Finance Manager, (Zone Learning)

Toronto Metropolitan University; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 88,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Toronto Metropolitan University seeks a Finance Manager for Zone Learning & Strategic Initiatives to lead financial strategy, budgeting, grants, and governance across the portfolio. You will partner with senior leaders to shape short- and long-term financial plans while ensuring strong controls and audit readiness.

You will supervise and coach staff, develop financial capabilities in unit leads, and implement processes that improve efficiency and decision-making.

Qualifications

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in a financial, business, or related program.
• A recognized Professional Accounting Designation will be an asset.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of financial management experience in a university/post-secondary setting.
• Experience leading staff and cross-unit teams, preferably within a public sector, higher education, or unionized environment.
• Experience in grant management, internal controls, and audit readiness.

Responsibilities

• Strategic financial planning and advisory for the portfolio including models and dashboards.
• Oversee annual operating budget, forecasting, and grant management.
• Ensure financial governance, controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee operations, processes, and system improvements across the portfolio.
• Lead, supervise, and develop staff with financial guidance and training.

Skills

Financial management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in finance or related field

Professional accounting designation (asset)

Tools

Grant management

Internal controls

Job description

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter .

The team

The Office of Zone Learning & Strategic Initiatives is the network for innovation and entrepreneurial experiences at TMU that leads programming and activities that help students develop innovation skills and mindsets that help open doors after graduation.

Our programs offer hands-on experience that allows you to bridge the gap between education and real-world problems. Our collection of courses, job placements and training programs are offered alongside our world-leading startup incubator network. We bridge the gap between the university, industry and community, establishing TMU as Canada's innovation university.

Whether you're looking to grow an idea, gain work experience, or connect with other curious students, when you join Zone Learning, you're entering a robust community of innovators, dreamers and doers who will support you in shaping your future.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice-President, Zone Learning and Strategic Initiatives (AVP, ZLSI), the Finance Manager, ZLSI provides strategic financial leadership, expert guidance, and operational management of all financial affairs, external grants, and administrative operations across the ZLSI portfolio.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with senior leadership to shape short- and long-term financial strategies, optimize resource allocation, and support the execution of strategic innovation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Financial Planning & Advisory: Leads the financial components of the portfolio's strategic plan, developing financial models, forecasts, reporting tools, and dashboards to support strategic decision-making, long-term planning, and resource allocation.
• Financial Management & Budgeting: Leads the annual operating budget and forecasting processes, monitors financial performance against projections, oversees externally funded projects and grants, and advises leadership on financial risks and corrective actions.
• Financial Governance & Compliance: Establishes and maintains effective financial controls and practices, ensuring compliance with university policies, regulatory requirements, and funder obligations, while maintaining continuous audit readiness.
• Operations & Process Improvement: Oversees financial administration and workflows across the portfolio, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, improve financial systems, and promote consistent administrative practices.
• People Leadership & Capacity Building: Directly supervises and develops assigned support staff while providing functional financial guidance, coaching, and training to unit leads and administrative teams to strengthen financial knowledge, accountability, and operational effectiveness.

Leadership Competencies

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications.

• Education & Professional Credentials: Completion of a post-secondary degree in a financial, business, or related program. A recognized Professional Accounting Designation will be an asset.
• Financial Management Experience: A minimum of 5 to 7 years, within a university/post secondary institution of directly related, progressive experience in financial management, including comprehensive financial planning, budgeting, modeling, forecasting, and reporting.
• Leadership & People Management: Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and developing staff, as well as providing functional direction and coaching across multi-unit teams-preferably within a public sector, higher education, or unionized environment.
• Financial & Regulatory Stewardship: Proven expertise in financial oversight, accounting methodologies, grant management, internal controls, and ensuring audit readiness in compliance with organizational policies and statutory regulations.
• Strategic & Analytical Skills: Advanced analytical reasoning, decision-making, and project management skills with a proven track record of evaluating complex financial data, prioritizing multiple deliverables, and executing strategic plans.
• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.

Additional Information (MAC)

Position Number 20005789

Reports To Associate Vice-President, Zone Learning and Strategic Initiatives (AVP, ZLSI)

Department Department Office of Zone Learning and Strategic Initiatives Employee Group MAC Vacancy Type Term

This is a current vacancy

Work Location Hybrid Start Date ASAP End Date 1 year from start date Hours of Work 36.25 Grade C52 Salary Scale $87,583 - $139,905 Hiring Salary Range $87,583 - $113,744 TA Specialist Shellee Huie Posting Date November 6, 2026 Application Close Date November 20, 2026

• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform . All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.