Finance Manager

Job Summary

The Portfolio Finance Manager provides financial management, within an assigned portfolio at UBC’s Okanagan campus. This position is responsible for developing, analyzing, and implementing financial controls, systems, and activities to support achievement of the academic and operational goals of faculties and administration units within the assigned portfolio. The incumbent works collaboratively across the portfolio, campus, and the University in alignment with the strategic goals and priorities of UBC.

Organizational Status
The Portfolio Finance Manager position reports directly to the Associate Director, Finance Operations and works closely with leaders within his/her assigned portfolio. As a member of the Finance Strategies team the incumbent will work collaboratively with other Portfolio Finance Managers to share knowledge and best practices. The incumbent will work in collaboration with the leaders of Payment & Finance Services and Budget & Strategic Decision Support on the Okanagan campus. The incumbent will work closely with other leaders on the Okanagan campus and liaises with central services units on the Vancouver campus such as Treasury, University Counsel, Internal Audit, etc. The incumbent will also establish relationships with colleagues on Vancouver campus to exchange information and best practices.

Work Performed

1. Oversees all aspects of financial management, including all funds, of the portfolio by:

• Planning, organizing and directing initiatives for the efficient management of financial resources.

• Monitoring the overall financial effectiveness and efficiency of all units within the portfolio, and instituting changes as necessary in consultation with the Associate Director and portfolio leaders.

• Providing advice on the application of financial policies and procedures.

• Coordinating and overseeing development and implementation of systems, policies and procedures.

• Developing short and long-range financial plans to optimize the portfolio s financial effectiveness in conjunction with portfolio and campus strategic goals.

• Managing the coordination and review of annual budgets for all units within the portfolio.

• Acting as liaison between the portfolio and Finance on all financial matters.

• Providing financial advice, support and assistance to portfolio staff.

• Providing strategic direction and guidance to the portfolio leaders.

• Leading the development and management of all reporting requirements related to units within the portfolio, from transactional level details required to support monthly reconciliation processes to summarized management reports to enable decision-making.

• Monitoring existing internal controls throughout the portfolio and ensuring internal controls are operating effectively; reviewing internal controls continuously to ensure efficiency is maximized and risks are mitigated.

2. Contributes to strategic planning and direction for the portfolio by:

• Acting as a member of the portfolio leadership team, participating in strategic, budget, resource, and staffing decision-making.

• Providing strategic advice to units consistent with organizational objectives on the effective and efficient use of financial resources.

• Developing key objectives and tactics as required to meet the strategic objectives of the portfolio, linking financial goals with departmental planning and operations.

• Identifying and researching issues and coordinating the resolution of these issues.

• Working in close partnership with portfolio leaders on special projects and projects of a sensitive, confidential nature by identifying issues, researching background materials, strategizing, developing, presenting and implementing recommendations, and delivering related communication on behalf of the portfolio.

3. Establishes best practice and develops capacity across the portfolio by:

• Providing mentoring and education for staff.

• Participates in the development and delivery of campus wide training initiatives.

• Acting as a thought partner to leaders.

• Working with all stakeholders to build consensus in planning processes and initiatives.

• Establishing relevant financial indicators for each unit in the portfolio and monitoring their performance.

4. Other:

• Working closely with directors and managers in the portfolio as well as Human Resources to support organizational planning.

• Working in collaboration with other Portfolio Finance Managers to share knowledge, best practices, and opportunities for efficiencies.

• Serving as a liaison between many central University departments and portfolio units, providing dissemination of information.

• Keeping abreast of issues pertaining to units within the portfolio, including participation on University committees.

• Promoting open and transparent communications.

• Performing other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
As a key position in Finance, this position must exercise good judgment and ensure due process has been followed in all areas. This position is required to use sound judgment to interpret financial information received from a variety of sources, assess issues and risks, and make recommendations to management to resolve financial issues. The decision or recommendations made will have a significant effect on University operations and finances. Failure to provide sound strategic advice and effective leadership on financial policy and procedure along with timely and accurate financial information could seriously undermine decision making and resource allocation. Inaccuracies may lead to mismanagement of resources which could result in significant financial losses and a negative reputational impact.

Supervision Received
The Portfolio Finance Manager works independently under broad directives from the Associate Director, Finance Strategies. The incumbent works within broad policy and procedural guidelines in accordance with professional standards and keeps the Associate Director and the portfolio leaders informed and up-to-date on the portfolio’s financial position and administrative issues. Performance is reviewed by the Associate Director, Finance Strategies in consultation with the portfolio leadership team in terms of the achievement of broad goals.

Supervision Given
The Portfolio Finance Manager provides advice and guidance to the units within the portfolio on all financial management and finance system related matters. The Portfolio Finance Manager works closely with and provides direction to administrative and support staff within the portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Completion of the CPA accounting program (CA, CGA or CMA). Minimum of seven years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and completion of the CPA Accounting program CA, CGA or CMA.A minimum of 7 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Category

· M&P - AAPS