Job Description

Dalhousie Financial Services strives to provide the highest quality financial services and information and ensure the effective stewardship of University assets to the benefit of students and scholarly activities. Financial Services is a core service unit of the University, providing services in financial accounting, budgeting, procurement and risk management, cash management, and financial systems and policies.
Reporting to the CFO & Assistant Vice-President, Financial Services, the Controller manages and leads university accounting functions (student accounts, cash and general ledger accounting, capital accounting, research and special purpose fund accounting) and financial reporting. The Controller is a senior position within Financial Services, a trusted advisor, and a strong contributor within Financial Services and the overall university community.
Dalhousie\'s strategic plan identifies the need to improve administrative efficiency. In support of the strategy, Financial Services is committed to streamlining processes, improving the user experience and leveraging technology to simplify and automate operations.
Key Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to leverage technology to eliminate and automate manual and routine tasks. Support the development of digital skills and competencies.
• Manage and monitor the financial practices, policies and procedures in general accounting and financial reporting for the university, to maintain strong systems of internal control.
• Prepare financial information and reporting for internal and external clients, including managing the annual audit and preparation of the university\'s annual financial statements. Oversee University tax matters.
• Oversee the accounting and reporting on research and special purpose fund accounts. Provide advice and guidance, and recommend changes in process/policy as identified. Ensure compliance with policy and grantor and legislative requirements.
• Provide leadership to a team of approximately 30 professional and clerical staff. Support the development of digital skills and competencies.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (a combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree in a field such as Business and a Professional Accounting Designation (CPA) as well as significant experience as a seasoned professional with proven managerial and leadership skill at a senior level across a variety of accounting functions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of the Financial Services senior management team in a busy, deadline-driven team environment.
• Proven ability to work effectively to build trust and confidence within Financial Services, with senior administration, colleagues and clients throughout the University.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.

Assets

• Experience in a decentralized enterprise-wide accounting environment.
• Experience in a university or post-secondary environment.
• Experience with process improvement and autonomous financial solutions.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie\'s core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

- Integrity
- Thinking and Acting Strategically
- Relationship Building
- Accountability for Performance & Results
- Change & Innovation
Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.
Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi\'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies One (1)
Open Date 06/05/2023
Close Date 07/05/2023
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents * Cover Letter

• R\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9 / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

Dalhousie University