Director, Financial Planning

Reporting to the Associate, Vice-President, Finance, the Director, Financial Planning & Performance is a key position in the university's financial management team, providing leadership and support for the university's financial and capital planning, information analysis, and performance monitoring processes.

The Director oversees the work of the Financial Planning group with responsibility for the development of annual operating plans, budget management and forecasting. The Director also has direct management responsibility for financial accounting, reporting and planning for the university's capital program.

The Director is responsible for collecting, analyzing and synthesizing internal and external business information and preparing, coordinating and reviewing business analysis documents, such as business cases for new or revised academic programs and other larger university initiatives. The Director provides consultative and advisory services to business units to ensure that decisions are made with appropriate supporting information and analysis and business impacts are identified.

The Director oversees the design and development of complex business models using advanced functionality of MS Excel and other software tools used to prepare comprehensive business analytics for strategic and multi-year planning, development of annual operating plans and forecasting, and business opportunities to support university growth and development.

Under the direction of the AVP, Finance, the Director is also responsible for the functional design of financial systems as they relate to the financial planning and analysis requirements of the university. As such, the Director is a major player in enterprise systems projects with financial system impact.

The Director is the acting AVP, Finance when required.

Job Requirements

• Recognized professional accounting designation (CGA, CA, CMA) or MBA with concentration in finance and accounting.
• Extensive experience, at least 10 years of which is in senior financial positions (director) responsible for financial planning, budgeting and reporting, accounting operations and financial systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of business planning processes, performance monitoring techniques, comptrollership, and the efficient use of financial processes and systems to support organizational goals. Ability to translate strategic directions into operating plans.
• Experience in designing processes to account for and report on large capital programs.
• Collaborative leadership and coaching abilities with a demonstrated capability in managing and mentoring staff.
• Demonstrated ability to design and manage business planning processes at the organization level, for medium-size to large organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to design and develop complex business models using advanced functionality of MS Excel and other software tools in order to support strategic and multi-year planning; annual operating and capital plans; and business opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of types of staff at different levels in the organization or externally. Ability to communicate technical concepts and information to non-technical staff in a manner that can be easily understood.
• Collaborative leadership and coaching abilities. Demonstrated ability to foster a team approach to accomplish the university's goals and to positively influence people and events, using consultative, consensus-building techniques to create broad-based support. Demonstrated ability to mentor staff. Ability to train/coach non-financial staff throughout the organization in financial management policies, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to develop departmental work plans that are aligned with strategic university directions and annual goals, prioritize activities and tasks for the department, and handle multiple and conflicting deadlines.
• Able to manage change and conflict. Anticipates and plans for change. Helps people deal with change and resolve conflict through mentoring, encouragement and effective conflict resolution techniques. Excellent conflict management skills.
• An innovative problem solver. Demonstrated ability to methodically analyze problems and find realizable solutions, taking into account fiscal, technical and human resource realities or limitations. Excellent organizational, quantitative, analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Results oriented. Shows ability to surpass previous accomplishments with a philosophy of continuous improvement.

Additional Information

This is a regular, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week. This position has been evaluated at ME-C with a salary range of $119,206 (minimum) to $140,242 (midpoint) to $161,278 (maximum) per annum. Employment offers will normally be made between the minimum and midpoint of the range and are determined by knowledge, experience and internal equity. The University is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefit package. Royal Roads University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our faculty and staff including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

While Royal Roads University values all applications we receive, only those candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, you will need to be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the employment contract. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us directly at attention: Abbi Rogers or extension 4408 so we can offer you individualized assistance and ensure equity in our recruitment and hiring process. ALL COMPETITIONS WILL CLOSE AT 10.00 P.M. ON THE DATE OF CLOSING