Director, Budgets and Resource Planning

About the Department of Financial Services

Mount Royal University’s Financial Services Department is responsible for the accurate and timely capture, analysis and reporting of all financial information for Mount Royal University as well as Mount Royal Foundation, and Mount Royal Day Care.

About the Role

The Director, Budgets & Resource Planning is a senior level management role responsible for development of the multi-year University budgets, forecasts, and other financial planning consistent with University Strategic objectives and leadership of client services from the central finance function across all areas of the University.

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President of Finance, the Director of Budgets & Resource Planning is accountable for comprehensive financial planning and decision support services to all areas of the institution, on all major projects and all operational and evolving program activities; dotted line leadership for faculty and operational financial officers related to their roles in financial planning and reporting; supporting quarterly variance analysis and reporting for Financial Operations to report. The Director of Budgets & Resource Planning prepares budget presentations for the University Finance Committee and Board of Governors. This position works under continuously changing regulatory requirements, and strict deadlines. Constant monitoring of evolving University internal controls to ensure compliance and effectiveness for audit and financial reporting and reputational impact.

Responsibilities:

Budget Development

• Directs the development of the University's multi-year budget and planning process for reliable, strategic financial planning aligned with the University's strategic objectives.
• Directs analysis and development of financial projections for all major components of the University budget including grants, aggregated conditional grant activities, student enrolment levels, tuition and fees revenue, investment income, labor and benefits, capital expenditures, amortization and other material elements of the $282M annual operating budget. This budget analysis and development is critical to ensure sustainable operations of the University through sound projections that are strategically aligned to institutional activities, and are reflective of the economics of the post-secondary sector.
• Directs the analysis of projected activities on all reserve funded activity, financial and budgetary impact support for the University's collective bargaining processes, long term scholarship and bursary planning, donation and endowment-earning supported programs. Budget preparation also includes multi-year cash flow and unrestricted net asset perspectives for the long-term sustainability of University operations.
• Budget development also includes the management of budget systems, providing oversight to the integrity and security of the system and the provision of guidance to all divisions and operations units through the development of their area budgets. Directs the compilation of all budget documentation for reference through the Institutional budget development and decision-making processes for ultimate recommendation of the Budget and 3-year projections to the Board of Governors for approval and inclusion in the university's Annual Report submitted to the Province.
• Participates in multi-year, institution wide enrolment planning and enrolment target setting for sustainment of the provincial targets for education and in line with the institution's strategic objectives in terms of student numbers. Provision of timely, reliable and informative financial reporting to all internal and external decision makers, governments, and related industry bodies for the purpose of operational and strategic decision making.
• Advises on University budget methodology, policy and practices related to overarching financial and budget models considering industry best practice and aligning with the strategic objectives of the University as a whole and taking into consideration the financial and budgetary incentives created by financial policy and budget models employed.

Resource Planning and Client Services

• Leads the Resource Planning and Client Services team, directing the analysis, delivery, development and review of business process and business cases for projects and activities throughout the institution; advise and review on policy compliance and business process revisions, monitor and advise on strategic institutional initiatives for the strengthening of the University's sustainability and financial integrity.
• Directs the strategic support to major institutional initiatives including new projects whether capital or program delivery, service provision changes or process changes within current operating areas. All areas within the University rely on the Resource Planning and Client Services team, as led by the Director, for strategic direction and advice on a variety of business and control challenges and opportunities.
• Supports major University projects and committees, including policy development related to the business and control functions of the institution for inclusion of the strategic, financial, budgetary and business control perspectives of new developments.
• Management of Resource Planning and Client Services Team
• Develop and direct staff through empowerment and information sharing to ensure the correct skills and accountabilities are developed in order for those roles to perform independently.
• Team development to ensure cohesive and efficient working relationships are maintained, although varied job duties exist amongst the various staff members.
• Promote communication and problem solving and critical thinking skills to ensure all staff members can effectively manage their responsibilities, while at the same time ensuring an effective information sharing and advice forum is maintained in order for this role to have full knowledge and maintain confidence in the operations.
• Strategic Planning and Policy Development
• Through collaboration with the management team of Financial Services (AVP and Director of Financial Operations) help define the vision, priorities, objectives for the department in alignment with Institutional strategic objectives, responsible for the executive of sound financial analysis and planning advice to the senior executive.
• Direct and advise on policy and procedure developments for the University and The Mount Royal University Foundation required to ensure strategic long term financial sustainability at the institutional level as well as serving the units within.
• Participate on Provincial committees and attend industry conferences to explore best practice, emerging trends, and collaborative opportunities for the enhancement of technologies and resource savings in the context of the University's long term strategic plans.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• University Bachelor Degree in Commerce with accounting major required
• Chartered Professional Accountant designation required
• University Master Degree of Business Administration preferred
• 10 to 12 years of direct related experience
• Complex accounting expertise for full cycle, financial statement and budget reporting, preferably in the post-secondary industry
• Business experience and awareness for impact and opportunities for MRU given business, economic and regulatory developments
• Leadership skills for a large and diverse complement of staff to lead, mentor, direct and coach for optimal service to the University
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work with limited direction and devise operational processes from broad objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to remain current in technical accounting and managerial knowledge through active learning activities.
• Excellent negotiating, conflict resolution, leadership, managerial, and planning skills
• Ability to work well and manage staff to adhere to strict and tight timelines, through patience, understanding, and a strong work ethic.

Competencies:

MRU Leadership Competencies:

• Have integrity and are inclusive
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Empower others
• Foster growth
• Engage and support others
• Take risks and are innovative

Salary: $124,282.00 - $171,508.00 per annum

Closing Date: Open until suitable candidate is found

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request.