Associate Vice President Finance

Associate Vice President Finance Opportunity

One of Canada’s top research universities and making impressive strides in research, the University of Manitoba (UM) is the largest university in Manitoba, a proud member of the U15, and nearly 150 years old. Committed to advancing learning and knowledge, UM is recognized as a world‑class university, offering more than 250 undergraduate and graduate programs and providing the most opportunities for post‑secondary students in the province. UM has two main campuses and multiple satellite campuses, more than 30,500 students, 9,400 faculty and staff, and is home to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers 2025 for the 14th consecutive year, UM has a strong connection to the local and global communities, and is dedicated to supporting employee growth and well‐being.

Reporting to the Vice President (Administration) the AVP Finance provides strategic financial leadership for several key operational units within the university, including Financial Services, Financial Planning and Budgeting, Purchasing, Treasury Services, and Ancillary Services. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive financial strategies, ensuring compliance, transparency, and operational excellence while collaborating closely with senior university leaders. Additionally, the AVP Finance will drive financial transformation, leading initiatives to modernise services and support long‑term institutional sustainability within a culture of accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the University’s financial management, including Financial Services, Treasury, Budgeting and Planning, Purchasing, and Ancillary Services, ensuring operational excellence and compliance.
• Lead financial transformation initiatives, modernising systems and processes to improve efficiency and service delivery, aligning financial strategy with institutional goals.
• Advise senior university leadership and the UM Board on financial matters, risks, and opportunities.
• Direct the development and coordination of annual budgeting, forecasting, planning, and resource allocation.
• Establish and maintain robust financial controls, risk management, and internal audit practices.
• Oversee endowment and treasury management, ensuring optimal investment strategies and compliance.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, auditors, vendors, and donors.
• Serve on committees, working groups, and forums, providing expert advice and guidance on behalf of, and in support of UM interests.
• Communicate financial information, policies, and strategies clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Lead the development of funding proposals and reports for major funders, particularly the Province of Manitoba.
• Lead and mentor a team of high‑performing finance and ancillary services teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Selection Criteria

• Undergraduate degree with a professional accounting designation (CPA) in good standing.
• Strategic leader with a minimum of 10+ years at a senior management or executive level within a post‑secondary institution, healthcare sector, or large, complex private/public organization.
• Demonstrated ability to foster trust‑based, collaborative relationships and partnerships with diverse stakeholders to drive strategic financial outcomes.
• Superior operational knowledge of the full complement of financial services, planning, budgeting and treasury.
• Excellent analytical, evaluative and problem‑solving skills with experience in implementing change.
• Skilled in allocating and organizing resources and establishing priorities within a large complex organization.
• Strong project management skills able to establish and execute on organisational priorities.
• Experience leading the delivery of ancillary or revenue‑generating services focused on stakeholder satisfaction.
• Demonstrated senior leadership skills, able to lead complex teams in accomplishing established objectives.

To apply send a resume and cover letter to Chiamaka@harrisleadership.com