Manager, Financial Operations

Description

Financial Operations within Finance is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Manager.

The Manager, Financial Operations reports to the Associate Director, Financial Operation and supports the Associate Director and Director in leading the direction of the Financial Operations team which includes Financial Operations, Accounts Receivable, Student Receivables, Accounts Payable and Payroll.

This position requires complex problem solving skills, strong analytical abilities, extensive organizational knowledge, strong managerial skills, sound judgement and senior level finance experience.

The Manager is required to possess strong communication and client relation skills as the position deals with multiple internal and external stakeholders, competing deadlines and acts as a resource to all areas of the University across all funds. The Manager must perform in an environment where there is a potential for ambiguity and continuous change and shifting priorities and is required to deal with constant high volumes of work. The Manager is required to manage their own delivery of work and staff's time and hours of work to ensure service is provided in a timely manner and deliverables are met. The Manager, Financial Operations, manages large volumes and high stress levels with multiple projects and priorities.

There is a high impact of error as inaccurate advice or information could have serious consequences to stakeholders and/or the reputation of the University. Professional judgment in reviewing own work and the work of team members is required.

The Manager provides leadership and guidance to a team of Senior Financial Analysts, Analysts, AR Specialists and other staff providing direction on complex accounting issues using professional judgment and financial expertise. This position works closely with staff to develop and grow their technical and behavioral skills in a focused and strategic manner. The nature of the work involves coaching, mentoring and providing technical guidance in the effective delivery of Financial Operations accountabilities, including oversight of the University’s Accounts Receivable functions that comprise invoicing, collecting, reconciling, depositing and recording revenue for the University community and plays a key role in reviewing cash controls campus wide.

This position will work with the Associate Director, Financial Operations in supporting the Director in ensuring the overall effectiveness of the Financial Operations team, supporting integrated service delivery and the ongoing skill development of the team.

The incumbent will work closely with and foster co-operation between Finance, Faculties/Units, IT, Human Resources, and other service providers across campus. The incumbent will sit on a number of committees to achieve the goals and initiatives set forth by the Associate Director, Financial Operations and stakeholders across the institution.

Qualifications / Expertise:

• A Chartered Professional Accountant Canadian (CPA) designation and a university degree in business, finance, accounting or a related field.
• Extensive work experience in various accounting and finance functions (7+ years) with five or more years of experience in Financial Operation and/or Accounts Receivable management in a large organization.
• Three to five years of management experience in leading a team.
• Experience working in an academic environment is a strong asset.
• Strong consulting and business partnering skills including negotiating and influencing, change management, decision making, problem solving and client relationship development.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to handle difficult situations while maintaining effective and productive working relationships.
• Must be able to think logically, solve problems and be critically objective with an ability to develop innovative solutions to problems.
• Strong team leadership skills are required, ability to coach and support others.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills are required to ensure client-facing functions are effectively managed.

Primary Purpose of the Position:

• Responsible for ensuring the timely accurate recording and collection of the University’s invoices and payments in PeopleSoft.
• Coordinate with the University departments to ensure the process for issuing invoices, recording payments and collections are effective and efficient.
• Responsible for managing and providing leadership to the Accounts Receivable team of 7-8 members that directly report to this position.(hire, train, supervises and evaluates team members (including disciplinary action and termination if required). Mentor team members, act as a resource to others and be self-directed. Facilitate communication and work flow in the team.
• Provide advice, interpretation, guidance and information to University departments, faculties and University administration sharing expertise, applying knowledge and making recommendations.
• Oversee and review the process for monitoring and follow-up with University departments, individual customers, and external organizations to ensure timely collection of payments on past due invoices and dishonored cheques.
• Oversee and review the process for the calculation of allowance for doubtful accounts, write off of bad debt expense and related reconciliations.
• Develop or initiate changes to business systems, procedures and practices (policies) leading to improvements and streamlining of processes.
• Review and approve system access for Accounts Receivable, Billings and Collections in PeopleSoft.
• Oversee, assist and prepare monthly accounts receivable reconciliations, including system queries to search for errors and any problems with data.
• Participate in the month-end, quarter-end and year-end financial statement preparation process as it relates to Accounts Receivable.
• Ensure internal controls are in place and adhered to. Assist in reviewing and assessing internal controls of the University and where necessary, recommend new internal control processes.
• Act as a super user for the PeopleSoft Accounts Receivable and Billing system.
• Coordinate invoicing and billing with the University departments using PeopleSoft (including training, sharing of expertise and ensuring system integrity).

Application Deadline: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 2 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.