Financial Planning Consultant - (01325.13)

Thompson Rivers University; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 87,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Canada is seeking a Financial Planning Consultant to enhance financial strategies and support decision-making for academic and administrative success. The role includes developing budgets, collaborating with leaders, and ensuring financial effectiveness. Candidates should have extensive accounting experience, preferably with a CPA designation. This position offers excellent benefits including health coverage and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous vacation and leave options

Employer-paid comprehensive health coverage

Pension plan

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience in developing budgets, forecasts, and financial statements.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning and budget development.
• Provide strategic advice on resource allocation.
• Monitor financial effectiveness and efficiency.

Skills

Advanced experience with complex reconciliations

Financial analysis skills

Excellent oral and written communication

Education

Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial reporting and budget tools

Job description

Are you ready to make a real impact on the future of Thompson Rivers University? As a Financial Planning Consultant, you’ll be at the heart of shaping strategic decisions that drive academic and administrative success. This is more than just numbers — it’s about building strong partnerships with leaders across campus, offering trusted guidance, and creating financial strategies that support innovation and long-term growth. You’ll have the opportunity to influence big-picture planning, collaborate with dynamic teams, and bring your expertise to an environment that values initiative, fresh ideas, and continuous improvement.

The Financial Planning Consultant plays a key role in supporting the financial health and strategic priorities of Faculties, Schools, and Divisions (FSDs). This position provides expertise in financial planning and budgeting, financial analysis, financial statement review, issue resolution, and general financial and business advice.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leading effective financial planning, analysis, and budget development to help portfolio leaders align and allocate resources with FSD and institutional goals.
• Partnering with the Financial Reporting team to ensure budget guidance and advice adhere to generally accepted accounting principles.
• Supporting the preparation of year-end financial statement working papers.

Professionalism, sound judgment, and the highest level of confidentiality are essential in handling sensitive information, reviews, and analyses.

Organization and Structure

The Financial Planning and Analysis department serves as the first point of contact for all budget-related matters within FSDs. Reporting directly to the Manager, Financial Planning & Budget, the Financial Planning Consultant works closely with senior academic and administrative leaders (Provost, VP A&F, Deans, AVPs, Directors, etc.) to deliver strategic and operational financial support.

As a trusted partner, the Financial Planning Consultant provides comprehensive advice across all facets of financial management, working collaboratively with the Financial Reporting team to ensure accuracy and consistency. Consultants also play a central role in developing and implementing best-practice financial planning processes, policies, and systems that enable leaders to make informed decisions.

Success in this role depends on the ability to build strong, strategic partnerships, understand the unique challenges of each faculty, school, and department, and provide coaching and guidance grounded in best practice and accounting principles. Operating with a high level of independence, the Financial Planning Consultant brings motivation, critical thinking, professional judgment, and initiative to every aspect of their work.

Why TRU?

At Thompson Rivers University, we offer outstanding benefits—from generous vacation and leave options to employer paid comprehensive health coverage, pension plan, and professional development opportunities.

Why Kamloops?

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Developing short and long-range financial plans to optimize the portfolio's financial effectiveness in alignment with the portfolio and institutional strategic goals.
2. Advising academic and administrative leaders within respective portfolio on strategic, budget, appropriate accounting treatment in conjunction with the Financial Reporting department, resource and staffing decision-making.
3. Managing the coordination and review of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for all units within assigned portfolio
4. Providing strategic advice on the effective and efficient use of financial and human resources to portfolio that is consistent with organizational objectives
5. Establishing and monitoring relevant financial indicators for each unit in the portfolio.
6. Monitoring the overall financial effectiveness and efficiency of all FSDs within assigned portfolio, in consultation with the Deans, AVPs and Directors.
7. Providing advice on the application of financial policies and procedures.
8. Serving as liaison between the FSDs and Finance Department on all financial matters and dissemination of information.
9. Providing financial advice, support and assistance to FSD staff.
10. Participating in the evaluation and implementation of systems and tools
11. Providing mentoring and education for FSD staff
12. Participating in the development and delivery of campus wide training initiatives
13. Working in collaboration with other Financial Planning Consultants to share knowledge, best practices, and opportunities for improving efficiencies.
14. Train new Budget Officers on processes and procedures
15. Keeping abreast of issues pertaining to units within the portfolio, including participation on University committees.

Reports to

Manager, Financial Planning and Budget

Required Knowledge/Skills

Qualifications & Experience:

• Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive accounting experience in a computerized environment, including expertise in developing budgets, forecasts, spreadsheets, analytical reports, and financial statements.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered; however, preference will be given to candidates holding a CPA designation.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Advanced experience with complex reconciliations and analysis of large amounts of financial and other data.
• Experience with integrated financial reporting and budget tools and models.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and utilize complex spreadsheets and financial models.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to translate budget and financial data and scenarios in non-technical terms to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong skills at providing positive and improved customer service
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including ability to determine priorities, be self-directed, and work with minimal supervision.
• Experience in an academic or complex professional environment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and short time lines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to independently apply knowledge of policies and procedures.

Pay Band: $87,001.00 - $99,151.00 (Admin Pay Band BH)

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment:

Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.