Senior Finance Strategic Business Advisor

PRIMARY PURPOSE

As Senior Finance Strategic Business Advisors (Finance SBA), we partner with colleges and units across campus to support strategic finance initiatives and provide leadership and support to our Finance SBA team, focused on the University Plan 2025 in being the university the world needs (nīkānītān manācihitowinihk; ni manachīhitoonaan).

NATURE OF WORK

Senior SBAs are assigned to support specific colleges and units, implement broader central finance initiatives, and provide leadership to a group of Finance professionals. Reporting to the Manager, Finance Advisory Services and under the direction of the VP of Administration and AVP Services, the SBA is a strategic finance partner providing support to leadership in the university's capital projects, utilities and overall VP Administration portfolio. Within the assigned areas, we partner with unit leaders by understanding their values, culture, challenges and operational needs. As a people leader, we work to support our team in day-to-day issues, as well as career development and engagement initiatives. We work collaboratively with our specialist groups in the finance centres of excellence, which includes the chief financial officer's office and financial operations office, to help achieve financial strategies and outcomes institutionally, across the different colleges and units and within our Finance SBA team.

Relationships are at the heart of what we do and it is critical that we are comfortable and effective in working across multiple, diverse and, at times, challenging stakeholder groups. From academics to administration, research to operations, we work with all groups as well as provide leadership and mentorship to the Finance SBA team in identifying, planning and implementing financial best practices to advance the mission of the university. As Senior Finance SBAs, we regularly address complexities in the delivery of services and are required to manage emerging and unpredictable events in a sensitive and timely manner. We regularly work with leaders when implementing difficult and challenging decisions, often during periods of change requiring well developed organizational and project management skills.

Our success depends on our ability to demonstrate a combination of strong university acumen, financial functional knowledge and a strategic mindset to participate in the development and implementation of financial strategies for colleges and units. The work is of high volume and complex, and decisions ranging from the mundane to critical are required on a routine basis. A high level of concentration is required for dealing with complex issues and multiple projects with competing priorities. Professional tact, judgement, and discretion are required for reviewing one's own and other's work, and when providing expert counsel. We routinely address complexities in the delivery of service, deal with emerging and unpredictable events in a sensitive and timely manner and are expected to regularly implement difficult decisions. The position is responsible for meeting deadlines imposed by internal and external requirements and on occasion by regulatory agencies.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leadership

• We lead by example;
• We support Finance SBAs and professionals through effective career engagement, supporting on-the-job learning opportunities, providing mentorship and supporting professional development initiatives and training;
• We challenge our Finance SBA team and ourselves to grow and develop in our roles consistent with the shared beliefs of the Office of the Vice President Administration;
• We support our Finance SBA team and Finance specialist groups in our centres of excellence, by taking leading roles on projects and initiatives which have an impact beyond our assigned portfolios;
• We actively share our learnings when working through issues or projects which have an institutional impact or can be applied across other colleges or units;
• We support and encourage our team to share learnings and professional development opportunities to help grow the skill set of our team or grow the knowledge of people leaders in the colleges and units we collectively support.

Unit Support

• We support the implementation of financial decisions and strategies that assist the unit in achieving their goals, priorities, and operational objectives;
• Provides valuable financial insight and timely and accurate reporting for all areas of responsibility;
• We support leaders by providing strategic guidance and support for all budgeting, financial planning and analysis processes to support the unique financial circumstances of the assigned portfolio;
• We make recommendations on the alignment between revenue sources and unit priorities and ensure initiatives are monitored and addressed;
• We monitor funding and revenue sources, determining how financial resources are utilized and identifying opportunities that achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

Functional Expertise & Collaboration

• We establish and maintain strong working relationships with all key stakeholders, including leaders from assigned units, centre of excellence colleagues, and service centre partners to ensure success in meeting the University's strategic and operational goals;
• We provide guidance and advice for budgeting and strategic financial management processes ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures and ensure resources are aligned with the University of Saskatchewan's vision and goals as set out in the Strategic Plan;
• In consultation with senior leaders, we develop and update one year and multi-year plans and contribute to the development of strategic plans;
• We monitor financial internal controls to reduce and mitigate exposure to risk and liability by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, accounting standards, collective agreements, and university and unit policies and procedures;
• We plan and direct the completion of a variety of special projects ensuring the advancement of the unit objectives in consultation with internal and external stakeholders;
• We prepare reports of actual results compared to budget on a quarterly basis, investigate variances, and in consultation with leaders, compile forecasts for the year and finalize reports for internal and external stakeholders including ongoing operations and special projects;
• We present and convey accurate and timely information, data, and analysis for financially viable and sustainable decision-making and problem solving;
• We contribute to the development of financial best practices and process improvement through leading and participating in projects to advance the tools and supports delivered by Finance to colleges and units across campus.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A relevant university degree, preferably in Commerce, Business, Accounting or related field, along with a minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years' experience in general accounting, financial management and budgeting, and financial planning and analysis.
• A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required;
• Experience in financial management of capital projects is preferred.

SKILLS

• Demonstrated knowledge of accepted accounting rules, practices, tax laws, and reporting requirements;
• An understanding and incorporation of adaptive leadership skills to be built into our personal leadership style;
• Leading a team of Finance professionals in a style which supports career engagement, career development and mentorship, acknowledging the variety of ways in which Finance professionals learn, grow and adapt;
• The ability to influence outcomes and provide guidance to operational decisions unique to a college or unit;
• Excellent facilitation, conflict resolution, problem-solving and communication skills to provide strategic supports and guidance across portfolios and functional areas of Finance;
• The ability to influence outcomes and provide guidance to business decisions, and excellent analytical skills, problem solving skills, and communication skills including writing, verbal and presentation;
• Knowledge and understanding of issues (including cultural, socio-economic and other factors) affecting Indigenous peoples, in support of Indigenous engagement as a strategic priority at the university;
• The ability to work collaboratively, build relationships with internal and external partners, and manage multiple demands to meet deadlines;
• Experience working within a multi-reporting organizational structure is an asset;
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and a high level of attention to detail are required.

Department: Shared Services Delivery
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $91,180.00 - 152,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 4
Posted Date: 3/17/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.