Job Description:

About MRU

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. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors. Learn more at mru.ca/Academic Plan.
Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis. Learn more about MRU's Land Acknowledgement.
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 Faculty of Arts

Mount Royal University's Faculty of Arts houses the following departments: Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies; English, Languages, and Cultures; Humanities; Interior Design; Psychology; General Education; and Sociology and Anthropology. Counseling also reports to the Faculty of Arts. The Faculty of Arts offers degrees in Anthropology, Criminal Justice, English, History, Interior Design, Policy Studies, Psychology, and Sociology, and offers courses to the 15,000 students enrolled at Mount Royal University. In addition, the Faculty of Arts offers 26 minors over a diverse range of disciplines. Arts faculty have received national and international recognition for their teaching and research, hold Tri-Council grants, publish books, and disseminate research in top-ranked academic journals.

About the Role

Mount Royal University (MRU) is seeking a dedicated and analytical professional Faculty Financial Officer (FFO) to join our team. This position is critical in supporting the financial planning, budgeting, and reporting functions within the Faculty of Arts. The FFO will play a key role in aligning the Faculty's financial activities with the strategic objectives of the University, ensuring sound stewardship of its assets and resources.
Reporting to the Dean, Faculty of Arts, the FFO works closely with the Dean and Department Chairs as a member of the Faculty leadership team to provide expert advice and comprehensive financial oversight. The incumbent will provide advice, analysis, and information to the Dean and Vice-Deans regarding budget planning, financial operations, compliance and reporting requirements that support both the Faculty’s short-term and long-term goals. In collaboration with the Senior Finance & Planning Officer and the Financial Services team, the FFO will also contribute to broader University-wide reporting and budgeting efforts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional policies and standards.
The successful candidate will bring a high level of financial acumen, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to communicate financial insights effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders. The ability to manage competing deadlines with accuracy and discretion is essential in this role.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and oversee the annual Faculty budget, including instructional budgets, staffing plans, and financial forecasts.
• Provide strategic advice on best practices for internal control systems and procedures in line with MRU and Academic Affairs policies and standards.
• Work with Faculty members, the Dean’s Office, and the Provost’s Office to develop budget plans for new programs and initiatives.
• Collaborate with Department Chairs to monitor and report on departmental financial activities, including grants, contracts, donations, and reserves.
• Prepare quarterly projections, budget allocations, and other reports as required by the Dean’s Office and the Provost’s Office.
• Provide analysis and recommendations on the Faculty’s financial performance and contribute to institutional reporting.
• Review and provide recommendations on process improvements within the Faculty.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and support risk management and contract administration activities.
• Participate in Faculty and institutional projects and initiatives, providing financial oversight and guidance.
• Work with Department Chairs to ensure accurate time and labour reporting, as well as participate in committees as needed.
• Plan and execute faculty events, ensuring all logistical details are in place.
• Manage vendor relationships and handle all necessary permits for faculty-related events.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate event activities, ensuring they align with faculty objectives and university policies.
• Monitor event budgets and ensure cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.

Qualifications

• A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. An accounting designation (CPA, CMA, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
• Experience and knowledge in a post-secondary/higher education environment is preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to present complex financial information clearly to stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and cultivate relationships.
• High degree of independence, initiative, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency with financial software and tools (e.g., Excel, budgeting tools, ERP systems).

Salary: Starting salary $96,850.00 - $109,622.00 per annum
Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is found
A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf formatted document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Job Title], [Requisition Number].pdf (ex. Coordinator, 999999.pdf). This position will remain open until filled, with an initial review of applications beginning November 4, 2024. Early applications are encouraged.