Senior Financial Services Consultant - Kamloops, Canada - Thompson Rivers University

Description

DUTIES

General Accountability:
Prepares and provides financial plans, financial analysis, variance analysis, special reports, and provides strategic, confidential advice to relevant University stakeholders, such as the Executive. Deans, AVP's, Directors & Managers. Acts as a resource for Financial Planning and Reporting team(s) as well as University stakeholders. A high degree of professionalism and strict confidentiality is required.

Organization and Structure:
This position works closely with other members of Financial Services team to achieve the strategic and operational goals of the Financial Services division and the University. Specifically, the team works together to prepare financial statements, analysis, internal and external reporting, budgets, forecasts, review and implement new systems, business processes, and internal controls.

Nature and Scope:
The Senior Financial Services Consultant provides comprehensive, strategic and operational advice, guidance and support in all facets of Financial Management and Financial Planning to academic and administrative leaders across campus. The scope of the position includes coordination of the full range of external/internal reporting, year-end preparation, government and agency reporting and assist with the maintenance and integration of financial systems. The position will develop key internal and external relationships and assist in process reviews and general accounting functions.

To be successful, the incumbent requires a high degree of motivation, critical thinking, independence, judgement, tact and diplomacy and well-polished communication and interpersonal skills. In addition, the incumbent needs to have significant knowledge and experience in Canadian GAAP (PSAS, IFRS and ASPE), financial reporting and business processes.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, forecasts and budgets, a variety of financial and legislated reports to government, agencies, internal and external stakeholders for the University and related parties as required.
2. Acting as a resource, within Financial Services, by providing direction and coordination on the preparation of year-end financial statements and working papers and forecasts and budgets.
3. Provides advice and research on the application of financial policies, procedure, Canadian GAAP (PSAS, IFRS, ASPE) and legislative requirements.
4. Develop processes to provide accurate management information in a timely manner to the University community, and federal and provincial stakeholders
5. Implements appropriate processes for accounting, budgetary control, and reporting for all capital projects.
6. Analysis, forecasting and monitoring of TRU revenues & expenditures.
7. Serving as liaison with internal departments, managers and external agencies on financial matters, interpretation financial reports and dissemination of information.
8. Responsible for the bookkeeping and financial reporting requirements of external related entities (including but not limited to the TRU Foundation, TRUCT, TRULCS).
9. Participating in the evaluation and implementation of systems and tools.
10. Working in collaboration with other members of Financial Planning team to share knowledge, best practices, and opportunities for improving efficiencies.
11. Keeping abreast of issues pertaining to the University and FSD's, including participation on University committees.
12. Providing mentoring and education for University staff
13. Other duties, reports or assignments as delegated or assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
Qualifications & Experience:

• Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and 7 years of progressive accounting experience in a computerized environment including experience in developing spreadsheets, budgets and forecasts, analytical reports and financial statements.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Advanced experience with complex reconciliations and analysis of large amounts of financial and other data.
• Experience with integrated financial reporting and budget tools and models.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and utilize complex spreadsheets and financial models.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to translate budget and financial data and scenarios in non-technical terms to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong skills at providing positive and improved customer service
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including ability to determine priorities, be self-directed, and work with minimal supervision.
• Experience in an academic or complex professional environment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and short time lines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to independently apply knowledge of policies and procedures.