Finance Manager

Date Posted: 04/08/2024
Req ID:36854
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Computer Science
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Established in 1964, the Department of Computer Science is ranked among the top computer science departments in the world. Our faculty have been presented with a wide variety of honours and awards over the years, including two Turing Awards, and many other national and international honours. We provide diverse programs and research opportunities while consistently producing high-impact research that is among the most highly cited in computer science.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the general direction of the Director of Administration (DA), the Finance Manager assists in the management of the Department of Computer Science’s financial resources. This includes the budgeting process, including research grants and contracts, accounting, payroll and purchasing. The Finance Manager is expected to manage staff and identify opportunities for improved internal controls and financial management in these areas on an ongoing basis.

Duties include: assisting the DA in the preparation and management of the annual operating budget, including monitoring and authorizing expenditures (except academic salaries) and ensuring the DA is informed of current and forecasted cash positions; assisting in the evaluation of financial priorities and objectives by assisting in the compilation of comparative statistics showing expenditure trends, projecting year-end forecasts, preparing feasibility studies and other analytical tasks as required. Verifies academic salary information from FAS for accuracy prior to PTR letters being distributed.

The position is also responsible for overseeing the management of the Department’s research grants and the financial and administrative support for all research groups. This includes assisting with grant application budgets, financial tracking of research grants and principal investigator accounts, budget analysis, purchasing, accounting, and reporting to ensure that financial integrity is maintained for these accounts. As such, the incumbent develops short and long-term financial plans for research funding in consultation with faculty, the Chair and the DA, monitors spending, is responsible for overseeing FIS processing, procurement, and administrative support for the research groups, as well as various human resources management activities.

The position assists in the preparation of cost estimates for new programs and supervises staff who manage and process financial transactions within the department.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
University degree in finance or accounting or appropriate combination of education and experience. Successful completion or working towards a recognized accounting designation such as C.A., CMA or CGA would be an asset.

Experience:
Minimum of 5 years related management, financial and supervisory experience, preferably in a University or academic environment, with an emphasis on accounting and auditing. Proven experience working in a research environment supporting multinational, multi-PI and multi-institutional agreements. Experience leading and motivating others. Expertise in budget planning, financial management and control, as well as administration of budget and financial resources required. Experience in the application of sound financial principles and practices. Experience overseeing the payroll function. Proven experience in human resources management in a unionized environment. Experience in administrative management and financial information systems such as SAP (FIS, RIS, HRIS) or equivalent systems is essential. Experience building and developing effective administrative systems and processes. Demonstrated experience in liaising with senior administrators, responding to and handling matters of a complex and sensitive nature. Experience in researching, analyzing, and making recommendations, providing risk assessments and options.

Skills:
Excellent financial management, organizational, and analytical skills. Excellent communication skills. Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills. Strong problem solving and decision-making skills. Superior planning, budgeting and project management skills. Strong computer skills with advanced proficiency in Word, Excel and Power Point. Advanced knowledge of finance and accounting. Demonstrated knowledge of the University’s financial policies.

Other:
Proven ability to think strategically/see the big picture, build effective teams, and work effectively with people at all levels of the organization, work independently as well as part of a team, and ability to be self-directed and take initiative. A collaborative and consultative management style as well as the ability to foster and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, students, senior administrators, and external constituents. Ability to solve problems in a creative and effective manner, multi-task and manage conflicting priorities and deadlines, and ability to execute and complete tasks under pressure and within timelines. Keen attention to detail and accuracy. Capacity to understand and work with the unique challenges and opportunities presented by a growing department and faculty professional school with strong ties to diverse industry and partners. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion, tact, and good judgment at all times.

This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to the University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto's Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline .

Closing Date: 04/24/2024,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $90,134 - $105,156 -- Broadband Salary Range: $90,134 - $150,223
Job Category: Finance/Budget/Planning/Audit