Controller, Vancouver Campus

at  Fairleigh Dickinson University

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the direction of the Deputy Campus Executive, this position manages and directs the accounting, accounts payable, and other financial reporting functions relating to compliance for external organizations such as DQAB. The Controller, Vancouver Campus (Controller) assists both the Campus Executive and Deputy Campus Executive with the budgeting functions, financial planning and forecasting, evaluating departmental and University financial performance against budget and goals, cost/benefit analysis, banking activities and relationships, financial compliance, and bidding for services. The Controller must embrace technology, be an outstanding communicator, and be flexible and adept at managing multiple projects at once.

Required Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree and CPA designation required.
• A minimum of seven years of accounting and/or auditing experience required. Experience in a post-secondary environment preferred.
• Experience managing automated financial system operations and applications.
• Must demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and management skills and ability to work with diverse groups.
• Canadian residency or work permit required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to comprehend, interpret and evaluate policies, procedures, laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to deal with matters of a highly confidential nature and extreme public and political sensitivity, using sound judgment and discretion.
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency with spreadsheet (Excel), word processing (Word), and other software and technology.
• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Candidates for hire will be required to sign a waiver authorizing the background check and produce a Social Insurance Number

1. Manages and directs accounting and accounts payable functions.
2. Manages and directs the financial reporting. Ensures compliance with standards issued by the, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, Department of Education and other agencies such as the BC Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB).
3. Manages and directs the proper recording, analysis, presentation of financial information to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
4. Oversees the proper accounting and analysis of external and internal grant accounts, gifts, scholarship funds, and restricted accounts.
5. Develops, promotes, and follows sound policies and procedures in the conduct of the University’s business and financial affairs. Monitors and evaluates financial programs on an ongoing basis to ensure their effectiveness.
6. Trains and develops staff on a continuing basis. Oversees finance related training sessions for other departments.
7. Prudently and consistently strives to achieve effective management of university resources. Promotes accountability and proper stewardship of all University funds.
8. Prepares formal written reports and participates in report presentations/reviews, as needed. Provides financial information and analyses to the Campus Executive, Deputy Campus Executive, and other University leaders as appropriate. Communicates and interacts effectively with all levels of management, staff, Trustees and external agencies.
9. Works with various departments to gather data and other information while maintaining data quality and data protection. Works in a collaborative effort to be able to process data to make informed decisions and recommendations.
10. Assists the Deputy Campus Executive with the budgeting function which includes planning sessions, issuing planning guidelines, preparation of input, departmental reviews and preparation of final draft budget and development of financial targets. Assists with obtaining explanations of budget variances and development of remedial action plans with responsible managers. Assists with budget revisions and development of forecasts.
11. Assists the Deputy Campus Executive in maintaining external financial relationships of the University with banks and other financial institutions.
12. Aids with the University’s insurance and risk management program.
13. Has signatory authority over Vancouver campus accounts and funding systems.
14. Serves on various committees of the University as required. Participates in professional associations to stay current with developments, trends, and practices.
15. Continuously monitors best practices in the industry, along with focusing on internal process improvements. Keeps abreast of University policies and procedures, along with changes in local, provincial, and federal laws, as applicable. Maintains current knowledge of all accounting issues affecting higher education.
16. Performs other special assignments as directed by the Deputy Campus Executive.

Required Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree and CPA designation required.
• A minimum of seven years of accounting and/or auditing experience required. Experience in a post-secondary environment preferred.
• Experience managing automated financial system operations and applications.
• Must demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and management skills and ability to work with diverse groups.
• Canadian residency or work permit required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to comprehend, interpret and evaluate policies, procedures, laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to deal with matters of a highly confidential nature and extreme public and political sensitivity, using sound judgment and discretion.
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency with spreadsheet (Excel), word processing (Word), and other software and technology.
• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Candidates for hire will be required to sign a waiver authorizing the background check and produce a Social Insurance Number.

Hours Worked Posting Date: 10/30/2024 Special Instructions to Applicants: Application Types Accepted: Application for Employmen