Job Description

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About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 36 majors. Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut\'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the M\xc3\xa9tis Nation. Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the Department of Financial Services

Mount Royal University\xe2\x80\x99s Financial Services is responsible for the accurate and timely recording, analysis and reporting of all financial information for the University, MRU Foundation, and Mount Royal Early Learning Centre. The Department comprises of functional areas and provides the following key services:

• Financial Reporting
• Commerce & Receivables
• Payables & Expense Management
• Procurement
• Budget & Resource Planning
• Treasury & Investment
• Internal Control Framework

About the Role

The Manager, Commerce and Receivables oversees and manages all responsibilities related to student and nonstudent revenue, and receivable activities in a manner consistent with the objectives of the University in support of ongoing sustainability. This is accomplished through leading and managing all related accounting functions and reporting; developing and maintaining stable systems, strong internal controls and efficient processes, with a focus on continuous improvement. Reporting to the Director, Finance, this position is also responsible for the management, accuracy and completeness of Institution wide commerce operations, and the deposit, safekeeping and disbursement of University funds through appropriate internal controls and best practices. This position is also the primary contact for all banking and credit card vendors and is responsible for ensuring an effective and efficient relationship to maximize service while minimizing costs to the university.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Operational Efficiency

• Develop, implement and manage strategic priorities for all commerce, revenue and receivables functions to support and align with the Institutional strategic plan.
• Lead and manage ongoing improvements to procedures and enhancements to computerized systems, business processes, internal controls, and policies.
• Promote efficiency, adequate safeguarding of resources, segregation of duties, ensure compliance, and maximize effectiveness of treasury and accounts receivables operations at the Institutional and departmental level.
• Lead, develop and manage standards related to collections and granting of credit to reduce risk and enable improved planning and decision making.
• Support, develop and provide direct supervision to a strong commerce and accounts receivable team through collaborative leadership and strategic long-term vision.

Accounts Receivable Management

• Oversee the capture of Institutional revenue recognition and related financial reporting for student accounts receivable and other related revenue transactions, according to mandated accounting standards and University Policy.
• Manage the integrity of the receivable ledger and general ledger through; management of the account structure, management of student and other account fee assessments, collections and refunds, maintenance of adequate internal control procedures over entire revenue and collection processes and policy and procedure development.
• Manage the coordination and integration of student fee assessment functions with the Registrar\xe2\x80\x99s Office, and all other departments with revenue and selling activity.
• Develop and manage policies and procedures to ensure appropriate best practices are implemented with respect to handling of all transactions.
• Review the systematic addition of all accounts receivable for accuracy, making corrections as needed and ensure proper authorization has been obtained.

Central Commerce Management

• Evaluate, develop and manage the implementation of best practice cash management systems to optimize efficiency throughout the University.
• Lead all University commerce and business processing activities for all system, payment and financial matters to strive for automation, integration and required security.
• Manage and capture Institutional commerce activity and ensure adherence to mandated accounting standards and University Policy.
• Manage all information security, controls and compliance for cash and payment handling and other related University policies; manage compliance with FOIP, PCI and all other related security regulations.
• Liaise with Accounts Payable and other areas on banking and commerce developments and needs.
• Develop and manage University wide training for PCI compliance requirements, cash handling policy and procedure adherence.
• Lead and manage implementations of new forms of payment and commerce management technologies through evaluation of technology standards and constraints and business process analysis.
• Coordinate with commercial banking institutions to advise and recommend optimal banking and treasury arrangements, while ensuring compliance with University protocols and established standards.
  • Conduct benchmark studies of banks and related services and recommend improvements to ensure University priorities are met.

Management Information and Reporting

• Oversee the delivery of a required month-end, quarter-end, and year-end reports in an accurate and timely manner, and in accordance with departmental deadlines.
• Ensure department quality standards on all reconciliations and financial reporting schedules required for the annual financial audit.
• Oversee the preparation and issuance of T2202s and other governmental reporting requirements.
• Manage production of all statistical and financial information related to accounts receivable, revenue recognition and banking reporting required for policy, procedure, process changes, planning and decision making.

Qualifications

• University Bachelor Degree or equivalent.
• Accounting designation is required.
• Must be familiar and experienced with PCI standards, PCI Professional Certificate is preferred.
• 6 - 10 years of related experience, including:
  • In-depth knowledge and progressive levels of experience in multiple and varied complex scenarios in a higher education environment.
  • Extensive experience in managing technology related controls in conjunction with financial accounting and internal controls, including a thorough understanding of various accounting cycles.
• Strong management, leadership, interpersonal communication, proven ability to effectively handle conflict management and negotiation.
• Attention to detail, analytical, organizational, problem resolution skills.
• Strong ability to prioritize amongst equally important requirements.
• Ability to interpret and enforce University policies, provide sound judgment and logic to decision making.

MRU Leadership Competencies

• Have integrity and are inclusive
• Empower others
• Foster growth
• Engage and support others
• Take risks and are innovative

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace. Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public.
MRU supports full immunization as the best way to protect yourself and our campus community and strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19.
Salary: $92,847 - $128,127 Closing Date: November 17, 2023
A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus. Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp.