Manager, Finance and Operations

Overview:
The Manager, Finance and Operations (MFO) is accountable to the Associate Vice-President, Innovation to provide financial management, operations management, and strategic planning support to WatSPEED. The incumbent is accountable for the integrity of WatSPEED financial reporting, and to ensure financial data is processed and recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and university policies and procedures. The incumbent also provides leadership within the department on variety of budgeting and planning initiatives and is the primary point of contact for all financial matters including analysis, recommendations, procurement, and procedures.

The incumbent is responsible for leading the development/preparation of key performance indicators, reporting dashboards, and developing and implementing strong internal controls in coordination with the Senior Leadership Team and the Systems Team.

The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day operational and administrative support to the unit and facilitating operational hygiene, including audit and risk assessment. Direct supervision of the Administrative Assistance is part of this role.

**Responsibilities**:
Leadership
- Contributes to goal-setting and strategic planning for the department as a member of the Management Team and implements those plans and goals within their area
- Assists in the creation of and adherence to WatSPEED’s standards of excellent customer/stakeholder service
- Proactively participates in WatSPEED project prioritization and reviews it on an ongoing basis, while taking the initiative to make recommendations for process improvements and operational enhancements
- Models the values of the department and the priorities of the Senior Leadership Team in interactions with internal and external partners

Fiscal Management, Controls, and Reporting
- Provides leadership, co-ordination and management of revenue reports, expense/cost reports, and internal financial statements, annual budgets, annual year end reports and financial forecasts
- Develops, improves and promotes strong internal controls for financial processes and transactions to minimize risks
- Conducts periodic audit and review of WatSPEED’s financial resources, policies, and procedures
- Works in coordination with internal and external legal and contracting agencies/vendors on complex financial arrangements
- Develops business models to support various payment schemas for external parties and distributes income to university partners
- Signing authority as assigned by the Executive Director
- Responsible for the 'purchasing to payment process' ensuring that purchases are accurately received, recorded, and processed in accordance with procurement guidelines
- Responsible for internal transfer requests, external invoicing, casual payroll, and overtime processes
- Reconciles purchasing cards monthly and serves as internal support for new P-card holders; advises staff on usage, training, record-keeping practices, etc.
- Reviews or provides oversight for all personal reimbursement requests (travel claims and requests for payment) to ensure accuracy, compliance, eligibility, and appropriate account coding
- Manages confidential files pertaining to budget and Human Resources (HR) related matters

Financial Strategy and Long-Term Planning
- Provides financial analysis in support of current and long-range planning, including but not limited to special projects, business development, and major expenditures (e.g. enterprise software implementations, office renovations and/or moves)
- Prepares multi-year budget projections for the department’s financial position
- Provides financial input, including financial documentation, for the Executive Director and the Senior Leadership Team in support of decision-making
- In conjunction with the Executive Director, prepares and submits budget requests to the Provost Office
- Performs ongoing monitoring of budgets and financial transactions during the fiscal year
- Reviews the financial statements monthly and conducts meetings with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team to discuss any questions or concerns
- Presents the department’s financial analysis monthly or as required

Business Management
- Ensures implementation of the accounting resources to support the Executive Director and the Senior Leadership Team in strategic planning, budget preparation, establishing/monitoring of key performance indicators, operations review, forecasting and analysis of operational performance
- Analyzes the financial details of course production, marketing, business development, special projects, and business operations to identify development opportunities and areas where improvement is needed
- Ensures the integrity and accuracy of accounting procedures for management of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable, including audits of invoice payments, department charges and clearing accounts

Data Analysis and Reporting