ID: 21513
Executive Director, Finance and Administration
Queen's University - Kingston, ON
Website: https://www.queensu.ca/
Education/Training/Certifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Professional Accounting designation (CMA, CA, CGA) with several years related experience;
• Undergraduate degree in business or related field;
• Several years related experience in financial management and analysis experience related to complex business operations combined with experience in human resources, preferably in a unionized environment;
• CHRP designation would be an asset;
• Demonstrated experience in strategic development and operations management;
• Familiarity with the unique position and needs of Student Affairs within an academic environment would be an asset;
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Proven financial management skills including well-developed analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to generate sophisticated reports spanning the spectrum of DSA operations, contract administration, budgeting and planning, internal control, analysis and problem solving, and conflict management Highly developed management/leadership skills
• Good judgement and instincts, combined with the ability to grasp concepts and ideas quickly and to always work effectively with the context of the “big picture”, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, confidence, tact and compassion
• Demonstrated ability to work and manage employees in a complex environment, in a collaborative and collegial manner, using highly developed relationship building, influencing, and negotiating skills to secure commitment and achieve results;
• Superior communication skills, verbal, written, and presentation, with the ability to adjust style/presentation for the audience;
• Strong analytical, interpretive and problem solving skills;
• Ability to clearly present financial information and concepts to non-financial staff;
• Strong organizational skills required to cope with multiple competing demands, priorities and deadlines and resolve priority conflicts;
• Highly developed planning, organizational, change and project management skills;
• Demonstrated initiative in acquiring new knowledge and keeping informed of changes within and outside the university community. A strong commitment to continuing personal and professional development;
• Self-motivated, but a team player; an innovative and strategic planner of resources with ability to exercise good judgment in making independent decisions;
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and commitment to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism
• Proficiency in using a variety of information technology tools (in particular, Microsoft Office tools, advanced database management, spreadsheet analysis, word processing) and the ability to understand and adapt new tools to business operations;
• Ability to exercise tact, objectivity, fairness, impartiality and flexibility without compromising standards and established policies.
DECISION MAKING:
• Determines the content and critical information to be presented in the division’s annual budget submission and determine, initiate and coordinate the process for developing the annual budget and staffing strategy for the division;
• Implement financial planning and reporting based on generally accepted accounting principles and the best interests of the University;
• Determine requirements for monitoring and accounting for operations and project financial resources ensuring all financial reporting meet requirements and adhere to University policies and guidelines;
• Makes budgetary decisions, determine budget allocations and staffing allocations; define mechanisms for budget and risk monitoring that are consistent with established professional principles; authorize expenditures and provide oversight for significant or sensitive financial transactions;
• Define the structure, organization and mechanisms for business operations across the Division. Establish policies and procedures for internal and quality controls;
• Strategically execute the development and implementation of initiatives and/or efficiencies in financial and administrative operations;
• Determines analysis required to provide appropriate advice to V-P/Dean, Assistant Deans and Directors on financial and human resources issues;
• Determines the allocation of financial and human resources to meet the operational needs of the units in the division. Implements the university’s budget model within the division;
• Finds solutions to unanticipated problems within guidelines. Determines how problem and solution will impact budget and staffing;
• Recommends new procedures and changes to existing procedures to positively impact operations and avoid future difficulties;
• Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires;
• Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions;
• Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations;
• Assesses investigation outcome of grievances and makes effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances;
• Makes effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination;
• Maintains a calendar of important deadlines including budget and staffing, submitting funding proposals, and submitting reports, and ensure that they are met;
• Assesses information requests under FIPPA, and determines appropriate response. Consults with the university’s legal counsel for clarification when necessary.
Position Requirements
Reporting to the Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration (“ED”) is responsible for managing the administrative, financial and human resources functions of the Student Affairs portfolio. The incumbent serves as a member of the executive team, and provides strategic direction and financial and human resources advice across the over 20 units within the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) including coordinating the work of unit based finance and human resource managers. The incumbent manages and oversees short and long term financial plans, financial reporting, budgets and administrative policies for the portfolio, advising on financial and human resource issues. Given the complex nature of the Student Affairs portfolio which includes a number of operating and ancillary units, the incumbent provides expertise and direction in the business operations of all units.
The position exercises a high degree of initiative and judgment, and is responsible for initiating, developing, and implementing various plans, policies, and procedures to achieve the strategic objectives of the portfolio.
In addition, due to the magnitude, breadth and complexity of the Student Affairs portfolio, the ED serves as the DSA representative on numerous university-wide committees and is a key contributor to university issues and policy formation in the areas of finance and human resources.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provides strategic and financial advice to the division’s executive team in support of short and long term planning, development of new programs and initiatives, and financial/ administrative processes and policies. Provides recommendations that strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities and develops creative solutions to effectively respond to the financial challenges impacting the division.
• Develops, manages and analyzes financial, statistical, budgetary and staffing information needed for short and long term planning and the efficient operation of the portfolio while assessing and managing risk; prepares analyses that drive academic and business decisions as well as policy formation and are incorporated in the planning process
• Leads the development, monitoring, and analysis of the portfolio’s annual budget and staffing strategy. Makes strategic decisions required for analytical purposes. Ensures appropriate data is collected from both internal and external sources, organized, summarized and presented, providing required analysis in preparing financial statements and budget reports for the V-P/Dean. Advises the V-P/Dean on resource allocation decisions
• Develops deep understanding of the business needs and objectives of all departments within the portfolio in order to provide strategic operational, financial and human resources advice
• Contributes to the strategic planning initiatives for the division including formulating creative solutions to deal with financial challenges impacting the Division
• Provides leadership and change management in organizational development.
• Establishes and oversees polices for fiduciary and financial oversight of all units within the DSA portfolio including ensuring compliance with all university policies. Provides direction and advice to correct non-compliance.
• Oversees and has accountability for all business operations of the portfolio including human resource management and financial operations
• Liaises regularly with the Office of Planning and Budget and the VP Finance and Administration to ensure alignment with all university wide priorities
• Co-leads on development opportunities across the DSA portfolio, working with advancement on the development of proposals and on stewardship reporting
• Administers and monitors accounts to ensure accuracy and validity. Supports university financial and accounting policies; establishes and maintains internal control systems, and recommends changes as appropriate
• Develops, monitors and implements an ongoing staffing strategy for the portfolio. Coordinates, tracks, logs and oversees processes and procedures. Responsible for the review of relevant documentation prepared to support appointments, changes in appointments or terminations. Responsible for authorizing renewal of contracts and advertising vacancies;
• Provides leadership and direction for all directors across the portfolio on Human Resources issues including employee discipline and termination issues and manages complex employment and labour relations matters working closely with the office of the AVP Human Resources as required. Oversees the administration of collective agreements for staff employee groups.
• On behalf of the V-P/Dean, maintains oversight of human resources programs for the division including employee engagement and organizational capacity priorities including recruitment, retention, performance development, competency development, and inclusivity.
• Promotes and fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity and a sense of service in support of the University mission.
• Plans, prioritizes and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection
• Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis;
• Assesses staff training and development needs, and ensures that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigates, addresses and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including making decisions regarding disciplinary and discharge matters; Provides leadership and change management in organizational development
• Administers and monitors external grants and donations. Prepares annual financial reports for external funding agencies (including MTCU, MOHLTC etc.);
• Coordinates archiving and destruction of financial and human resources documents for portfolio
• Represents the portfolio by participating in discussions on various university-wide issues and policy formulation. Responds to inquiries and provides advice to V-P/Dean, Directors and managers on how to handle situations and resolve issues. Serves on committees as a representative from the Office of the V-P/Dean as required
The ED is a champion within Student Affairs and influences the University’s efforts to enhance Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism while contributing to the shared mission of supporting and engaging students in safe and meaningful ways.
Type of Job: Full Time,
Hourly Wage/Salary: To be determined
Hours: 35 hours per week
Closes: Jul 09, 2023
Apply Now!
To apply follow these instructions
Applicants Please Follow The Link Below:
Disclaimer
The information contained in this job advertisement has been provided by an external employer. META Employment Services is not responsible for the accuracy, authenticity or reliability of the content.
French Translation
If you require a Meta job posting translated into French, please advise the Resource and Information staff.