Manager, Financial Operations

Description

Financial Operations within Finance is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Manager.

The Manager, Financial Operations reports to the Associate Director, Financial Operation and supports the Associate Director and Director in leading the direction of the Financial Operations team which includes Financial Operations, Accounts Receivable, Student Receivables, Accounts Payable and Payroll.

This position requires complex problem solving skills, strong analytical abilities, extensive organizational knowledge, strong managerial skills, sound judgement and senior level finance experience.

The Manager is required to possess strong communication and client relation skills as the position deals with multiple internal and external stakeholders, competing deadlines and acts as a resource to all areas of the University across all funds. The Manager must perform in an environment where there is a potential for ambiguity and continuous change and shifting priorities and is required to deal with constant high volumes of work. The Manager is required to manage their own delivery of work and staff's time and hours of work to ensure service is provided in a timely manner and deliverables are met. The Manager, Financial Operations, manages large volumes and high stress levels with multiple projects and priorities.

There is a high impact of error as inaccurate advice or information could have serious consequences to stakeholders and/or the reputation of the University. Professional judgment in reviewing own work and the work of team members is required.

The Manager provides leadership and guidance to a team of Senior Financial Analysts, Analysts, AR / AP Specialists and other staff providing direction on complex accounting issues using professional judgment and financial expertise. This position works closely with staff to develop and grow their technical and behavioral skills in a focused and strategic manner. The nature of the work involves coaching, mentoring and providing technical guidance in the effective delivery of Financial Operations accountabilities, including oversight of the University¿s Accounts Receivable functions that comprise invoicing, collecting, reconciling, depositing and recording revenue for the University community and plays a key role in reviewing cash controls campus wide.

This position will work with the Associate Director, Financial Operations in supporting the Director in ensuring the overall effectiveness of the Financial Operations team, supporting integrated service delivery and the ongoing skill development of the team.

The incumbent will work closely with and foster co-operation between Finance, Faculties/Units, IT, Human Resources, and other service providers across campus. The incumbent will sit on a number of committees to achieve the goals and initiatives set forth by the Associate Director, Financial Operations and stakeholders across the institution.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Managerial

• Effectively lead a team of Senior Financial Analysts, Financial Analysts and Specialists, providing direction and support in the daily provision of Financial Operations deliverables.
• Hands-on technical coaching related to University Finance standards and processes and managing through problems of a complex and challenging nature.
• Manage the service delivery of several staff including the allocation of personnel to tasks and special assignments and providing staff with advice on policies and procedures, client management and priorities and methods.
• Select, train, manage, support, and evaluate staff; provide feedback and development opportunities.
• Coach the performance of individuals to achieve continuous improvement; stimulate and support creativity and innovation in others through strong leadership.
• Ensure effective policies, procedures, systems and best practices are followed.
• Develop consistent measures and expectations to assess roles.

Financial Operations

• Lead the essential review and validation functions of Financial Operations accounting transactions, ensuring compliance with university and accounting standards.
• Resolve key concerns and ad-hoc issues associated with Financial Operations and the University in general.
• Make recommendations to resolve these issues through the development of procedures, practices, and standards while balancing conflicting needs of many stakeholders.
• Manage processes related to the semi-monthly payroll GL upload, retro accounting changes, payment process for third parties, reconciliations and journal entries, central benefits accounting, and position management.
• Participate in the month-end, quarter-end and year-end financial statement preparation process as it relates to Financial Operations.
• Ensure internal controls are in place and adhered to. Assist in reviewing and assessing internal controls of the University and where necessary, recommend new internal control processes.
• Prepare monthly actuals to budget variance analysis and forecast for Central Benefits departments.
• Review benefits charge out rates on an annual basis and provide recommendations for updates.
• Leads monthly account reconciliations processes, including system queries to search for errors and any problems with data.
• Initiate and implement improvements in workflow and business processes as well as monitor key performance indicators.
• Engages key stakeholders in change process, understands the impact on both internal and external stakeholders and manages risks and benefits accordingly
• Provides advice, interpretation, guidance and information to University stakeholders and administration sharing expertise, applying knowledge and making recommendations to initiate changes to business systems, procedures and practices (policies) leading to improvements and streamlining of processes.
• Ensures Tax slips relating to Accounts Payable (T4As, T4ANRs, T5s, T2200, T2200S) are completed accurately and on time including filing with Canada Revenue Agency.

Communication/Relationships:

• Ensure that communications are timely, informative and appropriately represent Finance and the University.
• Manage complex University issues and challenging interpersonal interactions with composure and diplomacy while maintaining confidentiality.
• Provide opinions and advice when sought that are considered appropriate and reliable.
• Proactively develop and maintain trustworthy, productive, problem-solving working relationships with colleagues and staff, across the University community.
• Coach and motivate staff, team and project members to develop positive, high trust working relationships and operate effectively as a team.
• Create an environment where knowledge sharing, support, training tools, coaching and staff development ensure service levels meet or exceed client expectations.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and a university degree in business, finance, accounting or a related field.
• Extensive work experience in various accounting and finance functions (7+ years) with five or more years of experience in Financial Operation and/or Accounts Receivable management in a large organization.
• Three to five years of supervisory/management experience in leading a team.
• Experience working in an academic environment is a strong asset.
• Strong consulting and business partnering skills including negotiating and influencing, change management, decision making, problem solving and client relationship development.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to handle difficult situations while maintaining effective and productive working relationships.
• Must be able to think logically, solve problems and be critically objective with an ability to develop innovative solutions to problems.
• Strong team leadership skills are required, ability to coach and support others.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills are required to ensure client-facing functions are effectively managed.

Application Deadline: May 16, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 2 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.