Strategic Business Advisor, Finance

As a Finance Strategic Business Advisor (SBA), we partner with colleges and units across campus to support strategic finance initiatives focused on the University Plan 2025 in being the university the world needs (nīkānītān manācihitowinihk; ni manachīhitoonaan).

Nature of Work

Our Finance SBA team is part of the Administration portfolio, which includes shared services, human resources, finance, services, and ICT.

Finance SBAs are assigned to support specific colleges and units and implement broader Administration initiatives. Reporting to the Manager, Finance Advisory Services the SBA provides financial support to and works with leaders to develop and implement solutions that achieve priorities and outcomes. 

Relationships are at the heart of what we do, and it is critical that we are comfortable and effective in working across multiple, diverse and at times, challenging stakeholder groups. From academics to administration, research to operations, we work with all groups in identifying, planning, and implementing financial best practices to advance the mission of the university.

Primary responsibilities of the Finance SBA role include financial and strategic planning, supporting strategic initiatives, financial analysis, financial management, reporting, budgeting and controls, and cost management.  The SBA assists leadership teams with various financial activities while maintaining a strong connection to Central Financial Services and other SBAs on campus.  The SBA demonstrates a combination of strong university acumen and financial functional knowledge to participate in the development of financial plans and strategies.  The SBA supports the delivery of unit activities and processes while contributing to the strategic and operational planning and development of financial services across the University.

The SBA addresses complex financial matters, applying comprehensive financial management skills and offering exceptional client service, often during periods of change, high work volumes, and stringent deadlines.  The SBA facilitates and assists with auditing, reporting, and accounting requirements for the portfolio, and ensures compliance with ethical accounting standards and university policies and procedures. In providing various financial services, the SBA exercises discretion and judgment in maintaining confidential information, and applies sound practices with a consistent, proactive and collaborative approach. 

Accountabilities

College/Unit Support

• We participate in strategic thinking and planning about how to best use resources at the unit level;
• We provide strategic advice and support for all budgeting, financial planning and analysis to support the unique financial circumstances of our assigned portfolios;
• We provide regular financial reporting for units against budgets and plans;
• We make recommendations for the alignment between revenue sources and unit priorities and ensure initiatives are monitored and addressed;
• We monitor funding and revenue sources, determine how financial resources are utilized and identify opportunities that achieve greater effectiveness of operations.

Functional Expertise & Collaboration

• We establish and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of constituents across campus, including college and support centre staff, central office colleagues, and service centre partners to ensure success in meeting the college’s, unit’s, and university’s strategic and operational goals;
• We contribute to the development of the Finance portfolio through leading and participating in projects to advance the tools and supports delivered by Finance to colleges and units across campus;
• We ensure that exposure to risk and liability is mitigated by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, accounting standards, collective agreements, and university and unit policies and procedures;

• We provide valuable financial insight and timely and accurate reporting for all areas of responsibility;
• We provide and implement solutions that will improve financial procedures and processes within the portfolios we support;
• We monitor financial progress on approved projects and initiatives, ensuring funds are expended and reported in an appropriate and timely manner to relevant stakeholders;
• We produce reports for the units we support and prepare financial statements to review with appropriate stakeholders;

• We present and convey accurate information and data to ensure financially viable and sustainable decision-making and problem-solving.
• We support when necessary, procurement of significant goods or services identified within the unit, and works with central office colleagues and service centre partners to coordinate acquisition;
• We ensure effective internal controls are in place for financial transactions;
• We help to ensure that services provided by service centre partners (i.e. ConnectionPoint) are timely, accurate and effective.

Qualifications

• A relevant university degree, preferably in Commerce, Business, Accounting or related field, along with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in general accounting, financial management and budgeting, and financial planning and analysis;
• A professional accounting designation is considered a strong asset;
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is preferred;
• Demonstrated knowledge of accepted accounting rules, practices, tax laws, and reporting requirements is required;
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of issues (including cultural, socio-economic and other factors) affecting Indigenous peoples and an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority at the university;
• The ability to influence outcomes and provide guidance to operational decisions unique to a college or unit;
• Excellent facilitation, conflict resolution, analytical, problem solving, and communication skills to provide strategic supports and guidance across portfolios and functional areas of finance;
• The ability to work collaboratively, build relationships with internal and external partners, and manage multiple demands to meet deadlines.
• Experience working within a multi-reporting organizational structure is an asset;
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and a high level of attention to detail are required.

Department: SBA Finance
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,830.00 - 112,200.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3
Posted Date: 3/25/2024
Closing Date: 4/14/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines