Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Central Services

Start date to follow candidate selection and mutual agreement

Position Overview

Red Deer Public Schools is currently inviting applications for the role of Director of Finance to join its dynamic Finance team. This full-time leadership position is ideal for an experienced professional with a strong background in financial management and team leadership. The successful candidate will oversee the Finance department, guiding the administration of the Division's accounting systems and procedures in compliance with Board policies and provincial regulations. The Director of Finance will report directly to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Red Deer Public Schools serves a diverse population of over 11,000 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 across 22 schools within the Division.

The Opportunity

Red Deer Public Schools is seeking a dedicated Director of Finance for a full-time position (37.5 hours per week). In this key leadership role, the Director of Finance will oversee and coordinate all functions within the Accounting area of the Finance department. Responsibilities include ensuring the accurate and timely execution of financial operations such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, procurement, financial reporting, and compliance with government regulations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the Division.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of Finance department operations to ensure safe and efficient delivery of Accounting services
• Contributes to the creation of the annual Finance Department Work Plan, helping to establish aligned goals for individual staff, the Accounting team, and the broader department in support of divisional strategic objectives
• Provides leadership and mentorship to Finance department staff through training, supervision, performance evaluation, and ongoing professional development
• Assists in refining internal processes and promotes cross-training initiatives to optimize Finance department workflows and operational efficiency
• Manage and maintain the Division's financial software systems
• Manages core Accounting functions, including oversight of cash management, accounts receivable and payable, journal entries, and payment runs to ensure compliance with deadlines and accuracy standards
• Offers guidance on the treatment of complex or non-standard financial reporting transactions
• Directs and participates in month-end and year-end financial closing activities, including account reconciliations, adjustments, preparation of working papers, and review of trial balances and financial statements
• Oversees the issuance of official charitable donation receipts and ensures compliance with reporting requirements related to restricted funds and government submissions, such as GST rebates, vendor withholdings, T4As, and annual charity filings
• Coordinates the preparation, review, and submission of Government Reporting Entity (GRE) documentation and supports the annual audited financial statement process
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in alignment with Public Sector Accounting Standards and Alberta government regulations
• Acts as the primary liaison with external auditors, ensuring timely and complete provision of information for the annual audit
• Supports the design, implementation, and monitoring of financial internal controls, procedures, and Administrative Policies across the Division
• Collaborates closely with division staff to share financial insights and continuously improve internal processes in support of organizational goals and outcomes

Required Education and Professional Experience

• Holds a post-secondary degree in Business or a closely related discipline
• Actively holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, or is in the process of completing the program
• Possesses over five years of professional experience following CPA qualification
• Brings three to five years of proven experience in a leadership, supervisory, or management capacity
• Experience working within a school division or the broader public sector is a valuable asset

Knowledge & Skills

• Proven success in leading small teams through a hands-on leadership style, effectively driving both strategic goals and daily operations
• In-depth expertise in Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS)
• Strong skills in organization, prioritization, and managing time efficiently
• Highly effective communicator with excellent writing and speaking abilities
• Capable of thriving both independently with minimal oversight and collaboratively within team settings
• Skilled in building productive, cooperative relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners
• Adept at critical thinking and managing shifting priorities in dynamic, high-pressure environments
• Maintains professional skepticism and a strong awareness of fraud risks, with a commitment to adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and objectives
• Technologically proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comparable web-based platforms, including a variety of accounting software systems

This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Application process:

Applications will only be accepted through Apply to Education by clicking the 'Apply Now' button. Applicants are asked to create a free online portfolio. Details can be found on our Employment Opportunities on our website,

Please note that applications submitted in person, email or fax are no longer accepted. A resume, cover letter and list of references are required for all applications.

We thank all applicants for their interest but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. A current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check will be required of new employees. We reserve the right to contact your most recent employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Vision care

Work Location: In person