Position: Executive Director, Financial Services
Department: Financial Services
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Date Posted: August 23, 2024
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.
Competition #: 24-36-AU
Salary: To be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Benefits: Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plan, Telemedicine with Greenshield Health, health spending account, life insurance, optional life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee and family assistance program, tuition discount for employees and their dependents, free gym facility membership, 4 weeks vacation increasing with years of service, university paid holidays including winter break closure.
Acadia seeks an Executive Director, Financial Services to join our Financial Services department. In this pivotal role, you will report to the Associate Vice President of Finance and Treasurer, providing leadership across various accounting operations, including General Accounting, Accounts Payable, Research Accounting, Student Accounts, and Financial Reporting. As the Financial Services department is currently undergoing a restructure review, there may be changes based on the outcomes of this process. We are seeking a candidate who is adaptable, comfortable with change, and prepared to embrace evolving responsibilities.
The Executive Director will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance internal controls, streamline operations, and elevate service delivery. The Executive Director is responsible for the management, support, and development of Financial Services' employees, which includes both unionized and non-unionized employees.
Additionally, you will play a critical role in developing and maintaining strong financial controls across the organization and contributing to the formulation of financial policies and procedures. This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to make a significant impact on Acadia's financial operations and support the university's mission through sound financial management.
Educational Background: We are seeking candidates who hold an undergraduate degree in accounting and possess a CPA designation.
Leadership Experience: We are looking for someone with at least 10 years of progressive management experience, including leading diverse financial accounting teams and a minimum of 5 years overseeing an external audit process.
Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of GAAP and Fund Accounting is crucial. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in financial management with a track record of success.
Digital Transformation: Proven experience and confidence in leading digital transformation initiatives and optimizing financial systems are essential.
Skills and Attributes: The role demands excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. The candidate should be adaptable to changing demands, collaborative, and effective in fostering teamwork.
Operational Excellence: A demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, troubleshoot issues, and provide clear direction and advice is required.
Technical Proficiency: High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required. Experience with Ellucian's Colleague software is an asset.
Professional Judgment: The role requires excellent judgment, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
For further information or to request a detailed job description, please contact Keilani Tupper at [email protected]
TO APPLY: To apply for this opportunity, click on the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter and resume.
Please be advised that only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The University reserves the right not to fill this position. A six-month eligibility list may be established from this competition to fill future vacancies for identical positions.
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Acadia University is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from Aboriginal people, African Nova Scotians, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, and persons of any minority sexual orientation or gender identity. Consistent with the principles of employment equity, the primary criterion for appointment to a position is qualifications and professional excellence. Candidates who identify as a member of one of the afore-mentioned groups, and who wish to have the application considered as such, are invited to submit the online Employment Equity Voluntary Self-Identification Form as part of their application package.
The university will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require accommodation because of a disability or for any other reason during the interview process, please contact [email protected]
