Director of Financial Services School Business

Foothills School Division; High River; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in High River is seeking a Director of Financial Services to lead the financial and central services department. The ideal candidate will oversee financial operations, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and provide strategic leadership. Candidates must have a CPA designation and at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in the public sector. The role offers the chance to impact educational services positively.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-10 years in financial management or auditing roles.
• Experience in education or public sector preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations and reporting accuracy.
• Manage budget preparation and compliance.
• Lead planning and evaluation of department operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Education

CPA designation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Accounting software

Job description

Overview

Foothills School Division Invite applications for: Director of Financial Services and School Business
Permanent, Full-time

The Foothills School Division (the Division) is seeking a Director of Financial Services and School Business position to provide support in leading the Financial and Central Services Department to ensure the effectiveness of the Division’s financial and information systems. The Director will work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services/Secretary-Treasurer to facilitate integration into the role. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with public sector accounting standards, and contributing to the organization’s strategic objective.

This leadership role requires a strong background in financial and data management, and team development. Education is at the center of our flourishing community where the Division values opportunities for growth and continued learning.

Our Division & Communities

Foothills School Division (the Division) serves the learning needs of approximately 7,700 students from preschool to grade 12. The Division operates 22 public schools, an online digital school, an alternative campus, and three colony schools. The Division Office is located in High River while schools are found in the Towns of Okotoks, High River, and Diamond Valley, and the communities of Blackie, Cayley, Heritage Heights, Red Deer Lake, Longview, Millarville, and Foothills County.

We honour the spirit, life, and lessons this land and its ancestors teach us. We acknowledge the traditional land and territories of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut’ina, and Îyârhe Nakoda as well as the Foothills District and the Rocky View District within the Battle River Territory of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta.

2025-2026 Budget Summary

This school year’s budget was approved by the Board of Trustees (the Board) on June 25, 2025. The Board set priorities through the Division’s Education Plan which guided the development of the 2025-2026 Budget. Click here to view the 2025-2026 Budget Summary.

The Role

Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services/Secretary-Treasurer, the Director is responsible for supporting the Assistant Superintendent in financial and system leadership through:

• Leading the planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of Finance and Central Services department operations to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Overseeing core accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, including cash management, accounts receivable, and payables.
• Ensuring that the Division's accounting systems operate within professionally acceptable standards.
• Coordinating and managing month-end and year-end financial activities, including account reconciliations, adjustments, and the preparation of financial statements.
• Working directly with external auditors in relation to the audited financial statement process, ensuring the timely and comprehensive delivery of information required for audits.
• Planning, developing, reporting, and monitoring the overall budget.
• Ensuring compliance with government reporting requirements, such as T4As, GST rebates, and annual charity filings.
• Reviewing and providing guidance on the treatment of all financial reporting transactions.
• Liaising with Alberta Education in matters related to the audited financial statement, budget reports, and other required financial documentation.
• Overseeing the accuracy and integrity of student records required for funding purposes.
• Overseeing the Division’s Student Information System to ensure accurate and efficient management of its student data.
• Generating and analyzing enrollment data to provide insights that inform decision-making.
• Providing schools, departments, and the Executive Team with timely and accurate financial data and analysis.
• Responding to inquiries from schools and other departments related to their financial reports and position.
• Designing, implementing, and monitoring financial internal controls and procedures across the system.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, to ensure risk mitigation strategies are integrated into financial planning, forecasting, and reporting processes. Providing quality leadership consistent with the Division Leadership Quality Standards (Policy G 330).
• Providing leadership and mentoring to the Financial Services Department to ensure quality financial and accounting practices.
• Establishing team goals, providing meaningful performance measures to evaluate progress, while motivating and mentoring staff.
• Facilitating the constructive resolution of conflict within the department and the larger Foothills leadership team to foster positive relations.
• Cultivating and modeling respect, professional learning and ethical leadership
• Handling of other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services/Secretary-Treasurer

Qualifications & Skills

To prepare for this position, you will have the following qualifications and skills:

• An accounting designation (CPA) plus at least five (5) to ten (10) years experience in progressively responsible financial and/or auditing roles in a public or large financial organization. Experience working in the education or public sector is preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and manage projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate and manage competing demands.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail in all aspects of work, ensuring accuracy and completeness in project deliverables and documentation.
• Strong critical thinking skills and a strong ability to manage shifting priorities in dynamic environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites and various accounting software systems, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality and data security.

To Apply & Deadline

To apply, click here to visit our job posting available on our careers webpage. In your application, tell us how you will contribute to our flourishing commUNITY through your financial expertise and leadership experience.

This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found with applications being reviewed regularly. A first review of applications will take place on November 3, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Applications are accepted via the Apply to Education recruitment website only. We appreciate and consider all applications, but only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.