Description
The University of Calgary is currently seeking a Vice-President (Finance & Services) and Chief Financial Officer.
The Vice-President (Finance & Services) and Chief Financial Officer is a key member of the University’s executive leadership team, which is focused on executing and implementing its 2023-2030 strategic plan, Ahead of Tomorrow. The Vice-President (Finance & Services) and Chief Financial Officer is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, direction and connection across a wide range of administrative operations and services, specifically with respect to the utilization of the organization’s financial resources. The Vice-President (Finance & Services) and Chief Financial Officer also plays a critical role in strategic planning and risk management, promoting best practices and transparency, and identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
Accountable to ensure that the organization delivers high quality finance, administrative and support services, follows best practice, promotes transparency and compliance with regulatory bodies within the portfolios under their oversight, practices effective risk management and makes the most effective and efficient use of the resources - all while driving
execution of Ahead of Tomorrow.
The role also provides strategic leadership in facilities management, ensuring efficient operations, maintenance, and long-term infrastructure planning. It oversees capital projects and ancillary services, aligning them with organizational goals while maintaining financial responsibility. Additionally, the position ensures compliance with safety and regulatory
standards and integrates capital planning with broader strategic and financial objectives.

DESIRED CANDIDATES ABILITIES, BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Bachelor’s degree combined with direct related experience; and,
• Master’s degree is preferred, combined with a professional accounting designation.

Experience

• A minimum of 20 years progressive financial experience within a complex business environment, including a minimum of eight years at a senior leadership level;
• Experience in the not-for-profit or public sector is considered an asset;
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of developing a vision and leading people to collectively execute the strategy;
• Demonstrated experience in the areas of financial reporting and forecasting, treasury, tax planning, internal controls, contract negotiation and management, and enterprise risk management;
• Prior experience of overseeing non-financial functions (e.g. supply chain) would be considered an asset;
• Excellent relationship builder with the ability to network effectively, exceptional communication skills;
• Demonstrated experience working in a highly complex environment with multiple internal and external stakeholders;
• Proven ability to lead and develop a high performing team; and,
• Financially savvy, with the ability to make sound judgments, take calculated risks and ultimately take actions to ensure financial success.

The University of Calgary has engaged the Executive Search Firm, DHR Global to manage this search. To explore this exciting opportunity further, please submit a resume and cover letter to UCalgaryCFO@dhrglobal.com.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

This is a critical role in the organization’s continued success and growth. The role is accountable for the following:

• Oversee the organization’s finance, internal audit, risk management and insurance, and ancillary services business units and the functions within each unit (the Business Units);
• Participate in the organization’s planning processes and oversee the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans for each of the Business Units;
• Lead a senior management team in effectively managing and operating the various Business Units;
• Implement innovative strategies to enhance financial efficiency and transparency by leading a comprehensive transformation of the university’s budgeting process;
• Prepare the organization’s annual budget and two-year financial forecast;
• Oversee forecasting, planning, management and the effective and efficient utilization of financial resources, including an annual operating budget and multi-year capital plans related to the VPF portfolio;
• Oversee the stewardship of the University’s assets and provide an efficient central infrastructure to facilitate the University’s cash management and investments;
• Responsible for overseeing the management of the University significant endowments ($1.5B) and the relationships with the external investment managers;
• Responsible for management reporting to the University’s Investment Committee (a subcommittee of the Board of Governors), stakeholders, governmental and regulatory bodies and other outside agencies;
• Contributing information and expertise and keeps up to date on relevant current trends and developments with colleagues at other Canadian universities, Canadian Association of University Business Officers “CAUBO,” professional organizations and government departments and agencies;
• Key relationship manager with internal and external governing bodies and stakeholders and key internal staff as it pertains to finances;
• Lead the development and implementation of, and ensure compliance with, appropriate policies, procedures, controls and governance with respect to the Business Units;
• Responsible for the financial systems and financial controls of the institution to ensure the organization is compliant with legislation;
• Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive financial policy framework for the effective and efficient use of the organization’s financial resources;
• Monitor the organization’s financial position and results of operations and protect and maintain the organization’s charitable status;
• Oversee the finance portfolio functions, including tax, banking, borrowing, centralized credit/collections services, asset management, and general accounting services, which includes research trust accounting, centralized procurement/payables services, payroll, and financial controls and reporting;
• Management and oversight of all tax regimes in consultation with Legal Counsel, including tax strategy and compliance;
• Oversee real estate transactions including purchasing, disposition, and leasing;
• Oversee Supply Chain Management facilitating the procurement and distribution processes for goods and services ensuring compliance with required laws, policies and procedures including the New West Partnership Trade Agreement;
• Oversee the risk management and insurance portfolio functions;
• Oversee the day-to-day work of the internal audit department to fulfill the requirements as set out by the Audit Committee;
• Oversee the ancillary services portfolio functions;
• Act as the executive responsible administrator to various Board committees;
• Serve as a member of the Board of Directors on various external boards;
• Provide strategic oversight of the organization’s facilities management, ensuring optimal operation, maintenance, and long-term planning of physical infrastructure;
• Lead the planning, execution, and financial stewardship of capital projects, including renovations, new construction, and major infrastructure investments;
• Oversee Facilities Management with a particular focus on Ensuring the successful implementation of $1B in capital projects scheduled to come online over the next few years;
• Lead and manage large scale projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget;
• Oversee ancillary services operations, ensuring they align with organizational goals and deliver value to stakeholders while maintaining financial sustainability;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement facility-related policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and environmental standards; and,
• Ensure effective integration of capital planning with the organization’s broader financial and strategic objectives