Associate Vice President, Finance – Competition ID: 3692

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.  KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.

JOB OVERVIEW:  Associate Vice President, Finance 

This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer. Reporting directly to this position are the two Directors of Financial Services, Director of Procurement and Confidential Assistant, Financial Services.

The Associate Vice President (AVP), Finance provides leadership and management of financial operations and reporting at KPU, modernizing and streamlining the University’s budgeting, reporting, procurement, internal controls and financial systems. The AVP, Finance provides strategic and tactical insight to assist in the development of the University’s annual and long-term operating and capital budgets, as well as assists in generating cash flow projections and investing funds in short and long-term options. The AVP, Finance has management accountability for the financial operations of the organization, and ensures that the Chief Financial Officer has access to timely, meaningful, and accurate financial information for executive leadership and governing bodies.

• Politically astute. Identifies potentially contentious issues and deals effectively with them while exercising tact and diplomacy;
• Experience in dealing with competing agendas and diverse opinions, and has drawn upon their intuition, conceptual skills and leadership skills to find the best solutions;
• An understanding of and an appreciation for complex, unionized public sector organizations is preferred; experience in and knowledge of post-secondary educational institutions is an asset;
• Proven track record of innovative and strategic decision making, as well as experience in leading an organization to achieve aggressive performance goals;
• Ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with people at all levels in an organization;
• Possesses excellent business acumen and an appreciation for efficient operations;
• A forward thinker with the ability to translate strategic objectives and operational plans into action; able to prioritize and set plans to reach the financial objectives;
• Superior verbal and written communication skills. Is confident in making presentations to all levels;
• Ability to analyze problems and opportunities, establish facts and draw valid conclusions quickly, appropriately and under pressure;
• Ability to organize and analyze large amounts of information;
• Ability to see the big picture – strong results and bottom-line orientation;
• Ability to be decisive and willing to make difficult decisions when needed;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; can build and maintain trust and effective working relationships;
• Collaborates in a meaningful, productive way. Understands where the line is between collaboration and decision making and acts accordingly, ensuring the proper communication and follow-up along the way;
• Practices open and effective dialogue to ensure the exchange of ideas and information;
• Ability to travel between campuses is required.

• Relevant Graduate degree plus a Canadian professional accounting designation in good standing or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience;
• Minimum of 12 years of finance experience and at least 5 years senior and/or mid-level administrative experience in public sector finance and accounting;
• Experience managing an investment portfolio is required;
• Financial audit experience is required;
• Experience in leading budget processes and working with budgets in the public sector is preferred;
• Experience with reporting information to boards and committees in accordance with policy and governance;
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.