Associate Director, Budget Efficiencies

at  McGill University

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Position Summary:
Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategy and Operations, the Associate Director, Budget Efficiencies is responsible for driving the financial sustainability and budgetary effectiveness of the Administration and Finance area. The incumbent will work to align sub-unit budgets with the University’s strategic objectives, while actively minimizing inefficiencies, waste, and duplication of efforts in finance processes. The Associate Director will work collaboratively with the Analysis, Planning and Budget unit and the senior leadership of Administration and Finance units to optimize resource allocation, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement best practices in budget management. The incumbent will play a vital role in fostering a culture of financial responsibility and sustainability across the Administration and Finance sector.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee budget of the OVPAF and monitor the overall budget for the Administration and Finance area. Lead scenario planning, complete financial forecasting and cost benefit analysis and monitor financial performance of the Administration and Finance area. Develop financial models to assess the impact of new initiatives and support decision making processes under the purview of the Vice-President, Administration and Finance.
• Ensure that all units and budgets within Administration and Finance are strategically aligned with the university’s short and long-term goals.
• Analyze financial data and resource allocation to identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Serve as a liaison with Analysis, Planning and Budget and sub-units, to facilitate budget planning, execution, and monitoring. Collaborate with sub-unit senior leadership to ensure financial objectives are met.
• Prepare and present regular reports on budget performance, financial results of Administration and Finance efficiency initiatives, and cost-saving measures to senior leadership, highlighting areas of success and opportunities for further improvement.
• Assess requests to commence projects which fall outside of usual governance processes and collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify sources of funding.
• Evaluate financial scenarios for projects and initiatives, collaborating with internal stakeholders as necessary, and make recommendations to the Vice-President, Administration and Finance.
• Participate in the preparation of documents for meetings of the standing committees of the Board of Governors and participate in the preparation of reports submitted to the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur.
• Identify budgets and financing requirements for the preparation of internal term sheets.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial policies and regulations while promoting the adoption of best practices in budgeting and resource management across sub-units.
• Provide guidance to sub-unit and office staff on budgeting processes, financial planning and processes, and efficiency strategies.
• Manage a team of professional staff.
• On behalf of the Office of the Vice-President, Administration and Finance, attend working group meetings.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Financial management and deep-dive analytical skills.
• Experience in developing and administering a budget.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into a cohesive financial plan and ability to develop and implement new processes and/or systems.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience using Banner FIS (including the budget module)
• Demonstrated experience working with information of a sensitive and confidential nature.
• Result-oriented with excellent interpersonal to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders at all levels.
• Client focused and proven attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Experience working within an academic environment is a strong asset.

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at level 3 on a scale of 0-3.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree 5 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary:
(MPEX Grade 07) $88,830.00 - $111,040.00 - $133,250.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-FIN3B - Accounting - Senior Professional/Manager
Hours per Week:
33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Senior Director, Strategy and Operations
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
2025-02-10
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,
accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

• Oversee budget of the OVPAF and monitor the overall budget for the Administration and Finance area. Lead scenario planning, complete financial forecasting and cost benefit analysis and monitor financial performance of the Administration and Finance area. Develop financial models to assess the impact of new initiatives and support decision making processes under the purview of the Vice-President, Administration and Finance.
• Ensure that all units and budgets within Administration and Finance are strategically aligned with the university’s short and long-term goals.
• Analyze financial data and resource allocation to identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Serve as a liaison with Analysis, Planning and Budget and sub-units, to facilitate budget planning, execution, and monitoring. Collaborate with sub-unit senior leadership to ensure financial objectives are met.
• Prepare and present regular reports on budget performance, financial results of Administration and Finance efficiency initiatives, and cost-saving measures to senior leadership, highlighting areas of success and opportunities for further improvement.
• Assess requests to commence projects which fall outside of usual governance processes and collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify sources of funding.
• Evaluate financial scenarios for projects and initiatives, collaborating with internal stakeholders as necessary, and make recommendations to the Vice-President, Administration and Finance.
• Participate in the preparation of documents for meetings of the standing committees of the Board of Governors and participate in the preparation of reports submitted to the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur.
• Identify budgets and financing requirements for the preparation of internal term sheets.
• Ensure compliance with applicable financial policies and regulations while promoting the adoption of best practices in budgeting and resource management across sub-units.
• Provide guidance to sub-unit and office staff on budgeting processes, financial planning and processes, and efficiency strategies.
• Manage a team of professional staff.
• On behalf of the Office of the Vice-President, Administration and Finance, attend working group meetings