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The Opportunity
Position: Manager, Financial Reporting and Analysis (FRA) (APC)
Department: Financial Services
Annual Salary: $70, 601 - $90,987 (Group 7)
The Financial Services department is undergoing a significant service delivery model transformation aimed at improving service to clients. Our vision is to be customer-focused, anticipate our customers' needs and deliver outstanding service and pragmatic solutions by focusing on the continual development of our processes and people. Financial Services has integrated the financial reporting and accounting operations to create the Financial Reporting and Analysis unit with a customer service focus. Review of processes and cross training of staff is ongoing. The Financial Reporting and Analysis unit is undergoing significant change and the Manager will have a critical role in managing the changes. The Manager Financial Reporting & Analysis (FRA) will play a key role in the success of department goals. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader capable of directly influencing others for mutual benefit. They are highly results oriented, one who willingly tackles difficult challenges and has a relentless pursuit of achieving desired results. They are able to effectively manage multiple overlapping short and long-term priorities, without losing sight of day-to-day operational needs.
Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Financial Services, the Manager FRA is responsible for the University's financial reporting, including the policies and procedures that generate, collect and maintain financial data and records in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the accounting policies of the University. The Manager FRA is also responsible for management, supervision and training of the Financial Reporting and Analysis Coordinator and seven Accountant Analysts who prepare the accounting entries, reconciliations and other analysis, including those for budget, forecasts, month end, year-end, financial statement preparation and the external auditors. The Manager FRA is also responsible for the design and distribution of financial information internally and externally to ensure individuals have the necessary information they need for decision making and to assist other departments with the preparation and distribution of financial information. This includes preparation of the University's financial statements and annual financial report. The Manager FRA provides advice and support to the Assistant Director and the Senior Director Financial Services, the Vice-President Finance and Administration, senior management, and to various University committees.
What you'll do
Responsibilities
Leadership and Supervision
The Manager FRA will lead and supervise a team consisting of Accountant Analysts. The FRA unit works closely with Budget Services and the Manager Budget Services has partial responsibility for directing and training the FRA team with respect to duties that support budgeting and forecasting functions. The Manager FRA will demonstrate vision, inspire confidence, encourage participation, instill enthusiasm for institutional and personal professional goals; and secure group action. With the assistance of the Co-ordinator FRA, the Manager will review workflow and initiate adjustments for equitable distribution of duties and completion of work. The Manager FRA will function effectively under pressure. They will treat individuals fairly and with respect; the Manager FRA will seek input of others respecting diverse opinions and ideas. The Manager is responsible for coaching and monitoring performance; providing day-to-day and periodic formal performance feedback; resolving employee concerns either directly or through established complaint procedures; initiating disciplinary action; and recommending discharge where warranted. They is responsible for identifying training and development opportunities for the team to enhance performance levels and team participation.
Financial Reporting and Accounting
The Manager FRA is responsible for the University's financial reporting and accounting, ensuring that information is captured, recorded and reported accurately. This encompasses thousands of individual transactions that represent over 100 million in annual revenue and expenses, plus over $5 million in interfund transfers. This requires expertise in financial, restricted fund, and managerial accounting, financial systems, internal controls, financial analysis, and reporting as well as effective communication and leadership. The Manager assists with review of business systems, processes, applications, policies and procedures for effectiveness and appropriateness, supports introduction of efficiencies, and encourages team members to identify and communicate opportunities to improve processes. The Manager FRA collaborates with the Manager Financial Systems and the Assistant Director regarding enhancement and implementation of financial systems and process improvements.
Cash Management
The Manager FRA is responsible for oversight of the cash, banking and short-term investing for the University's operating and restricted funds which includes investing an average of $20 million in Surplus Operating Cash, maintaining half a dozen bank accounts, overseeing cash controls, and supporting a wide variety of cash management services.
Taxes
Taxes related to higher education are complex involving many specialized rules and regulations. This includes rules and regulations related to commodity taxes, payroll taxes, income taxes, and registered charities. The Manager is responsible for ensuring accurate accounting and preparation of claims related to tax withholdings, rebates and input tax credits which is critical in order to ensure compliance with CRA regulations and to ensure the University receives the appropriate refunds. The Manager participates in development of tax related policies, procedures, processes and training within Financial Services, other administrative departments and ancillary operations and responds to queries and provides advice regarding applicable regulations and appropriate commodity and other tax treatment related to a wide variety of situations to departmental management, staff and other University employees.
Investments
The Financial Reporting and Analysis unit oversees accounting and administration of the University's restricted investments including the Endowed Funds Investment Pool (over $20 million), Restricted Funds Investment Pool (over $30 million) and segregated investment portfolios (over $10 million). The Manager FRA is responsible for ensuring compliance with University investment policy, authorizing investment purchase and sale instructions, and ensuring accurate accounting and reporting of all investments to senior management and committees.
Donations, Endowments, Trusts and Reserves
The Manager FRA is responsible for overseeing the accurate accounting, administration and reporting of the University's endowments, trust funds, and internal reserves, total value over $60 million and ensuring compliance with trust law. The Manager also supports the Advancement Services and Development Office related to accounting and reporting for over $1 million in gifts and bequests annually.
Research and Special Projects
The Manager FRA is responsible for overseeing the accurate accounting, administration and reporting of over $8 million in annual research funding and over 500 individual research and special project funds. The Financial Reporting and Analysis unit provides financial reporting to grantees and granting agencies, reviews contracts and expenditures for compliance with policy and procedures, provides financial advice to grantees, and acts as University contact with regards to audits by granting agencies.
Capital Assets and Projects
The Manager FRA is responsible for overseeing the accurate accounting, administration and reporting for capital projects, major construction projects for internal departments and external funding agencies.
What you'll need
Qualifications
Your professional accounting designation, understanding of current accounting policies and practices, including not-for-profit accounting standards, five to seven years' experience, and progressive leadership experience qualifies you for this opportunity. Your leadership is defined by your commitment to employee and stakeholder engagement, as well as your above average interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. A life-long learner, you display a commitment to professional development and embracing technology. You possess strong organizational skills, are proficient in MS Office, have advanced skills in Excel, and a strong attention to detail. Experience in a unionized environment will be considered an asset.
A little bit about us
Saint Mary’s University
Saint Mary's University is one of Canada's top primary undergraduate universities--known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada's best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary's provides our 7,000 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada's east coast, Saint Mary's University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary's University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a world without limits.
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Are you interested?
Work With Us
Apply for this opportunity online by visiting www.smu.ca/employment and use our online application system through CareerBeacon. Select the position you are interested in and apply by clicking the "Apply Online Now" button. Please include the names of three professional references. No telephone calls please.
The search committee will begin to consider applications on July 2, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.
Saint Mary's University hires on the basis of merit and is committed to the principles of employment equity. Saint Mary's University encourages applications from qualified women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
Saint Mary's University thanks all applicants for applying. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Saint Mary's Univeristy promoties a Healthy Campus including a Scent-Free environment and a Smoke-Free Campus