Senior Finance Manager

University of British Columbia · Vancouver · CA$9,600–CA$14,386/month (stated in the posting)

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Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

UBC is a major research-intensive university in Canada, with an annual research budget exceeding $900 million. The Office of the Vice President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) helps provide the environment needed to pursue world leading, impactful research. The Senior Manager is a key member of the VPRI finance management team. Reporting to the Portfolio Finance Director, the position provides strategic financial management and planning for Innovation UBC and Research Support Services (RSS) and supports the Managing Directors of both units. Innovation UBC supports researchers in translating their research into real world impact through Sponsored Research, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship and Venture Building. Research Support Services provides central administrative support through the Office of Research Services, Institutional Programs Office, and Research Finance, covering research administration and compliance, large-scale research awards, financial reporting, billing and collections, and training.

The Senior Manager provides strategic financial advice to the Managing Directors and senior management of Innovation UBC and RSS. The position leads annual and multiyear budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and reporting and oversees internal controls, financial risk management and compliance with internal UBC and external requirements. The position also provides executive level financial management of research agreements, external grant projects and intellectual property commercialization activities. This includes overseeing the administration of royalty and equity portfolios and managing budgets and recoveries related to patent and legal expenses. The Senior Manager manages financial operations and staff and leads improvements to financial systems, reporting processes and resource management.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Portfolio Finance Director, VPRI, is a key position involved in the strategic management of the department. Liaise with University central agencies (Financial Services, Internal Audit, Treasury, the Budget Office, etc.), University Faculties and departments, scientists and researchers at the University and Affiliated Hospitals, government and industry sponsors, vendors and external auditors.

Work Performed

Strategic Financial Planning and Advice

• Provides strategic direction and advice on financial and budgetary matters for Innovation UBC and Research Support Services.

• Leads the development of annual and multiyear budgets, forecasts, financial models and performance measures.

• Collaborates with unit directors to develop and monitor budgets and supports long term financial planning.

• Provides the Portfolio Finance Director, unit directors and senior management with relevant, accurate and timely financial information and advice to support decision making.

• Conducts financial analysis, identifies significant financial risks, recommends corrective actions and supports improvements to operational efficiency.

• Prepares ad hoc financial and analytical reports, including long term projections, feasibility studies and analyses of multi-year expenditure and revenue trends.

Financial Reporting, Controls and Compliance

• Directs the preparation and review of financial reports, consolidated financial results and variance analyses.
• Establishes and maintains effective internal controls and ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, Canada Revenue Agency requirements, UBC policies and sponsor requirements.
• Identifies and mitigates financial risks and recommends improvements to financial controls, processes and reporting.
• Leads year-end financial processes, liaises with external auditors and ensures the accurate and timely completion of financial reporting.

Research Agreements and Intellectual Property Financial Management

• Provides executive level financial management of external research agreements, Tri Council funding and large-scale intellectual property programs.
• Oversees the administration of UBC’s royalty and equity portfolio arising from the commercialization of intellectual property, including the distribution of funds to faculties and inventors and the assessment of related tax implications.
• Manages budgets and recoveries associated with patent and legal expenses for intellectual property commercialization.

Financial Operations, Systems and Process Improvement

• Oversees contracts, billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory control and capital asset management.
• Implements financial systems, including Adaptive Planning, and provides training to staff on their use.
• Leads change management initiatives to improve financial systems, reporting and resource management.
• Leads business process reviews and special projects to improve operational efficiency, compliance and effectiveness.
• Manages staff, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation and corrective action.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

As a senior financial leader, the incumbent’s recommendations and decisions significantly affect university finances, operations, and reputation. Errors in reporting or internal controls may result in financial loss, compliance issues, or reputational risk. Ineffective advice or leadership could negatively impact decision making, resource allocation, and the success of major research initiatives.

Supervision Received

The incumbent works with a high degree of independence under the broad direction of the Director, Finance, VPRI.

Supervision Given

Manages one Finance officer, one Finance Clerk, and other accounting/support staff as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in relevant discipline. Completion of the CPA accounting program (CA, CGA or CMA). Minimum of eight years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of senior level experience in budgeting, financial planning, and analysis.
• Senior level financial management experience within a large, complex organization.
• Experience providing strategic financial advice and managing diverse financial operations.
• Experience working in a high volume, multi-functional service organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including building and supporting effective teams.
• Advanced skills in financial analysis, risk management, and reporting.
• Ability to consolidate, analyze, and interpret complex financial information for financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Familiarity with UBC’s financial systems and proficiency with computerized financial applications.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect for diverse perspectives.
  

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