Financial Officer

Western University; London; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in London, Ontario, seeks a Financial Officer responsible for managing financial administration related to fundraising and alumni activities. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in finance or accounting, with knowledge of best practices and compliance standards. The position involves collaboration across departments to enhance financial efficiency and support institutional goals.

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in a financial or accounting role.
• Experience in a public sector or educational institution preferred.
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial records for fundraising and alumni engagement activities.
• Monitor business processes and develop new procedures.
• Provide day-to-day financial support to various departments.

Skills

Financial budgeting

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Undergraduate Degree in Business Management/Administration or Accounting

Chartered Professional Accountant (asset)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade 15: $70,000 - $87,000, commensurate with experience.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Western Advancement division plays a leading role in strengthening awareness of and support for the University’s mission and goals by leading alumni relations and fundraising efforts across campus and beyond. All departments within the Division build enduring alumni and public trust through understanding and support for Western University in a coordinated campus-wide effort that results in the engagement and funding needed to make an impact. There are 3 departments within the Division – Departments of Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations.

The Advancement Operations department is a partner in the areas of constituent database and technology services, prospect management, research and pipeline, data analytics and storytelling, gift and pledge management, records and document management, and financial reconciliation and reporting. In addition, we provide support to the annual planning process as well as budget management, human resources and facilities support for Western Advancement.

An integral part of Advancement Operations, the Finance team is responsible for the management of the financial records for all fundraising and alumni engagement activities. This unit ensures all University’s financial policies and processes are followed, provides gift processing and alumni services, cash management, gift receipting, and pledge fulfilment services according to CRA and gift counting practices. The unit also supports all financial reconciliation processes, accounts payable, credit card tracking, and expense reimbursement submissions for all departments across Western Advancement. In addition, they are responsible for the Western Advancement’s budget planning and reporting processes, Campaign KPI reporting, benchmarking submissions and year-end audit and T3010 requirements.

Responsibilities

The Financial Officer is accountable for the effective management and financial administration of fundraising and alumni engagement activity within Western Advancement. The role will ensure the safekeeping of fundraising assets, and maintain compliance to institutional policies and procedures, as well as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines. The Financial Officer will provide comprehensive advice on financial procedures and support day-to-day management of budget administration, as required. The Financial Officer will monitor current financial business processes, and assist with the development and implementation of new and revised processes to support continuous improvement, and the mitigation of financial and operational risk to the University. The Financial Officer is accountable for delivering on the day-to-day financial support services to the Western Advancement division as well as various faculties, departments and affiliated foundations.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree with a major in Business Management/Administration or Accounting
• Chartered Professional Accountant is an asset

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience in a financial or accounting role
• Experience in a public sector or educational institution preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of financial budgeting, financial analysis and planning
• Familiarity with best practices for assessing, developing and implementing new business processes and procedures
• Knowledge of accounting standards for not-for-profits and of complex reporting and accounting issues
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP)
• Strong eye for compliance, with a core understanding of the donor perspective when preparing reports
• Analytical skills in the areas of financial and business management
• Ability to effectively drive and manage change initiatives that align with organizational strategies and/or provide opportunities to increase efficiency
• Communication skills with the ability to converse with, write reports for, and deliver presentations to all levels of the organization
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Decision making skills to provide solutions that are consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to collect and discern relevant data to create reports and recommendations
• Ability to analyze exposures and make recommendations to decrease financial risk
• Adapts readily and effectively to changing priorities and demands
• Ability to take responsibility for own work and ensure that deadlines are met and outcomes are achieved
• Computer skills with the ability to train others in system usage
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to organize and effectively manage financial resources needed to achieve results
• Ability to provide strategic analysis and recommendations for designing and implementing new and changing administrative and financial processes
• Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone [phone].

Please Note:

Interested applicants are asked to visit: https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #40814 by 11:59PM on October 15, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.