Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Huron invites applications for the position of:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Huron University stands out among post-secondary institutions in Canada. With a commitment to redefine Liberal Arts education, Huron offers a unique university experience that places equal emphasis on ethical leadership, community engagement, and academic excellence.

As the founding institution of Western University, since 1863, Huron has remained strategically small to best serve the needs of its students. Huron’s mission is to develop Leaders with Heart from all backgrounds and foster a vibrant and inclusive community and prepare students to be engaged citizens who transform the sectors they work within. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to the President, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be instrumental in shaping and executing the financial strategy, ensuring fiscal integrity, and contributing to the overall success and sustainability of Huron’s mission. Specifically, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for driving the development and implementation of comprehensive financial strategies aligned with Huron’s institutional goals and strategic plan. 

As a member of the senior leadership team, the CFO works collaboratively with organizational leaders to ensure advocacy, management, and support of the broad spectrum of the financial portfolio of Huron. The CFO leads the Finance team to work across the institution in providing resource allocation and budgeting-related services, financial reporting, and student billing services. Responsibilities include overseeing institutional budget management, presenting accurate financial reports to stakeholders, managing investments, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in the Ontario post-secondary education landscape.

The CFO is a highly visible leader who acts as an ambassador for the university, building relationships with internal and external stakeholders to expand the impact and visibility of the university to further its reputation and resources required to create a community that engages the world and endures. 

The CFO functions in a highly demanding environment requiring the foresight to balance the institution’s needs, demands and strategies, vigilance for issues and challenges, and the prioritization of resources. The position requires confidentiality, discretion, integrity, and independent judgment. The CFO must be able to manage unpredictable events in a sensitive and timely manner requiring the ability to assess and address the needs of multiple stakeholders. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant field or commensurate experience;
• Additional qualifications such as a financial designation, an MBA or relevant master's degree are an asset;
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience, with at least five (5) years in a senior financial leadership position within a large and complex organization. Post-secondary experience is an asset;
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills;
• Familiarity with the regulatory environment for post-secondary institutions in Ontario;
• Expert communication skills to convey complex financial information in a clear and understandable manner;
• Strong ability to collaborate and lead effectively with diverse teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, both within the finance department and across other departments within the institution; 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to effectively articulate the rationale behind financial recommendations and translate financial data into actionable insights;
• Comfortable presenting financial data to Boards, government officials, and stakeholders; 
• Proven high ethical standards and ability to make decisions in the best interest of the institution, ensuring financial practices align with ethical guidelines;
• Experience resolving conflicts and addressing disagreements in a constructive manner, particularly in high-pressure financial situations;
• Strong ability to influence and gain buy-in from stakeholders on financial strategies and decisions;
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse cultural and social dynamics within the institution, including students, faculty, staff, internal and external stakeholders;
• Proficient in the use of MS Office and financial management software (e.g. NetSuite).

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application through ADP by February 22, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST.                    

Huron values its place in an interconnected world and desires to reflect this value, acknowledging our responsibility to strive towards a diverse and equitable employment and educational environment that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We welcome those who have a demonstrated commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and who may contribute to the diversification of ideas. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially those from members who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. 

As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. For a confidential inquiry or to request accommodation support, please contact Huron HR by phone (519-438-7224) or email (huronhr@huron.uwo.ca) at any time during the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected will be contacted.