Finance Officer

The Finance Officer at Thompson Rivers University plays a critical role in managing the financial aspects of the various university funds. Working closely with assigned portfolios, the Finance Officer will prepare financial analysis of the data for each assigned area, providing advice to the appropriate AVP or Dean as required. As part of the Finance team, the Finance Officer will review the financial objectives of various areas assigned and to assist in the assessment of whether objectives and goals were efficiently and effectively achieved.

The role involves complex multitasking, priority setting, and decision-making under minimal supervision. The Finance Officer is a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical skills to ensure accurate financial reporting, effective management of funds, and compliance with university policies and external regulations. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees compliance with funding agency requirements and university policies.
• Manages the setup, monitoring, and closure of funds.
• Makes decisions on the capitalization of costs, coding of expenditures, and allocation of funds based on established guidelines and professional expertise.
• Uses professional expertise and decision making when conducting quarterly and annual budgeting, financial forecasting and reporting, including CAUBO reports and government reporting for various areas of the university.
• Identifies and makes decisions on financial discrepancies and issues by analyzing data, referring to policies, and consulting with supervisors as needed.
• Oversees and makes professional decisions around the best approach to complete reports for various stakeholders, providing advice on completion of reports by various departments. 
• Oversees and develops the sequence of events, timelines and deadlines for divisions and/or departments to ensure that the preparation of all relevant financial reporting is completed on a timely basis. 
• Develops reports on expenditures, ensuring compliance with GAAP, financial regulations and government requirements.
• Works directly with various Government ministries to ensure compliance with required legislation. 
• Oversees the timely and accurate approval of purchasing requisitions and cheque requisitions, coordinating with various departments to resolve coding and payment issues.
• Develops and recommends new procedures to improve financial processes and compliance to all relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinates with departments to ensure accurate and timely financial processing.
• Oversees the preparation and maintenance of accurate financial records.
• Provides guidance and training to new employees and colleagues on financial processes and procedures.
• Ensures accuracy in financial reporting and fund management to prevent significant disruptions and resource losses.
• Reviews completed journal entries to identify and correct errors in fund reporting and expenditure approvals, collaborating with relevant departments to resolve issues.
• Conducts monthly and annual reviews of financial data to ensure accuracy and compliance. 
• Responds to queries from researchers, faculty, procurement, and accounts payable departments.

REPORTS to

Associate Director, Financial Reporting or Designated Manager

 

• CPA designation
• 5 years of progressive accounting experience in a computerized environment, including experience in developing spreadsheets, budgets and forecasts, analytical reports and financial statements 
• Demonstrated advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Effective and competent at multi-tasking.
• Effective communication skills, both written and face-to-face.
• Demonstrated tact and good judgment.
• Proficient in using financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to shift attention frequently between tasks such as managing email inboxes, approving journal entries, setting up various types of funds, and handling procurement and accounts payable actions
• Strong ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding financial procedures, fund balances, and project statuses