Manager, Finance & Accounting

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Manager, Finance & Accounting

Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility and in building community?

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for an experienced and detail-oriented manager, finance & accounting, to oversee the daily, monthly and annual operations of the finance department, including three direct reports.

This is a temporary full-time position until March 31, 2024. Hours of work are 35 hours per week.

Why AUArts?

Alberta University of the Arts rests on the traditional Treaty 7 Territories of the Blackfoot people and in the spirit of our collective effort to promote reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional territories and oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes Siksika, Piikani and Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations (Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley), Metis Nation Region III, and all those who make their homes in the Treaty 7 Region of Southern Alberta.

AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us and implores us to see the world differently.

The Alberta University of the Arts offers its 1,100 students studio-based programming that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in one of nine disciplines, a Bachelor of Design in one of two, and an MFA in Craft Media. It has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and will soon be celebrating its centennial.

The Opportunity

Competition #: 2223-SE-MT-08

Reporting to the vice president, finance & operations, the manager, finance and accounting, is responsible for the integrity of accounting and financial management and reporting processes, and ensures that financial information is accurate, complete, generated in a timely manner and meets established standards of professional practice. This position also oversees all financial reporting commitments and ensures compliance with the university’s financial policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Accountable for the effective day-to-day management of the university’s finance department staff.
  • Gathers financial and other data required to enable appropriate assessments of tuition fee changes, negotiations, contract administration, etc.
  • Gathers and interprets relevant and up-to-date information from key financial and other partners i.e., OAG, Alberta Infrastructure and other government-related parties, bank, investment counsel, Revenue Canada, and Advanced Education (finance and reporting).
  • Ensures accuracy of recorded financial transactions. Prepares monthly and quarterly financial statements and analysis for internal distribution, including cabinet and the board of governors.
  • Evaluates, makes recommendations and implements appropriate information technology solutions, notably software, for the university’s financial accounting and other related record-keeping functions.
  • Responsible for administration of the finance system. Oversees system upgrades and recommends future changes or enhancements in the use of accounting software and integrated systems.
  • Works with the VP, finance and operations, to develop, implement and sustain adequate internal controls over the receipt, disbursement, acquisition and disposal of university assets following approved university policies and procedures.
  • Develops and implements fiscal year-end procedures. Prepares audit working papers and draft financial statements. Oversees and coordinates year-end audit requirements and activities.
  • Acts as the primary contact for staff of the office of the auditor general. Works with VP, finance and operations, and other leadership team members to identify solutions to audit recommendations and observations and oversees the implementation of the approved policies and procedures developed to resolve the issue.
  • Provides direction and supervision to direct reports within the finance department, including workload assignment, guidance, support and evaluation. Ensures that finance department staff have appropriate knowledge and skills to perform assigned duties. Mentors and identifies areas for development and improvement in finance staff.
  • Coaches non-financial peers and colleagues concerning all relevant finance functions to ensure superior organizational financial performance. Provides training and assistance to other users of the university’s accounting information to ensure universal understanding and compliance with financial policies and procedures. Acts as a resource for accounting and finance queries from all university stakeholders.
  • Establishes and maintains strong relationships with the VP, Finance and Operations, the Leadership team, the Budget Task Force and other management committees as appropriate to identify their needs and assist in providing a full range of business solutions. Acts as a supplementary resource to the finance & audit committee for all financial matters.
  • May be called on to represent the university in meetings of provincial or other professional organizations, such as senior accounting and Control Officers (SACO). Engages effectively with colleagues, consultants, customers, suppliers, government representatives, and other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Reviews and makes recommendations to draft financial and statistical reports for submission to various levels of government and external agencies.
  • On a selected basis, assists in tendering and selecting general service contracts, and subsequent administration of same.

The successful candidate will have:

  • Undergraduate degree in commerce, business administration or equivalent.
  • Member in good standing with Chartered Professional Accountants Alberta (CA, CGA, CMA), or equivalent.
  • Five years of post-designation and progressive experience in an accounting or auditing environment with full cycle accounting, financial statement preparation, and compliance experience.
  • Experience with Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) or government financial reporting.
  • Experience in creating audit ready statutory financial statements using public sector accounting standards handbook with full set of supporting working papers for auditors.
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience, including mentoring and training staff.
  • Proficiency in accounting software e.g., ACCPAC, Sage 300, Sage Intelligence (User), Microsoft Excel and financial systems integration.
  • Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures, including extensive familiarity with the Public Sector Accounting handbook, is an asset.
  • Demonstrated experience with Student Information Systems (e.g., Banner) is an asset.

AUArts offers an attractive benefit package, with annual salary dependent upon skills, education and experience.

How to Apply

Applications must include the following in a single PDF document:

  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae / Resume

Please upload your single document to the Resume section — do not upload any documents to the Cover Letter section. You will be required to create an account in order to submit your application.

Please visit our Application FAQs page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission.

Review of applications will begin on October 3, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Further information about AUArts is available on our website at auarts.ca.

AUArts is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all University Community Members while on campus. For specific information and updates please visit our website.

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversity of the university. We encourage expressions of interest from all qualified applicants for consideration for this or other suitable vacancies although applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

The collection of personal information is for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment as authorized by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act, section 33(c). If you have any questions about the collection of your information, please contact our FOIP Coordinator at foip@auarts.ca.

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