Senior Financial Operations Leader

University of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 76,104 - 96,135; Full time

Job summary

University of Ottawa seeks a senior financial leader to oversee daily financial operations within Student Affairs and related sectors. You will provide senior level advice to support long‑term planning and supervise a team handling budgets, payroll, procurement and reporting.

Required are accounting expertise, 5+ years in a similar role, bilingual French/English, and strong analytical and communication skills. This role contributes to university‑wide financial strategy and compliance.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles normally acquired through postsecondary studies.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Bilingualism: French and English (spoken and written) with proficiency level LAL or higher.
• Knowledge of financial systems, spreadsheets, databases, Internet and e‑mail.
• Professional accounting designation is an asset.
• Experience in supervision.
• Experience in strategic planning.
• Experience in budget planning, control and analysis.
• Experience in analyzing reports and presenting insights.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies and regulations.
• Ability to produce high quality work under pressure with strict deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and high discretion.

Responsibilities

• Budget: oversee budgets and analyze variances; define sector priorities and KPIs.
• Financial: manage ongoing transaction processes and ensure policy compliance.
• Purchasing: approve procurement for the sector ensuring contract compliance.
• Payroll: verify payroll for all employee groups and reconcile with budgets.
• Processes: design and improve work methods and monitor compliance.
• Records management: maintain confidential, auditable filing systems.
• Reporting: prepare complex cost/benefit and financial performance reports.
• Supervision: supervise administrative staff and guide priorities.

Skills

Accounting principles

5+ years of experience

Bilingual: French & English

Financial systems knowledge

Spreadsheets

Databases

Professional accounting designation (D

Education

Postsecondary studies in accounting

Professional accounting designation (asset)

Tools

Financial software

Spreadsheets

Databases

Internet & Email

Job description

University of Ottawa seeks a senior financial leader to oversee daily financial operations within Student Affairs and related sectors. You will provide senior level advice to support long‑term planning and supervise a team handling budgets, payroll, procurement and reporting.

Required are accounting expertise, 5+ years in a similar role, bilingual French/English, and strong analytical and communication skills. This role contributes to university‑wide financial strategy and compliance.