Associate Director Finance Operations (Controller)

OKANAGAN COLLEGE

Okanagan College transforms lives and communities.  We are one of Canada's leading colleges.  We create outstanding educational experiences for our learners, both students and employees.  We work and learn in a welcoming and caring culture.  We are a catalyst for change through collaboration with our learners and partners.  We serve, lead and anticipate the social, economic and environmental needs of communities.

 

 

Position Title:

Associate Director Finance Operations

Competition Number:

C002607

Division/Portfolio:

Financial Services

Department/Program:

Finance Department

Campus/Centre:

Kelowna

Flexible Work Options:

Eligible for Hybrid Work

 

 

Your Opportunity:

Under the general direction of the Director, Financial Services the Associate Director oversees the College’s financial systems, ensuring effective operational management. This includes financial reporting, financial analysis, cash analysis, cash flow, capital management, and the establishment of robust internal controls. The role also emphasizes the adoption of best accounting practices aligned with Okanagan College's, strategic plan.

The Associate Director collaboratively ensures the sound and efficient administration of the College’s financial matters. Comprehensive expertise in Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS), Canadian Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations (ASNPO), and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations is required.

 

Education and Experience:

Completion of a degree and the Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation.10 years’ directly related, progressive experience including 5 years in a supervisory or management position

 

Functions and Duties:

1. Financial Management and Reporting
• Overall responsibility for Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Accounting activities, and Financial Reporting.
• Reviews, approves and ensures financial reporting deadlines are met both externally and internally as it relates to operations.
• Ensures the necessary support systems are established to meet reporting requirements and to comply with PSAS, ASNPO, Collective Agreements, and College policies.
• Oversees the year-end audit process and results and manages the external auditor relationship.

2. Strategic Planning and Project Leadership
• Provides leadership on projects that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes and procedures as they relate to financial resources.
• Assists with the development of the Department’s strategic and unit plan, keeps the Director informed of emerging issues, and makes decisions on daily operating or strategic responses.
• Identifies and measures entrepreneurial, revenue-generating opportunities for the College.
• Establishes strategic priorities and projects with the Director to ensure the department is effective and efficient.
• Conducts research, compiles relevant data, analyzes the results, and presents to Executive on various special projects. Responsible for developing and implementing the system, procedures, or controls once approved.

3. Policy Development and Compliance
• Authorizes expenditures within the Finance Department budget and authorizes college-wide financial transactions according to the college’s Signing Authority Policy and Matrix.
• Ensures financial policies and procedures are developed, implemented, and adhered to college-wide.
• Interprets and provides direction for all levels of the organization with regard to the application of policies, procedures and practices, and related employment legislation and regulations.
• Recommends revisions and/or clarification of pay-related issues in the collective agreements in consultation with the Director.
• Provides training to management in the use of available financial reporting tools to help the departments effectively manage their financial affairs.

4. Relationship and Partnership Management
• Creates and maintains strategic business relationships to promote the mission and goals of the College.
• Acts as a resource to the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board, to the Executive, and to the Foundation.
• Maintains effective working relationships with the provincial government, other external regulatory bodies, as well as, management within Okanagan College.
• Provides support coverage for Associate Director of Financial Planning and the Procurement Manager.
• Participates in OC Committees and various ad-hoc committees, teams, and task forces.

5. Personnel and Staff Development
• Supervises and directs administrative and support staff and responsible for all personnel-related matters including recruitment, orientation, training, assignments, workload, monitoring quality and timelines, managing employee performance through feedback, performance objectives, and professional development recommendations.
• Provides mentoring of overall staff by establishing a respectful working environment, developing succession planning, coaching, and encouraging high ethical standards and teamwork.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated positive leadership, supervisory, and managerial capabilities with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Precision-focused, showcasing a commitment to accuracy and thoroughness in all financial tasks.
• Superior organizational abilities, coupled with effective time management and multitasking skills.
• Advanced problem-solving proficiency, equipped with a proactive mindset to anticipate and mitigate potential issues.
• Expertise in project management, ensuring timely completion while balancing multiple priorities.
• Proficient in strategic visioning, with an ability to conceptualize and implement long-term goals.
• Strong business modelling acumen, combined with in-depth financial analysis capabilities.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, facilitating clear and concise interactions at all organizational levels.
• Collaborative team member, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Proficiency in building and nurturing professional business relationships both internally and externally.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, always seeking opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Ethical judgment and integrity, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness in all financial transactions and interactions.
• Aptitude for continuous learning, staying updated with current financial regulations, and industry best practices.
• Resilient under pressure, maintaining composure and focus in high-stakes or rapidly changing situations.
• Strong understanding of Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS), Canadian Accounting Standards for Non-Profit Organizations (ASNPO), and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations.
• Proficient in leveraging technology, especially financial software and tools, to optimize processes and improve efficiency.
• This enhanced list incorporates a blend of soft and hard skills tailored to the intricate requirements of the Associate Director's role, emphasizing both leadership qualities and technical expertise.

 

 

 

Appointment Type:

Exempt - Continuing Full-time

Appointment Start Date:

01/08/2024

Schedule:

Monday - Friday. This position is open to a hybrid working model, 2 days working from home

 

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate:

Range $96,164 to $141,041. Typical Hiring Range $115,398 to $128,219.

 

 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Working at Okanagan College

At Okanagan College, our people are our greatest asset. They are the foundation behind our welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable learning and work environment. Our valued employees can expect an attractive compensation package, including a pension, paid vacation and sick leave, health and wellness benefits, funding for professional development, and exclusive merchant discounts. We take pride in acknowledging accomplishments and excellence through our annual Employee Excellence Awards. Our passion for learning is evident through the annual Connections Conference, an event led by our own colleagues. Our flexible work environment accommodates various arrangements, and while at the Kelowna campus, our employees can connect with colleagues over coffee at our Cafes or at the Infusion restaurant. Join us and be part of Okanagan College experience, where your career is sure to be fulfilling and enriching.

 

 

Posting Opening Date:

11/08/2023

Posting Closing Date:

Open Until Filled

 

 

APPLICATIONS:

To apply for this position, please go to our employment site: https://www.employmentopportunities.okanagan.bc.ca and complete an on-line application. 

All applications must be submitted through our employment site to be considered.

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, AccessibilityHR@okanagan.bc.ca