Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. Ranked 84^th best university in the world (2014-2015 QS Rankings), the University of Alberta is home to nearly 40,000 students from 147 countries and 15,000 faculty and staff. The University also has over 260,000 alumni worldwide.

The University has an annual budget of more than $1.8 billion and attracts nearly $500 million in sponsored research revenue. It offers nearly 400 rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in 18 faculties on five campuses – including one rural and one francophone campus. The largest of the University of Alberta’s five campuses (by population and in the greatest concentration of activity) is situated adjacent to the spectacular North Saskatchewan River Valley near the Rocky Mountains.

Reporting directly to the President and in consultation on major operational matters with the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Vice-President (Finance and Administration) is the University’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Vice-President plays an integral role in the achievement of the University of Alberta’s vision by overseeing the provision of responsive and accessible institutional services.

The position requires senior level experience leading a multi-faceted team. The Vice-President (Finance and Administration) has a significant range of clearly defined financial and human resource functions and responsibilities – there is an expectation that he/she have significant financial acumen to maintain the highest financial standards while also leading services to enhance a diverse and specialized workforce. He/she will take a lead on the Board of Trustees for the universities of Alberta pension plan (UAPP), requiring the Vice President (Finance and Administration) to have knowledge in pension plan policy and administration, investment strategies and financial products.  He/she will also oversee the full range of budget and financial duties, and will be called upon to prepare management strategies on issues of financial risk.  The Vice-President (Finance and Administration) will also build good relations in government, and be the go-to expert and ‘visible face’ on questioning process and effecting positive change.

The Vice-President (Finance and Administration) will:

• Act as Chief Financial Officer for the University, and ensure the current and long-term effectiveness of all financial functions of the organization including: accounting; accountability framework; asset and debt management; financial statements; insurance; risk and safety management; resource planning; staff and student payments; administrative information systems; supply management chain; and audit
• Oversee the development of financial, human resource and administrative systems with comprehensive policies and procedures that function in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and provide efficient services to the University Community
• Oversee the preparation, management, monitoring, and communication of the consolidated University of Alberta budget to the campus community
• Work well in collaboration with student association executives to establish transparency and consultation on matters relating to student fees and services
• In collaboration with the Executive Team, maintain good working relationships with the provincial government to sustain the overall efficacy of the University
• Proactively assess enterprise-wide risk in the University’s financial and administrative policies, processes and procedures as the person primarily responsible for risk identification and management
• Ensure the University community has a safe place to disclose suspected fraudulent, irregular, discriminatory or harassing activities. Where appropriate, support the investigation/ examination of suspect activities
• Provide leadership in the area of pension and benefit design, maintenance and administration for all staff categories; act as the Board of Governors sponsor representative for the UAPP
• As the Vice-President with the primary responsibility for non-academic human resources, oversee all matters with respect to non-academic affairs, including contract management and negotiations
• Ensure institutional, financial and human resource reporting capabilities that provide timely and relevant information for management decision-making across campus
• Build a senior team within his/her portfolio committed to fulfilling the vision, goals and priorities necessary to ensure the long-term success of the Portfolio and the University
• Participate as an active member of the President’s executive committee to establish institutional vision and goals, and to effectively communicate and organize to achieve those goals
• As a member of senior administration, participate actively on Board and other committees relating to the areas of mandated responsibility
• Carry out other responsibilities as set out in policies and procedures approved by GFC and/or the Board of Governors
• Operationalize the University’s various strategic documents as they pertain to the portfolio

 

The ideal candidate:

• Possesses a degree in Business, Economics, or a related discipline; a Master’s degree is preferred, combined with a professional designation (e.g. CA, CPA, CMA, CGA)
• Has a minimum of 15 years progressive experience in an academic or competitive business environment
• Has a minimum of five years of experience at a senior leadership level demonstrating leadership skills and success in developing a vision and leading people to achieve exemplary performance and outcomes
• Possesses excellent knowledge of the Treasury function and working knowledge of investment management
• Demonstrates the ability to influence, lead and inspire others to achieve operational goals
• Has developed strong verbal and written communication skills
• Is a dynamic, enthusiastic team player and community who adapts well to change
• Exhibits innovative problem-solving abilities; motivated to achieve continuous improvement
• Demonstrates the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels within the organization
• Dedication to the academic aspirations of the University and its community
• A reputation for being a consultative leader who builds and maintains relationships through collaboration, consensus, and collegiality
• Depth in strategic thinking, evidence-based decision making, and ability to make difficult decisions
• Vision for the future and an ability to persuasively communicate to achieve desired goals

 

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package and annual salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To explore this exciting opportunity further call Boyden Global Executive Search firm at 403-410-6700 or submit your cover letter, CV and contact details to opportunities@boyden.com. The Committee will begin considering candidates in May 2016; however, the competition will remain open until filled.