Financial Officer

University of Waterloo; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Financial Officer to manage financial matters within a prominent academic institution. This role involves overseeing the administration of budgets, providing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with financial policies. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in financial management and a strong understanding of academic financial administration. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to strategic planning and resource allocation in a collaborative environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join a team dedicated to excellence and making a meaningful impact in the field of education.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive financial management experience required.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of financial software essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administration of the School's operating budget.
• Provide financial analysis for strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and guidelines.

Skills

Financial Management

Budgeting

Financial Reporting

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in business or accounting

Canadian accounting designation (CPA, CA, CMA)

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

MS Outlook

Access

Unit 4

CONCUR

SharePoint

Job description

Overview

Term: 16 months

The Financial Officer is responsible for the day-to-day administration of financial matters and for the provision of financial reports and analyses that support the effective and efficient management of School of Pharmacy finances. This includes all operating, research, trust and endowment accounts. The Financial Officer provides accurate and up-to-date financial information and advice in support of the School’s strategic planning and resource allocation decisions, and is responsible for the financial processes within the School. The incumbent acts as the primary resource for School staff, faculty and students on financial matters.

The Financial Officer provides direction to the Administrative Coordinator & Financial Assistant in performing the financial responsibilities associated with that portfolio. The Financial Officer takes direction from and works closely with the Faculty Financial Officer (Science) in ensuring the integrity of financial processes and practices in terms of conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and University of Waterloo policies and guidelines.

Responsibilities

Financial Management and Internal Control – Operational

• Responsible for administration of the School’s operating budget
• Responsible for making recommendations on School expenses
• Responsible for forecasting future expenditure needs
• Ensures integrity of Pharmacy financial reporting structure and coding of revenue and expense transactions
• Prepares internal monthly management financial reports
• In consultation with the Faculty Financial Officer, prepares reports for the Dean of Science, as required
• Reviews monthly financial information and raises potential issues; takes corrective action where required
• Develops the School’s annual operating budget for submission to the Dean of Science, in consultation with the Administrative Officer and the Director; works with the Faculty Financial Officer to ensure Pharmacy’s adherence to Faculty of Science requirements in terms of information provided and presentation of information
• Ensures strong internal financial controls ensuring compliance with University financial policies, guidelines and procedures
• Conducts regular audit and review of financial procedures and processes within the School and provides direction to ensure financial accountability
• Oversees all personal reimbursement requests and the Faculty Professional Expense Reimbursement (FPER) program to ensure accuracy, compliance and eligibility
• Oversees management of P-Card processes in the School of Pharmacy
• Conducts monthly reconciliation of accounts, including salary accounts
• Implements new financial initiatives within the School, as required
• Responsible for the School’s trust and endowment funds, including related internal monitoring and reporting
• Participates in ad hoc financial projects, including financial forecasting and business plans for new initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

Financial Management and Internal Control – Research

• Responsible for supporting Principle Investigators (PIs) in the financial administration of research grants and contracts in accordance with relevant University policies and negotiated sponsor agreements
• Responsible for research compliance authorization in the School of Pharmacy for transactions under $3,000
• Supports researchers with management of their research accounts, and provides direction and training, as required
• Monitors research accounts and reports on potential issues such as accounts in deficit
• Provides direction to research groups and/or centres within the School of Pharmacy on establishing financial structures compliant with School requirements and UW policies, guidelines and procedures
• Advises on the development and review of budgets vis-à-vis research proposals and grant applications

Strategic Planning

• Provides financial analysis to the School’s senior management in support of current and long range strategic planning inclusive of multi-year projections as required
• Works with senior management in the development of business plans for the School (e.g., program expansion) to assess financial viability and sustainability; provides input into financial forecasting as required

Education, Training and Development

• Communicates financial information, such as policies, guidelines and procedures, to staff, faculty and students of the School
• Provides training to staff and faculty engaged in financial activity in the School (e.g., CONCUR, Unit 4)

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business, accounting or related discipline; equivalent combination of education and experience
• Canadian accounting designation (CPA, CA, CMA) required
• Minimum 5 years progressive financial management experience in financial reporting, internal control, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and accounting
• Thorough understanding of financial administration in an academic environment
• Excellent judgement of the relevance and confidentiality of financial data
• Strong computer skills; MS Word, Outlook, Excel [Expert], Access [Intermediate]; Unit 4, CONCUR, SharePoint
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and demands with a high level of initiative; accuracy and detail

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.