Finance Strategic Business Advisor

Finance Strategic Business Advisor

Primary Purpose

As a Finance Strategic Business Advisor (SBA), we partner with colleges and units across campus to support strategic finance initiatives focused on the University Plan 2025 in being the university the world needs (nīkānītān manācihitowinihk; ni manachīhitoonaan).

Nature of Work

Our Finance SBA team is part of the Administration portfolio, which includes shared services, human resources, finance, services, and ICT.

Finance SBAs are assigned to support specific colleges and units and implement broader Administration initiatives. Reporting to the Senior, Finance SBA, the SBA is a strategic finance partner, providing support to leadership in colleges or units assigned within their portfolio. The SBA provides financial support to and works with leaders to develop and implement solutions that achieve priorities and outcomes.

Relationships are at the heart of what we do, and it is critical that we are comfortable and effective in working across multiple, diverse and at times, challenging stakeholder groups. From academics to administration, research to operations, we work with all groups in identifying, planning, and implementing financial best practices to advance the mission of the university.

Primary Responsibilities

• Financial and strategic planning, supporting strategic initiatives, financial analysis, financial management, reporting, budgeting and controls, and cost management.
• Assisting leadership teams with various financial activities while maintaining a strong connection to Central Financial Services and other SBAs on campus.
• Addressing complex financial matters, applying comprehensive financial management skills and offering exceptional client service.
• Facilitating and assisting with auditing, reporting, and accounting requirements for the portfolio, ensuring compliance with ethical accounting standards and university policies and procedures.
• Exercising discretion and judgment in maintaining confidential information, and applying sound practices with a consistent, proactive and collaborative approach.

Accountabilities

College/Unit Support

• Participating in strategic thinking and planning about how to best use resources at the unit level.
• Providing strategic advice and support for all budgeting, financial planning and analysis to support the unique financial circumstances of our assigned portfolios.
• Providing regular financial reporting for units against budgets and plans.
• Making recommendations for the alignment between revenue sources and unit priorities and ensuring initiatives are monitored and addressed.
• Monitoring funding and revenue sources, determining how financial resources are utilized and identifying opportunities that achieve greater effectiveness of operations.

Functional Expertise & Collaboration

• Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with a variety of constituents across campus.
• Contributing to the development of finance best practices and process improvement.
• Monitoring financial internal controls to reduce exposure to risk and mitigate liability.
• Providing valuable financial insight and timely and accurate reporting for all areas of responsibility.
• Implementing solutions that will improve financial procedures and processes within the portfolios we support.
• Monitoring financial progress on approved projects and initiatives.
• Producing reports for the units we support and preparing financial statements to review with appropriate stakeholders.
• Presenting and conveying accurate information and data for decision-making.
• Supporting procurement of significant goods or services identified within the unit.

Qualifications

• A relevant university degree, preferably in Commerce, Business, Accounting or related field, along with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in general accounting, financial management and budgeting, and financial planning and analysis.
• A professional accounting designation is considered a strong asset.
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accepted accounting rules, practices, tax laws, and reporting requirements is required.
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Indigenous peoples and an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority at the university.
• The ability to influence outcomes and provide guidance to operational decisions unique to a college or unit.
• Excellent facilitation, conflict resolution, analytical, problem solving, and communication skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively, build relationships with internal and external partners, and manage multiple demands to meet deadlines.
• Experience working within a multi-reporting organizational structure is an asset.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and a high level of attention to detail are required.

Department: SBA Finance
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,695.00 – 115,286.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 3
Posted Date: 3/3/2025
Closing Date: 3/17/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask’s Alternative Workspace Guidelines

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