Mount Royal University Looking for Manager, Budget Planning and Administration at Calgary, AB Full Time

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is “Mohkinstsis,” which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Manager Budget Planning and Administration for the Provost’s Office will be responsible for the oversight of day-to-day financial activities and the administration of a number of processes and policies for the Provost’s Office. This role is specifically responsible for the financial management of Academic Affairs.

The incumbent is required to work with confidential information and must exercise discretion and tact. The work involves demanding and competing deadlines and requires a high level of accuracy and thoroughness. The incumbent must be able to analyze financial information obtained from a variety of sources in order to provide recommendations to the Provost for strategic decision making and will be expected to learn the business cycles of Academic Affairs to be able to anticipate and provide needed information in a proactive manner.

A comprehensive knowledge base of accounting principles is necessary in order to interpret the financial activity of Academic Affairs and the institution. The incumbent will work with Financial Services to ensure appropriate budgetary control systems and operational best practices are in place for Academic Affairs as well as to provide various reports and analyses. The incumbent also works closely with Financial Services and provides substantive analysis for quarter-end and year-end reporting purposes, requiring in-depth knowledge and understanding of all financial activity within Academic Affairs.

The Manager of Academic Budget and Administration must also demonstrate an interest and capacity to understand the complexities of the academy, the unique attributes of the academic workforce, and develop a thorough understanding of how those complexities impact budget planning and administration.

This role, under the direction of the Provost, is also responsible for establishing administrative work priorities/workflow and resolution of administrative matters on behalf of the Provost Office and will provide management, training, and support to the Executive Assistant to the Provost.

Responsibilities

Planning and Budgeting

Plan, develop and coordinate all long-term planning budgetary functions, identifies opportunities (e.g. potential revenue streams) and mitigates risk; advises the Provost on best practices for internal control systems and procedures in accordance with MRU and Academic Affairs policies, regulations, procedures and standards.

In consultation with, and for approval of the Provost, plan, develop and oversee the preparation of the annual Provost Office budget, staffing plans and financial forecasts based on strategic objectives, targets, staffing requirements and other commitments in addition to the University and divisional policies, procedures and objectives.

Work collaboratively with Provost Council members and Faculty Financial Officers in the development of budget plans for new program proposals including analysis of financial implications of new programs.

Provide direction and guidance to the Provost regarding financial activities.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Consult with key stakeholders to prepare and monitor quarterly projections and budget allocations ensuring that the financial records within the Provost Office are accurate and complete.

Maintain human resources information and reports on related activities as it relates to financial matters including forecasting labor costs and providing quarterly analysis.

Prepare various reports in accordance with Provost’s directives and, at times, in collaboration with the Director, Faculty Relations, including: collective agreement reports, faculty workload analysis, capital requirements, analyses of the Faculty’s financial performance; develops options and prepares reports and recommendations for the Dean and Provost’s Office.

Policies, Procedures and Compliance

Review processes and provide recommendations to implement improvements regarding administrative functions including effectiveness and efficiency improvements through consultation and development of specialized training where needed.

Analyze the impact of new policies and procedures within the Provost’s Office and provide advice and recommendations to the Provost and AVP, Financial Services and Commercial Operationson variable alternatives.

Lead, coordinate and support legislative compliance activities.

Work with the Provost’s Office and other Faculties to develop and implement appropriate training within Academic Affairs.

Ensure the Provost and Provost Council have up-to-date knowledge of government policy changes and information as it relates to Academic Affairs financial and administrative operations.

Operational Duties and Committee Membership

Work with Financial Officers across campus to ensure accurate reporting of workload for the University through validation of the Faculty Workload Dashboard.

Work with Deans to oversee the administrative function including making recommendations for effectiveness and efficiency improvements through consultation and developing specialized training, where needed.

Participate in applicable committee meetings at the divisional and institutional level, as required.

Provide direction and guidance to employees involved with financial activities.

Develop and maintain appropriate equipment schedules to inform long term planning, and to ensure resources are available to meet future equipment demands.

Perform financial administrative or operational functions as required by the division.

Qualifications

University bachelor degree in commerce or public administration, with a Master degree preferred.

Minimum four to six years directly related experience in a complex, dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.

An acceptable combination of training and experience may be considered.

Professional accounting designation would be an asset.

Experience with public sector.

Experience interpreting policy into administrative practices.

Experience related to internal policy, collective agreements, and compliance reporting.

Progressively responsible experience in budget development and financial analysis and reporting.

Ability to effectively communicate competing objectives related to complex concepts that are not well known or understood.

Ability to exhibit leadership and influence decision making within the Division and Institution to ensure strategic priorities are met.

Complex analysis and interpretation of information related to financial operations. Interpreting the information is important to best understand potential problems and develop multiple solutions as necessary.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions.

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.

MRU supports full immunization as the best way to protect yourself and our campus community and strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19.

Salary: $99,992.00 – $137,988.00/year

Closing Date: Open until suitable candidate is found

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999.pdf).