Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category M&P - AAPS

Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Accounting, Level F

Job Title Associate Director of Finance

Department VPRI budget | Institutional Programs Office

Compensation Range $8,647.50 - $13,511.58 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date November 1, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Summary
The Animal Care Services (ACS) is a centralized unit within the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) portfolio that oversees and is accountable for the University s animal research facilities. This unit includes the Centre for Disease Modelling, the Modified Barrier Facility and the Centre for Comparative Medicine. ACS employs over 100 technical and management and professional staff, and has an annual operating budget of over 13 million dollars that provides comprehensive research support to all UBC researchers in multi-million-dollar facilities. In addition to the housing facilities and services for animals, it also provides veterinary and diagnostic services, as well as training and expertise in laboratory animal medicine, plus veterinary oversight of all animal facilities.

The Associate Director of Finance\xe2\x80\x99s primary responsibility is for financial leadership, direction, strategic guidance and support to the various Animal Care Services units. The role will also provide additional support as necessary for other ancillary VPRI units per the direction of the Finance Director, VPRI.

Organizational Status
The Associate Director of Finance reports to the Finance Director, VP Research and Innovation and receives direction from the Associate Vice-President, Research & Innovation; and manages two accounting staff.

The Associate Director of Finance is a key member of the management team that includes the University Veterinarian, and the Associate Director, Operations and provides strategic financial and budget planning advice for the various operating units within the unit.

Work is done in collaboration with the Treasury Office, Budget and Planning Office, Payments and Procurement Services, IT Services, Internal Audit, Associate Directors, external customers, provincial and federal governments, municipalities and external auditors.

Work Performed

• Develop a long term budget and financial plan for the department to be financially sustainable which includes a 10 year capital replacement plan.
• Provides financial management on the overall strategic plan to address the long-term operations and maintenance needs of animal care facilities.
• Advise and consult with central Finance to develop a consistent, comprehensible, and sustainable business model between University wide financial processes and Animal Care Services.
• Leads the development and management of all financial reporting requirements relating to animal facilities and the integration of financial system.
• Propose and oversee new initiatives that ensure efficient management of the financial resources of various units.
• Determines the application of financial policies and procedures, and ensures internal controls are operating effectively throughout the department.
• Conducts regular risk based audits on internal controls to ensure efficiency is maximized and all risks are mitigated.
• Ensures Associate Directors, Director of Veterinary Services & Research Support, and AVP Research are supported and have financial information that is relevant, timely, accurate and complete.
• Directs the accounting team in the areas of accounts payable, billing and purchasing.
• Responsible for the implementation of best financial management practices together with the Portfolio Finance Director.
• Advises senior management, to provide direction and guidance concerning budget, accounting and financial matters, accounting policy interpretation and sound business practices; advising on financial implications of various planning options for the operating units within the department of Animal Care Services.
• Oversees financial reports and projections; and reviews any large variances in the budget with the Portfolio Finance Director, Administrative Services, Director of Veterinary Services & Research Support, and AVP Research; makes recommendations on resolving deficits to senior management.
• Maintains a current knowledge of financial policies and procedures to ensure all parties are adhering to University and external agency policies and procedures; implements changes as required.
• Oversees, develops and/or prepares a variety of ad-hoc financial and analytical reports in response to the needs of the senior leadership group, e.g. comparative budget analysis of multiple year expenditure/revenue patterns, financial feasibility studies, and long-term financial planning for the unit.
• Works with senior management to resolve issues of funding requirements for the portfolio.
• Directs the Units year-end processes including liaising with external auditors to answer queries and responding to any perceived weaknesses.
• Works with senior members of the Central Finance and Budget office to resolve sensitive or complex budget and financial issues.
• Provides effective leadership and oversees the hiring, training, evaluation, disciplining and discharging of staff.
• Performs other related duties.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Due to the senior level of this position, the decisions or recommendations made will have a significant effect on University standards, operations and finances. Ineffective systems may result in errors, delays and costs to users. Reporting errors could cause serious inaccuracies in the University s records perhaps resulting in errors in the financial statements and errors in funding allocations to faculties. Failure to provide sound strategic advice and effective leadership on financial policy and systems along with timely and accurate financial information would interfere seriously in decision making and resource allocation.

Supervision Received
Works with a high degree of independence under the broad direction of the Portfolio Finance Director, VP Research and Innovation; and dotted reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

Supervision Given
Manage other accountants or support staff.

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

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one\xe2\x80\x99s own

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one\xe2\x80\x99s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications
A postgraduate university degree in Finance or Business Administration and completion of a professional accounting designation (CA, CGA, or CMA). Over five years\xe2\x80\x99 experience at a senior finance level in a complex organization, with several years senior financial planning, systems development, business process reengineering, and budgeting and control experience. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, and systems implementation. Ability to strategically plan, analyze, implement and review a variety of projects and multiple assignments. Ability to analyze and redesign work flow/business processes to make them more efficient and effective. Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written, and to make executive level presentations. Ability through leadership to build and maintain an organizational unit consisting of highly motivated staff who are committed to delivering a quality service. Ability to develop and implement policies through a consultative process in an environment of conflicting needs and views. Ability to engage with senior levels of university management and financial personnel in an organization Ability to negotiate. Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Proven supervision and problem-solving skills. Excellent skills in problem identification and analysis. Knowledge of PeopleSoft preferred.