Interim VP, Finance - Accounting

IMMEDIATE INTERIM OPPORTUNITY

Interim Vice President, Finance - Accounting

Reports to : CFO

Duration : 6-12 months

Location : British Columbia, Canada (100% remote)

Our client is a high-profile higher education institution that needs an experienced finance leader to add critical capacity and capability to help drive transformation and change as they modernize their finance organization. Reporting to the CFO, the interim will partner with the permanent controller providing leadership and strategic direction to the accounting teams whilst also making a full assessment of people, processes, procedures and technology. Once you have approval for your modernization strategy you will be responsible for driving through the transformations whilst also ensuring the day-to-day activities of the team are delivered effectively. The goal will be to coach and engage the controller throughout your assignment and ensure they are set up for success upon your exit.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY :

• Provides effective leadership and direction by establishing priorities and objectives and fostering effective teamwork among team members.
• Analyzes service requirements and consults with other team members and stakeholders to identify, establish, monitor and administer systems and related procedures that maximize technology to support effective and efficient services.
• Work with Director, Treasury & AR on elimination & reincorporation of contract overhead charges.
• Work with Director, Treasury & AR on action plan for revenue recognition issues.
• Full review of the organization’s financial org structure (it’s too complex).
• Develop a process to accurately monitor and track deficit mitigation financial impact (it’s all manual now and is questionable).
• Supervises and provides leadership to direct reports by coaching and modeling key behaviors / strategies, encouraging dialogue and providing guidance and advice to facilitate resolutions to work issues.
• Develops and aligns the division’s strategic plan in support of Finance’s and institutional plans. Works with other leaders in the Finance department to address higher level issues consistent across functional units.
• Responsible for the development and resolution of financial systems, banking relationships and procedures, and monitoring the overall financial position and cash management of the organization, as well as other financial matters as required.
• Work with Controller and Assistant Controller on audit of the organization’s fund (contracts and research).
• Work with Controller and Assistant Controller to develop a new, cleaner, less cumbersome chart of accounts. This will be especially helpful as the organization is beginning work on transitioning to a new ERP within the next 2 years.
• Work with Controller to develop an ERP governance framework.
• Oversees the coordination of training to the community with respect to financial operations including the application of financial policy and procedures and financial systems.
• Oversees the implementation and monitoring of general accounting systems to maintain and improve the institution’s operational efficiencies.
• Interacts with personnel from other higher educational organizations, the Ministry and outside consultants on the development and requirements for financial operations monitoring and compliance.
• Develops and assists management and departments with establishing key practices and other financial processes that meet the organization’s strategies, goals and objectives.
• Assists with the monitoring and adherence to organizational policy, procedures, legislative requirements, Ministry directives and targets as required and as related to this portfolio.
• Responsible for the cash handling and cashiering processes for the organization in conjunction with the Office of the Registrar, and other service areas as required.
• Oversees the development, implementation and maintenance of proper processes, procedures and systems to ensure accounting services are provided to and for the organization including the timely and accurate processing, payment, collection, and reporting of revenues and expenses and cash management in accordance with statutory requirements, collective agreements, standard business practices and organizational policies.
• Develops, implements and maintains financial accounting systems and processes and controls to meet the evolving needs of the organization & it’s Foundation, Board of Governors, government and other stakeholders and follows standard business practices, Ministry policies and directives and policies.
• Consults with external bodies, such as CRA and PCI to ensure ongoing compliance.

Competencies and Requirements :

PLEASE SEND YOUR CV (AS A WORD DOC) TO : Interim.Applications@LHHknightsbridge.com (Subject : Job Title)

LHH Knightsbridge Interim Management is a service to help our clients address a wide range of scenarios including leadership support due to sudden departures, driving key change initiatives or leading transformation projects. Our interim executives step in with minimal downtime to meet specific objectives and deliver results. All have held senior positions in the past and have now chosen to offer their unique depth and breadth of experience to organizations on a limited engagement basis.

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Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge Corp. is committed to providing equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure a barrier-free recruitment process. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and our AODA policy, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the hiring process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please provide your accommodation needs in advance to the Recruitment Lead for this opportunity.

We thank all interested candidates in advance; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

March 2025