary industry

  • Demonstrated expertise in implementing a systems approach and in-depth knowledge of budget systems

  • Business experience and awareness of impact and opportunities for MRU given business, economic and regulatory developments

  • Leadership skills for a large and diverse complement of staff to lead, mentor, direct and coach for optimal service to the University

  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work with limited direction and devise operational processes from broad objectives

  • Demonstrated ability to remain current in technical accounting and managerial knowledge through active learning activities

  • Excellent negotiating, conflict resolution, leadership, managerial, and planning skills

  • Ability to work well and manage staff to adhere to strict and tight timelines, through patience, understanding, and a strong work ethic

 

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 full 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. 

 

MRU supports full immunization as the best way to protect yourself and our campus community and strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19.

 

Salary:                    $113,990.00 per annum - $157,306.00 per annum 

Closing Date:         March 13, 2023

 

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).