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Posted: 12/1/25
Deadline: 2/28/26

Laurentian University

Laurentian University is seeking a strategic collaborator and empathetic leader to take on a unique opportunity as Associate Vice-President, Financial Services who will play a key role in the transformation and long-term financial sustainability of the University.

The Organization

Laurentian University is located within the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. The City of Greater Sudbury also includes the traditional lands of the Wahnapitae First Nation. We extend our deepest respect to Indigenous peoples – as a sign of our continued relationship we will support Laurentian University’s Truth and Reconciliation Task Force Recommendations.

Laurentian University currently serves approximately 6,000 students and is one of two bilingual universities in the province of Ontario. Committed to its bilingual, tricultural mandate, Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. The University’s beautiful, forested campus is surrounded by fresh-water lakes, conservation lands and hundreds of kilometres of cross-country and hiking trails while situated in the geographic centre of Greater Sudbury, Northern Ontario’s major urban centre (population 160,000). Laurentian University has close and productive ties to Science North, Sudbury Neutrino Observatory Lab (SNOLAB), Health Sciences North, and multiple post-secondary institutions.

Offered on the university’s beautiful campus as well as remotely, Laurentian’s broad range of programs has garnered top distinction by leading in graduate employment outcomes for more than a decade. Having recently celebrated its 65th anniversary, Laurentian University’s vision for the future is as a university focused on the needs of the north and the communities it serves. The University prepares its graduates to be the next generation of leaders who bring innovative solutions to local and global issues.

The Role

Reporting to the Vice-President, Finance and Administration (VPFA), the Associate Vice-President, Financial Services (AVP) provides expert oversight of the University’s financial health, its financial risk management practices, and financial planning functions. They are responsible for safeguarding and strengthening Laurentian’s financial health through the strategic oversight of financial planning, reporting, financial risk management and internal controls, and financial systems modernization. In addition, the AVP plays a central role in ensuring institutional transparency and stability, particularly during times of change.

The AVP oversees critical functions such as accounting, treasury, budgeting and planning, procurement, and financial systems, and has direct responsibility for investment management and pension fund administration. As a trusted advisor to the VPFA, senior leadership, and the Board of Governors, the AVP provides strategic insight, operational discipline, and clear financial direction during a time of institutional change. They work collaboratively across academic, research and administrative units to modernize policies, processes and systems while strengthening financial planning and forecasting, helping Laurentian become more agile and sustainable.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Finance Leadership – Lead financial planning and forecasting exercises to support institutional priorities. Provide analysis and insight to inform executive decisions and enable long-term sustainability.
• Operations and Compliance – Oversee all core finance functions including accounting, budget, financial reporting and procurement. Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal, and policy frameworks.
• Investment and Risk Oversight – Oversee the university’s investment portfolio and administration of pension plan, ensuring responsible stewardship and alignment with long-term goals. Lead enterprise-wide financial risk management and internal control strategies.
• Policies, Processes and Systems Innovation – Drive continuous improvement through financial systems modernization and the adoption of policies, processes, technology to improve management and compliance reporting, integration, and transparency. Oversee strategic sourcing and procurement processes to deliver value and sustainability.
• Team Management and Culture – Lead a high-performing finance team rooted in service, accountability, and excellence. Promote cross-institutional financial literacy, collaboration, and a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.

The Ideal Candidate

As the ideal candidate, you are a senior financial executive with significant experience in large, complex public (ideally post-secondary) organizations. You are a skilled leader who brings both financial depth and the interpersonal finesse needed to influence and collaborate in a collegial environment. You combine technical expertise with strategic solution thinking and have a deep appreciation for the role of financial stewardship and accountability in enabling mission-driven organizations. You are energized by Laurentian’s tricultural mandate and future potential and are committed to strengthening its impact in Northern Ontario and beyond. You have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring policies, financial governance processes and systems meet the needs of all members of the University community. You are adept at balancing multiple priorities and have a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities within a higher education sector.

Qualifications and Experience

While no single candidate is likely to meet all the criteria in equal measure, the successful candidate will ideally possess:

• A relevant financial designation is required (CPA, CFA), with a degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related discipline.
• Significant senior financial leadership experience, ideally within a university or other similarly complex public sector institution.
• Proven experience in strategic financial management, including financial analysis and budget planning and forecasting.
• Strong working knowledge of Canadian public sector accounting standards, financial reporting frameworks, and audit practices.
• Experience with investment portfolio management and/or pension fund administration.
• Experience overseeing and modernizing policies, processes, financial systems, tools, and reporting capabilities embedding internal controls and automated compliance.
• Familiarity with government, public sector funding models and procurement, or university-specific financial frameworks is a strong asset.
• Experience working with governing boards, external auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Bilingualism in both French and English is an asset.

Attributes and Skills

• A solutions-oriented, strategic thinker with patience and adaptability.
• Exceptional analytical, process-building, and planning skills.
• A persuasive communicator with the ability to translate financial concepts to anyone.
• Deep integrity, with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to establish a workplace culture and where indigeneity, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility is prioritized and apply these lenses to financial and operational decisions.
• Collaborative leadership style rooted in listening, compassion, accountability, and service.
• Calm under pressure, with strong judgment and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Deep appreciation for the values of public education and the unique place that Laurentian holds within Northern Ontario communities.

Why Choose Laurentian?

Along with a competitive salary, eligible employees receive a comprehensive compensation package which includes:

• employer-paid health and dental benefits
• competitive annual paid vacation leave
• flexible or alternative work schedule, including summer hours and an annual employer-paid winter break
• employee and family assistance program
• supportive family-related flexibility and leave programs
• access to a wide array of fitness and recreational amenities

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca or Abbey MacLeod at amacleod@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online at: https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17611434616280000008cuk

Employment Equity at Laurentian

Laurentian University is an inclusive and welcoming community committed to employment equity. Applications are encouraged from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

Laurentian University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact accommodations@kbrs.ca to request accommodation.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

To comply with federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information as to how many applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship; however, all applicants must include one of the following statements: "I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada"; OR "I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada" in their cover letter. Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.