Senior Financial Officer

Under the general direction of the Director of Finance and Planning, the Senior Financial Officer participates in a broad range of planning, budget, monitoring, accounting, analysis, reporting, training and advisory activities to support the effective utilization and management of the Faculty’s financial resources, and to ensure compliance with financial, University and granting agencies policies, procedures and guidelines.


The incumbent participates in the development of OISE’s Operating budget, the 5-Year Plan, and short- and long-term budget strategies; supports departments/units in the preparation and ongoing management of their budgets; monitors budgets; recommends and implements improvements to the budget process; and, performs detailed analysis on financial and business proposals.


The Senior Financial Officer supervises the processing of all daily financial transactions; ensures all year-end activities are scheduled and completed on time; monitors the administration of restricted funds and trust accounts; reviews and assesses existing financial related procedures and work flows; develops and implements accounting procedures; conducts audits to identify risks and recommends solutions; monitors processes to ensure that appropriate financial controls and safeguards are in place; liaises with Internal Audit department and assists with the implementation of audit recommendations; and, resolves discrepancies in accounting procedures and items of a non-routine nature.


The incumbent prepares financial forecasts, projections, reports and analyses; participates in the development and presentation of budget and financial training programs; serves as a resource for OISE’s departments/ units on all financial matters; advises departments/ units on the correct procedures to be followed in accounting matters; guides and assists staff in resolving any accounting issues; interprets financial and University policies and procedures; and, represents the Faculty on various University committees or working groups.


This position supervises the Financial Officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

I. EDUCATION:
University degree, preferably in a commerce or business administration program, and successful completion of a recognized professional accounting program such as CPA or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


II. EXPERIENCE:
Minimum 7 years of related experience in accounting and financial management position, including five years of experience in budgeting and fund accounting, preferably in a University environment. Experience managing employees in a unionized environment.


III. SKILLS:
Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet applications (e.g. Excel); good knowledge of word processing software, preferably Microsoft Word, and financial information systems; sound knowledge of the University’s Administrative Management System (AMS), including HRIS, and particularly FIS; and, knowledge of ROSI and Cognos, an asset. Knowledge of the University’s budgeting and financial processes an asset.

IV. OTHER:
Superior analytical and organizational skills; strong detail orientation; accuracy and thoroughness in completing work. Excellent oral and written communications, interpersonal and presentation skills; strong report development skills. Creative thinker; effective problem-solving skills. Experience assessing, developing and implementing new business processes and procedures. Ability to work under pressure; ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines. Tact; ability to exercise sound judgement on complex issues. Proven self-starter and team player. Demonstrated commitment to service excellence.