Director, Financial Services

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Oversees the delivery of financial services and provides budgetary oversight for SEAMO and the Faculty of Health Sciences, including: the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, various research projects & research centres, as well as the administration of trusts and endowments.
• Provides strategic advice to the CFAO and to senior management as it relates to the sort and long-term planning, the development of various programs, projects and initiatives. Develops, manages and analyzes financial, statistical, budgetary and staffing information and supports the CFAO in presenting information to internal and external audiences.
• Works with the CFAO to establish the Faculty’s annual budget and staffing strategy. Ensures appropriate data is collected from both internal and external sources, organized, summarized and presented, providing required analysis including complex financial modelling in preparing financial statements and budget reports for the CFAO and Dean.
• Leads the preparation of financial reporting and analysis for the Faculty of Health Sciences and SEAMO. This includes:
o Preparation of FHS and SEAMO year-end financial statements and related detailed analysis of expense and balance sheet components;
o Faculty-wide quarterly variance reporting for SEAMO Governors;
o Monthly and annual management and reconciliation of SEAMO transfer with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC)
• Liaises, consults and advises external agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC), affiliated teaching hospitals (KGH, HDH, PCCC), and research funding agencies on interpretation of policies, standardization of procedures and implementation of new and existing agreements.
• Responsible for all statutory reporting, remittances and reconciliations.
• Plans, prioritizes and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection. Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis. Assesses staff training and development needs, and ensures that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance. Investigates, addresses and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including making decisions regarding disciplinary and discharge matters.
• Establishes and maintains internal control systems and recommends changes as appropriate. Contribute to the development of faculty-wide guidelines and/or policies including those required to facilitate the implementation and operation of re-negotiated SEAMO agreements, or other bodies (i.e. Professional incorporation policies, integration of Ontario Medical Association policies with SEAMO policies).
• Supports Faculty and University financial and accounting policies, maintains internal control systems; liaises with central financial services, as well as, internal and external auditors on financial controls and year-end audit.
• Represents the Faculty by participating in discussions on various university-wide issues and policy formulation. Serves on committees as a representative of the Faculty as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Chartered Professional Accountants CPA designation or ACCA Member
• Undergraduate degree in business or related field.
• 10 or more years of progressively responsible post-designation accounting and senior management experience in a business or university environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard accounting practices, proven budget management skills and account reconciliation experience.
• Experience in research accounting is an asset.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations.
• Knowledge of university financial systems, procedures, policies and regulations will be considered and asset.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Strategic planning, budgeting and financial management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a complex environment, in a collaborative and collegial manner, using highly developed relationship building, to secure commitment and achieve results.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills; ability to deal effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with demonstrated initiative.
• Ability to cope with multiple demands and manage competing priorities.
• Interpretive and analytical skills and well-developed problem solving skills.
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in MS Excel and PeopleSoft.
• Ability to generate sophisticated analysis and financial reports from financial accounting systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and ethical decision-making.

DECISION MAKING:
• Initiate and coordinate the process for developing the annual budget for the Faculty. Make budgetary decisions, determine budget allocations and define mechanisms for budget and risk monitoring that are consistent with established professional principles; authorize expenditures and provide oversight for significant or sensitive financial transactions.
• Define the structure, organization and format for financial reporting for the Faculty.
• Maintain policies and procedures to ensure internal and quality controls.
• Make recommendations for standards, policies and procedures in support of the Faculty and determine requirements to implement change.
• Assess employee training needs and make recommendations for internal or external training.
• Determines analysis required to provide appropriate advice to CFAO, Dean, Associate Deans and Department Heads on financial issues.
• Finds solutions to unanticipated problems within guidelines. Determines how problem and solution will impact budget and staffing.
• Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Assesses investigation outcome of grievances and makes effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Makes effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.
• Maintains a calendar of important deadlines including budget and staffing, submitting funding proposals, and submitting reports, and ensure that they are met.
• Assesses information requests under FIPPA, and determines appropriate response. Consults with the university’s legal counsel for clarification when necessary.

Closing Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.