Director, Student Financial Services

Purpose :

The Director, Student Financial Services is a member of the University Registrar's senior leadership team and plays a key role in the financial, operational, and strategic leadership of the organization. Reporting to the University Registrar, the Director, Student Financial Services supports the academic mission of the University by providing strategic advice, issues management, and leadership with respect to their areas of responsibility. This position sets strategy manages financial accountability and leads major cross-functional planning and delivery initiatives for the student financial units of the Office of the University Registrar (OUR). In addition, this position may also, as required, exercise decision-making authority as delegated by the University Registrar. The Director, Student Financial Services collaborates with the Associate Registrar & Director, Student Recruitment and Admissions, the Director, Client Relations, the Associate Registrar & Director, Student Records & Scheduling, and the Director, Student Systems. This position provides direct leadership and strategic management to the student financial units : Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards, Financial Analysis & Fees. These units provide a range of core services to students, alumni, academic units and other campus operations in support of the student experience, student success and the academic mission. Key responsibilities include long-term planning to achieve institutional, divisional and Registrarial objectives. ensuring the accuracy, integrity and confidentiality of the student financial record for all 55, active students and administering Senate approved University policy in a manner that is student focused, fair and transparent. Key to the success of this role is effective human resource leadership and management, encouragement of employee growth and development and ensuring compliance with York University human resources policies and practices, appropriate collective agreements, and related employment a senior representative of the OUR, the Director, Student Financial Services maintains strategic partnerships within the Vice Provost Student's portfolio and collaborates with internal and external campus partners ( faculties and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities) to build and maintain business operations. This position works with counterparts at other post-secondary institutions to foster inter-institutional collaboration and an understanding of Registrarial financial best practices across the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities as well as Universities within Ontario.

Education :

University degree required preferably with master's level training in finance or business with a certified professional accounting designation (CPA) required.

Experience :

Seven to ten years in a management position within a post-secondary setting or a large complex organization. Demonstrated working knowledge of accounting and business practices and procedures to include quality controls, audit control, government regulations, compliance and customer service. A demonstrated ability to assemble and analyze information for reports and special projects. Exceptional broad-based general management experience with a solid background in finance and recent relevant experience in financial management, business management or related fields. a demonstrated understanding of budget development and management. billing operations, collections, grants and loans with strong financial management skills and the ability to manage funds effectively from a variety of sources. An understanding of at least two of the key areas of Students Accounts Receivable, Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards or Financial Aid including an understanding of the issues facing students as it relates to financial support services. Demonstrated skill in the formulation and implementation of financial policies, programs and strategies that support an institution's enrolment management objectives and overarching academic plan. Past experience with work process review and change management including a demonstrated ability to handle conflict resulting from change management implementation and / or daily operational challenges. A proven track record of working productively and collaboratively with peers and units to achieve desired objectives. an ability to be innovative, forward looking and to take risks to bring about change and improve service delivery.

Skills :

A commitment to providing a consistently high level of service to the organizational community and the external community and will show excellent initiative in the design and implementation of new work processes. Demonstrated ability to design and operationalize effective strategies related to improving student financial services delivery frameworks and possesses strong project management skills. Demonstrated ability to articulate and advocate on behalf of the students and work with relevant academic and administrative bodies to simplify policies and processes to enhance service delivery. Superior analytical skills with an advanced knowledge of postsecondary regulations, policies, and procedures. superior communication skills (both oral and written) to deal consultatively with a wide variety of stakeholders in order to assimilate and articulate complex legislation. Superior interpersonal, persuasive, negotiating, conflict management and facilitative skills. ability to build, motivate, coach and lead a team with a strong commitment to a team approach and the ability to mentor his / her managers. Ability to communicate information effectively, motivate teams and ensure successful completion of unit goals and proven ability to manage multiple assignments within tight deadlines and successfully achieve objectives / designated milestones. A demonstrated commitment to professionalism, a strong work ethic, a commitment to high standards, integrity and stability, sound judgment, accountability, and ownership. Ability to operate effectively and efficiently in a fast paced, continuously changing environment. Excellent human resource management, organizational, and research skills. highly developed diplomatic skills appropriate to a large and complex organization.