Finance Manager Administrative Position: Full-Time

The King's University; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 98,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Pension

Generous vacation

Job summary

The King’s University in Edmonton, Alberta, invites applications for a Finance Manager who will lead the day-to-day finance function as a senior CPA. The role reports to the VP Finance and Operations, supervises staff, coordinates audits, and ensures internal controls and accurate financial reporting.

The university emphasizes its Christian mission and collaborative culture. Candidates should have seven years of progressive accounting experience, ERP and analytics skills, and a commitment to

Qualifications

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline; CPA designation.
• At least seven years of progressive accounting experience including month/year end close and audit coordination.
• Experience supervising staff and process improvement; knowledge of ERP and financial reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead month end and year end close with schedules and deadlines.
• Prepare and review financial statements, notes, and reporting packages.
• Maintain general ledger integrity; manage journal entries and reconciliations.
• Oversee tax filings, GST, and charity returns; coordinate with responsible departments.
• Coordinate external audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Develop and reinforce internal controls and financial authority policies.
• Oversee capital asset accounting and reporting; supervise finance staff.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Audit coordination

Excel

Education

CPA designation

Higher education in accounting/finance

Tools

Anthology

BudgetPak

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

The King's University offers an exceptional liberal arts education from a Christian perspective. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, King's serves students from across Canada and around the world. Join a dedicated team who have a desire and common mission to see students grow in a dynamic and nurturing Christian environment. People who love working and succeed at King’s serve God gladly, work collaboratively, think creatively, and embrace diversity.

Finance Manager

Full-time, Continuing

POSITION SUMMARY

The Finance Manager leads the day-to-day Finance function and is a senior, hands on CPA responsible for accurate accounting, timely financial statements, effective internal controls, audit coordination and staff supervision. The Manager prepares, reviews and resolves complex accounting work while developing the team and improving financial processes. Working closely with the VP Finance and Operations, the Manager translates financial priorities into reliable operational delivery. The Manager supervises the Senior Financial Analyst, who leads budget preparation, forecasting and financial analysis, and contributes to planning, systems improvement and institutional decision support, also supervises the bookkeeper and accounts payable clerk. The role supports stewardship of the University’s resources and works collaboratively with academic and administrative units. Initial priorities include continuity of financial reporting, audit completion, Finance process documentation and stabilization of Anthology Finance workflows.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead month end and year end close using documented schedules and checklists; assign responsibilities and ensure deadlines are met.
• Prepare and review financial statements, accompanying notes, supporting schedules and reporting packages under the University’s applicable accounting framework and approved policies.
• Maintain general ledger integrity; prepare or review complex journal entries, accruals, allocations, deferred revenue and correcting entries.
• Ensure bank, investment, receivable, payable, payroll, capital asset and other balance sheet accounts are reconciled; resolve aged items and material discrepancies.
• Supervise receivables, payables, collections, payment processing and expense administration; review staff work and exceptions and provide hands‑on support when required.
• Oversee capital asset accounting, capitalization, amortization and supporting records, with analytical support from the Senior Financial Analyst.
• Supervise, coach and develop the Finance team; set priorities, review workload and performance, and establish clear preparation and review responsibilities.
• Maintain coverage for critical duties through cross training and documented backup arrangements while preserving appropriate segregation of duties.

Audit and Compliance

• Coordinate the external audit, maintain the audit request tracker and completion timetable, and ensure complete, accurate working papers and timely responses. Resolve accounting questions with auditors and the VPFO; expedite and investigate any irregularities and material risks to the VPFO.
• Own implementation of agreed audit recommendations and management letter actions, supported by the Senior Financial Analyst’s tracking and analysis.
• Prepare or review applicable tax filings, GST returns and rebates, charity returns and other statutory or funder reports; maintain a calendar of deadlines and verify supporting information with responsible departments.
• Coordinate financial reporting for related entities where assigned and maintain reconciliations and consolidation schedules where required.

Internal Controls and Financial Authority

• Maintain and improve controls over receipts, payments, journal entries, vendor changes, reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Apply approved purchasing, delegation and signing authority policies; exercise approval authority only within documented delegations.
• Review unusual transactions and control exceptions; expedite and investigate any irregularities and material risks to the VPFO.
• Recommend accounting procedures and policy improvements; implement approved changes and monitor compliance.
• Coordinate financial system access with IT and maintain an inventory of Finance websites, permissions and authorities.

Cash and Restricted Funds

• Manage operational cash requirements, payment schedules and banking administration within approved authorities.
• Review cash flow forecasts prepared by the Senior Financial Analyst and advise the VPFO of liquidity pressures and required action.
• Maintain accurate accounting for donations, grants, restricted contributions and endowments, including deferrals, releases and reconciliations.
• Ensure expenditures and financial reports reflect funding restrictions and approved endowment spending arrangements; coordinate with Advancement and other responsible units.
• Reconcile investment activity and income, maintain accounting records and support reporting; implement authorized transactions within approved processes.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Review operating and capital budgets, forecasts and variance analysis prepared by the Senior Financial Analyst for completeness, accounting consistency and reasonableness.
• Ensure reliable actuals, reconciled opening balances and supporting schedules are available for BudgetPak and institutional planning.
• Review salary and benefit budget inputs with HR and Payroll and ensure confidential information is appropriately controlled.
• Support budget holders in resolving accounting and budget questions; review financial implications and address significant pressures to the VPFO.
• Provide financial information and recommendations for executive and Board reporting through the VPFO.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Own Finance business processes within Anthology and other financial systems; partner with IT and vendors on issue resolution and improvements.
• Maintain a prioritized Finance issues register with owners, status and next steps; oversee testing, reconciliations and validation before approved changes are adopted.
• Ensure chart-of-accounts changes, workflows and financial report configurations support accurate accounting and useful reporting.
• Maintain written procedures, close checklists, working papers and shared file indexes; verify that authorized staff can use critical documentation and supporting spreadsheets.
• Improve reporting timeliness and workflow efficiency; oversee Finance training and guidance, supported by the Senior Financial Analyst.
• Support financial analysis of insurance renewals and other institutional projects as assigned by the VPFO.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline and a Chartered Professional.
• At least seven years of progressive accounting experience, including financial statement and note preparation, month end and year end close, audit coordination and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and reviewing accounting work, with the ability to perform complex accounting tasks directly.
• Experience with restricted contributions, grants, endowments and deferral accounting; experience in higher education, the public sector or a not-for-profit organization is preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems, financial reporting tools and process improvement; Anthology experience is an asset.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft 365 and shared document environments; BudgetPak experience is an asset. Strong technical accounting judgment, analytical ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines, investigate discrepancies and follow issues through to resolution.
• Clear communication with financial and non-financial colleagues and a collaborative, service oriented approach.
• Ability to lead staff, establish accountability and provide practical coaching and cross training.
• Sound judgment in handling confidential information, financial authority and control exceptions.
• Commitment to documentation, continuous improvement and the mission and values of The King’s University.

Employment Conditions and Compensation

A condition of employment is assent to the University’s Christian Statement of Faith found at the King's University follows a standardized salary grid.

The salary range for the position is $97,537–$124,024/yr dependent on qualifications and experience.

• A comprehensive benefit package, pension, and generous vacation and time off are provided.

Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Contact Information

Human Resources The King's University 9125-50 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2H3. Email: [e-mail]. Visit our website at www.kingsu.ca.

We appreciate all applicants for considering The King's University as a potential employer, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

The King's University respects, appreciates and encourages diversity.

We welcome applications from all qualified individuals including members of visible minorities, Indigenous, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and persons with disabilities.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.