Job Description / Duties

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Prepare and analyze budget proposals and models in support of the budget process. Provide advanced financial analysis to support the monitoring of department and financial aid budget objectives and progress.
• Manage all financial processes for the Student Awards office and numerous financial aid endowments and trusts (1600+; $30M annual expendable). Develop and maintain a variety of financial reports on an on-going basis; prepare quarterly reports and financial forecasts to meet operational and strategic planning requirements for the office, the Division of Student Affairs, and the University.
• Administer financial aid accounts, monitor account activity and ensure the accuracy and validity of account transactions.
• Serve as critical knowledge resource person for the financial aid portfolio. Recognize diversity of abilities and adapts content, tone, medium and style to audience to be inclusive.
• Review financial policies, internal controls and systems and recommend, develop, and implement changes to improve efficiency, standardization and effectiveness.
• Liaise with Director, Finance and Staffing, Division of Student Affairs, regarding budget requirements, integration parameters and submission deadlines. Acknowledge diverse ideas and interests of all stakeholders when making decisions.
• Utilize various University and external reporting systems to compile, analyse and generate comprehensive and transparent statistical reporting to support University plans, policies and short and long-term planning with respect to general and specific financial aid objectives.
• Provides financial, statistical and functional reporting in compliance with Ministry of Advanced Education and Skill Development (MAESD) requirements.
• Respond to financial and statistical queries from Faculty/School, senior staff and department colleagues.
• Manage human resources processes, oversee timekeeper reporting and conduct monthly reconciliation.
• Plan, prioritize and manage the work of an employee, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identify the need for staff resources, participate on staffing committees, and make effective recommendation regarding employee selection.
• Manage performance by establishing employee performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Access staff training and development needs and ensure employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigate, address and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including making decisions regarding disciplinary and discharge matters. Make decisions or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge and probationary termination.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate University Registrar (Student Awards).

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Undergraduate degree in business or a related field.
• Professional designation required (CPA preferred).
• Several years’ experience in progressively responsible accounting and administrative roles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard accounting practices, proven budget management skills and account administration experience.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations.
• Knowledge of university financial, student and human resource systems, procedures, polices and regulations considered an asset.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Information

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to deal effectively with diverse groups of people; strong organizational and planning skills; ability to cope with multiple demands and manage competing priorities.
• Advanced computer skills for data analysis and information distribution/reporting; knowledge of the following (or equivalent) software is required: spreadsheet -MS Excel and financial, student and human resources – PeopleSoft.
• Advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to and implement new technologies.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team and possess a customer focused attitude.
• Self-motivated with an ability to take initiative and responsibility for projects from beginning to completion.
• Values individual differences from all backgrounds and lived experiences such that their own, and others’ contributions are maximized; supports fair treatment and opportunity for all; demonstrates commitment to diversity and equity.

DECISION MAKING:
• Determine the content and type of financial reporting requirements to meet the needs of the Associate University Registrar (Student Awards), University Registrar and Director, Finance and Staffing, Division of Student Affairs.
• Determine appropriate methodology and analysis in the preparation of financial reports in order to meet financial standards and to maximize clarity of information.
• Determine optimal method to employ in statistical analysis and presentation of data to inform and facilitate decision making by Associate University Registrar (Student Awards) and senior university leadership.
• Make budgetary, reporting and control decisions and recommendations based on an understanding of departmental objectives.
• Recommend new procedures and changes to existing procedures in order to improve internal controls and eliminate redundant procedures.
• Identify and recommend appropriate corrective measures in the event of procedural or accounting anomalies.
• Make recommendations for standards, policies and procedures in support of the department/unit and determine requirements to implement changes.
• Evaluate job candidates and make effective recommendation on suitable hires.
• Make decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluate employee performance and decide on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Assess investigation outcomes and make effective recommendation on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Make effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.
• Decide on work prioritization and time-management.

Salary: $62,922/year

Contact Information

Human Resources
Queen's University
http://www.queensu.ca/humanresources/careers

Employer Profile

Queen’s University has a long-established commitment of providing a strong and progressive financial aid program to attract and retain excellent students while concurrently reducing financial barriers for students as they begin and complete their Queen’s degree. The position of Manager, Finance, within the Office of University Registrar (OUR) provides an important leadership function to senior management within the OUR and the Division of Student Affairs to assist in decision-making, developing policies and strategic plans in the development and delivery of financial aid.
Reporting to the Associate University Registrar (Student Awards), the Manager, Finance is responsible for managing all aspects of the financial aid and unit’s budget, financial and data management and analysis processes. The incumbent plays a key advisory role by providing financial analysis, including information required for strategic planning purposes and statistical reporting pertaining to Queen’s University student financial assistance programs. The incumbent reviews financial policies, internal controls and systems and recommends changes to increase efficiency and effectiveness. The incumbent is responsible for preparing reports, analyzing data, audit considerations, account maintenance and support/monitoring of transactions.

As future opportunities present themselves the incumbent will provide expanded leadership and guidance on the day to day administrative, human resources and financial processes, leading and managing change, promoting and ensuring customer satisfaction within the department.