Finance Manager

Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

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Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
The Finance Manager is a key part of three different Department leadership teams within the Faculty of Science: Botany, Mathematics and the Botanical Gardens. The incumbent will advance excellence and strategic goals by developing budgets and forecasts for operational and research finance activities, performing complex reconciliations, and analyzing financial operations and developing strategies for improvements. The incumbent works closely with the administrators within their portfolio to achieve strategic goals in several areas including teaching, research and sustainability.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Portfolio Finance Manager in the Faculty of Science and works closely with Department Administrators from Botany, Mathematics, and the Botanical Gardens. The Finance Manager will interact with faculty members and staff as well as the ISC, Financial Operations, Research Finance, Faculty of Science Dean's Office, other departments on campus and external vendors.

Work Performed

• Performs core accounting functions within the three departments. Develops the annual budget plan and forecast updates for general operating worktags through model development and scenario analysis.

• Develops trend and variance analysis for revenues, expenditures and other key financial indicators. Identifies areas of concern and opportunities for efficiencies and develops corrective action plans.

• Assesses impact of surpluses/deficits and analyses variances. Develops financial tools and reports to guide faculty members and department administrators in managing their accounts.

• Provides advice and direction to staff within departments on preparing and reviewing financial documentation.

• Provides advice and training to staff and faculty on the implementation of financial systems, processes and policies.

• Develops specialized financial reports such as detailed cost and financial analysis, forecasts and projections to ensure short- and long-term financial goals are reached.

• Prepares and analyses financial data in support of project or grant proposals and business cases.

• Works with Portfolio Finance Manager to develop and review quarterly and year-end reports.

• Provides financial management, direction and advice with regards to department, research, and special purpose worktags. In conjunction with the departmental administrator, responsible for the departmental analysis and internal reporting requirements of research grants, financial transactions and commitments undertaken by the department.

• Interprets and advises on complex policies and procedures. Provides oversight and regular reviews to ensure compliance; develops plans for improved adherence to policies and procedures.

• Assesses and implements internal controls including department-wide financial policies, practices and procedures for operational, gift and research funds. Measures effectiveness and recommends adjustments as needed.

• Evaluates and implements changes to internal audit controls as needed for all financial transactions.

• Manages complex financial system for tracking department revenue streams.

• Manages department monthly and year-end period close activities to ensure that financial statements accurately reflect department finances.

• Recommends, develops, implements policies, standards, procedures and budgetary controls with respect to financial and budget issues.

• Monitors compliance with GAAP, UBC policies and tax regulations.

• Ensures highly sensitive and confidential data and transactions are handled and stored appropriately and meet UBC Data Privacy and Security Guidelines.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Finance Manager works and makes decisions independently at a professional accountant level. Errors in judgment could result in unreliable information or no information being available for Heads/Directors and/or Administrators to effectively manage the finances and operational activities within the portfolio. Errors could lead to loss or mismanagement of grant funding.

Supervision Received
This position reports to the Portfolio Finance Manager. This position works independently to guide finance operations in the portfolio departments and will work closely with and receive functional direction from Department Administrators.

Supervision Given
None. Advises Administrators, department faculty and staff on finance related issues and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Completion of at least 7 of the 14 CPA academic prerequisites. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated skill in effective budget preparation and management.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to deal with sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy; Ability to clearly describe and explain complex financial issues with authority to ensure compliance (e.g., assist non-financial managers to understand financial reports)

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, in multiple departments and locations. The incumbent must have strong interpersonal skills and be at ease working in a team environment.

• Ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, determine implications, and provide recommendations.

• Ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles in an appropriate manner, ensuring accuracy.

• Ability to accurately balance cash by identifying and resolving discrepancies.

• Ability to accurately gather, organize, and summarize financial information.