Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Are you an ambitious, collaborative and service-focused professional who loves to work in a dynamic and challenging environment? Someone who is excited by change and new challenges? We are looking for highly motivated and experienced individuals to join our Finance Partnership team.

Reporting to the Director, Finance Partnerships, the Senior Finance Partner delivers financial advice, guidance and solutions to the Academic and Administrative Leaders. Senior Finance Partners draw on their deep understanding of the University, its operations and its challenges to deliver appropriate financial solutions to an assigned area.

The Senior Finance Partner actively engages with colleagues in the Processing Hub and Finance Centres of Expertise in order to deliver results focused on financial solutions. The Senior Finance Partners provide strategic support, ensure that policy and strategy is applied appropriately and facilitate connection to services in central functions.

Finance, Procurement and Planning is responsible for financial reporting, resource planning, procurement, investments & treasury, and risk management & insurance. We have a team of service partners who work closely with the faculties, units and staff across the institution to provide excellent client service.

• Provide direct leadership to a team of Finance Partners who provide professional financial advice and solutions to their clients to best support their academic, teaching and service missions.

• Provide senior leadership professional expertise and strategic counsel on financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, modeling, reporting and financial analysis. Some of the units this role supports are project management office, utilities, building services, maintenance and repairs, space management, real estate, campus and recreational and ancillary services.

• Participate in the strategic planning process in the assigned area(s).

• Ensure the consistent application of financial policies and procedures by educating the assigned area(s) leadership about applicable University of Alberta policies, procedures, as well as the applicable accounting principles and standards.

• Find and support creative, client focused solutions to the assigned area(s) financial challenges with analytical, interpretative and/or constructive thinking that must also comply with University policy, procedure and process support and guidance in the preparation of business cases for new programs or services.

• Work with assigned area(s) leadership to prepare long range budget plans that align with the long-term priorities, including detailed forecasts utilizing the Senior Finance Partner’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of the client to provide insight and decision support at the strategic level.

• Work with assigned area(s) leadership to develop criteria for the allocation of resources as well as resource shortfalls/cuts and develop recommendations and guidance for budget allocations.

• Plan, implement and oversee the financial operations for assigned areas which are generally large enough to have multiple and varied funding sources and complex accounting compliance requirements.

• Ad hoc reporting and tools to assist with the assigned area(s) effective financial management.

• A Bachelor's Degree and an Accounting Designation (CPA or equivalent). Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• 5 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in overseeing complex administrative, academic-support and/or service-based functions.

• Experience within a large post-secondary environment is preferred.

• Proven experience and ability to manage multiple budgets and operational models.

• Strong capital/utilities background is an asset (including capital planning, deferred maintenance, repairs and maintenance, etc.).

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to negotiate, consult, influence and build consensus at the highest levels.

• Exceptional analytical and conceptual skills with proven ability to adapt to new situations and develop creative solutions to complex strategic and operational challenges.

• Outstanding planning skills and a demonstrated ability to establish and communicate a long-term strategic vision and manage large-scale resources in a complex organization.

• Superior leadership and management skills including experience in leading transformational change.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently as well as play a role within a cohesive team of professionals.

• Extensive knowledge of financial reporting and budgeting especially as it pertains to financial performance measurement.

• In all facets of this role, the Senior Finance Partner endeavors to integrate and advance the University’s commitment to access, community and belonging.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded)**, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.