Director, Financial Services

Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia; Abbotsford; Hybrid; CAD 125,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Pension plan

Professional development funds

Job summary

University of the Fraser Valley seeks an accomplished financial leader to join its senior leadership team as Director, Financial Services. Lead financial operations, accounting, payroll, reporting, forecasting and controls while guiding a high-performing team and advising executive leadership and the Board.

You will safeguard UFV’s financial integrity, drive improvement, and support strategic priorities with a CPA designation and deep governance expertise.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a senior finance position.
• CPA designation or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, communication and strategic advisory capabilities.
• Demonstrated governance, financial controls and change-management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead UFV's financial operations, accounting, payroll, reporting and treasury functions.
• Prepare financial statements, audits and regulatory compliance with a focus on internal controls.
• Support executive leadership and the Board with strategic financial insights and decision making.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial management

Communication

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Change management

Governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree (related field)

Job description

University of the Fraser Valley Background

Situated on S’olh Téméxw, the traditional lands of the Stó:lo, The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a dynamic and innovative university committed to its mission of engaging learners, transforming lives, and building community.

A student-centred institution that is also a committed partner in the Fraser Valley’s social, cultural, economic and environmentally sustainable development, UFV’s reach extends beyond the boundaries of its four Fraser Valley campuses, providing students with experiential learning possibilities locally and beyond.

The University offers more than 100 programs, including three master’s degrees, 17 bachelor’s degrees with majors, minors, and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs, as well as access and upgrading pathways to higher education.

As one of BC’s top employers for eleven years in a row, UFV is in an ideal location in the beautiful and vibrant Fraser Valley, one of the most diverse and fastest-growing communities in British Columbia, and close to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver.

THE POSITION

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is seeking an accomplished and forward thinking finance leader to join our senior leadership team as Director, Financial Services. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a community connected university dedicated to student success, innovation, and inclusive excellence. The role leads the university’s financial operations, accounting, payroll, financial reporting, forecasting, and internal controls while supporting executive leadership and the Board.

You will lead a high performing team and play a critical role in safeguarding UFV’s financial integrity, enabling informed decision making, and supporting the achievement of the university’s strategic priorities. You will oversee the preparation of financial statements, audits, investments, treasury functions, financial systems, and regulatory compliance while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

You are a CPA designated leader with deep expertise in financial management, governance, and accounting practices, coupled with exceptional business acumen and relationship building skills. You are a collaborative and people focused leader who inspires teams, embrace innovation, and thrives in complex environments.

You are committed to UFV’s dedication to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation.

Join UFV and help shape the financial future of an institution that is transforming lives, strengthening communities, and preparing learners for success in a rapidly changing the world.

Salary range: $125,478—$167,305 (Compensation beyond the mid-point requires approval by the Public Sector Employers' Council Secretariat (PSEC))

In addition, the successful applicant will receive a competitive/comprehensive benefits package, pension, access to professional development funds and the opportunity to become a part of the vibrant and diverse UFV community.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in a senior finance position
• Professional designation in accounting such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• High degree of business acumen, with strong skills in planning and executing financial operations strategies, and in managing related change
• Expert communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to build relationships and act as a strategic advisor
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to apply sound judgement in problem solving, evaluating courses of action, advising on and making complex financial decisions
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage a team of reporting leaders and professionals; ability to build a strong team-based environment

UFV LEADERSHIP PROFICIENCIES

• Create and implement plans—shape, align and execute strategic priorities to meet student and community needs.
• Lead change—Remain flexible, adjusting to changing circumstances and lead positive change by balancing innovation and calculated risk taking
• Cultivate collaborative relationships—Build effective working relationships internally and externally and collaborate to achieve mutually beneficial goals
• Inspire and develop talent—Invest in developing yourself, staff and faculty, effective teams, and our culture of excellence
• Make effective decisions—Make sound and timely decisions that benefit UFV in both straightforward and ambiguous circumstance
• Infuse indigenization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion—Lead by example, valuing different perspectives and backgrounds and promote equity, inclusion, and respect in a diverse environment.