Chief Financial Officer

The Role
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the university, is a critical member of the university's senior leadership team and provides strategic financial leadership to the University including leading budgeting and resource allocation, internal audit, fraud risk management, research institutes, and subsidiary relationships. Reporting to the President, the CFO provides strategic advice and support to the President, the University, and Board of Governors, leading the Financial Strategy Office in the development of the overall financial strategy of the university and contributing to the financial sustainability of the organization.

USask's vision is to be an outstanding institution of research, learning, knowledge-keeping, reconciliation, and inclusion with and by Indigenous peoples and communities. The CFO collaborates with diverse communities and stakeholders requiring an understanding of and sensitivity to issues around Indigenization, equity, diversity and inclusion and will be an active leader in the growth of a more diverse and inclusive campus community and in advancing the university's Indigenous strategy. The University's Mission, Vision, Principles, Values and Strategic Plans will inform the position in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

Nature of the Work
As a member of the University's senior leadership team, the CFO participates fully in the University's strategic planning and development together with the President and Vice Presidents. The CFO works collaboratively with other senior leaders and financial administrators to ensure advocacy, management and support of the broad spectrum of the financial portfolio of the university.

University of Saskatchewan – Chief Financial Officer 5 The CFO leads a team in the Financial Strategy Office to work collaboratively and consultatively across the university in providing resource allocation and budgeting related services efficiently, effectively, and aligned with strategic directions of the university to support teaching, research, and discovery.

The CFO is a highly visible senior leader who acts as an ambassador for the university, building relationships with internal and external stakeholders to expand the impact and visibility of the institution to further the reputation and resources required for the university to take its place among the most distinguished universities in Canada and the world, and be the university the world needs (nīkānītān manācihitowinihk; ni manachīhitoonaan).

The CFO functions in a highly demanding environment that requires the foresight to balance a multitude of needs, demands and strategies, constant vigilance for issues and challenges and prioritization of limited resources. The work is unstructured and may be stressful given the high volume and complexity of tasks and problems, where managing tight deadlines, accuracy and decisions ranging from the mundane to critical are required on a routine basis. This position requires confidentiality, discretion, a high level of integrity and independent judgement and requires the management of unpredictable events in a sensitive and timely manner. The nature of the work requires the ability to assess and address the needs of multiple stakeholders, both internal and external in order to achieve positive outcomes. The position requires a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, governance and continuous improvement.

Competencies
Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that support our success. Each person brings different combinations of competencies to their position. The competencies below are the desired attributes that support the University of Saskatchewan's Strategic Directions and People Values. All are applicable in varying degrees depending on the expectations of the job.

Engage
Committed to advancing the aspirations of the people of the University, province, and beyond.

Include
Building a welcoming and accessible place where diverse students, faculty, and staff feel a sense of belonging.

Collaborate
Intentionally seeking relationships across teams, disciplines, and capacities to achieve results.

Advocate
Developing and supporting each other, innovative ideas, and Indigenous knowledge in pursuit of the University's strategic priorities

Qualifications, Education andExperience
Financial Expertise

• A chartered professional accounting or similar designation is preferred.
• The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of progressive experience in a senior financial position within a large and complex organization.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

Strategic understanding of the University's mission, vision and values

• The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree (such as CPA, CFA, MBA, PhD) or commensurate experience along with an understanding of post-secondary environment.
• A strong and demonstratable understanding of how value is created through teaching and research, scholarly and artistic works at the university.

Leadership

• The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record of leadership success and a strong record in leading changes and enhancing services in the financial portfolio of a large, complex organization.
• Ability to influence outcomes and provide guidance to business decisions, with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and manage multiple demands to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, written, verbal and through presentations to large audiences is required.
• Visionary leadership with a commitment to the mission, vision and values of the organization.
• Has demonstrated success in developing a shared vision and leading people to achieve exemplary performance and outcomes together.
• Must possess outstanding organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and build relationships with internal and external partners.
• Proven ability to think analytically and creatively in support of the university's vision, University Plan, and strategic imperatives.
• High level of proficiency in personal effectiveness, relationship building and proven ability to encourage collaboration.
• Must possess knowledge and understanding of issues, including cultural, socio-economic and other factors affecting Indigenous Peoples and an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority at the University.
• Significant experience managing multiple initiatives, with changing and often conflicting priorities is essential.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders in an organizational setting is an asset.

To Apply
To apply for this significant leadership opportunity with the University of Saskatchewan, send a cover letter and detailed curriculum vitae in confidence to Allan Nelson, Shalini Bhatty or Heather Fookes

The University of Saskatchewan believes equity, diversity and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. The University is dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich its work and learning environments and encourages applications from Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, racialized persons, women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of its community. We encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter.

For applicants with disabilities, we want to ensure your success If you require any accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise Leaders International and the University of Saskatchewan.

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