Financial Officer

Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 35 

Salary Grade: 14

About Western
Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us
Western’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry is a leading Canadian centre of outstanding education and research shaping health and dental care for the next generation.  The Schulich Dentistry team strives to obtain international recognition through excellence in dental education, research and patient care.  To foster that vision, Schulich Dentistry develops the knowledge and skills in dental professionals to provide exemplary care to the diverse communities that we serve and to influence the future of undergraduate and postgraduate dental education through scholarly inquiry, innovation and research. 

Responsibilities
The Financial Officer provides oversight and administration of all matters relating to the finances of the School of Dentistry and is responsible and accountable for the effective and efficient coordination of the financial processes in support of the academic and research operations, and is involved in the financial management and planning for the School, in collaboration with the Director, Dentistry Operations and the Director, Finance and Resource Planning. In consultation and collaboration with the Director, Dentistry Operations, the role is responsible for administration of the School including assistance with the development and implementation of the operating budget, financial management and oversight for payroll, accounts receivables, billings, purchasing, travel expenses, inventory of supplies, research and endowed funds and capital equipment maintenance. 

The Financial Officer monitors the approved budgets for the School and conducts financial management analysis and direction for the effective use of fiscal resources, including funds received from grants and donations. The role also provides analytical support to the Directors on the development of the School multi-year plan and monitoring of approved Operating and Research budgets. This Financial Officer also develops supporting budget schedules and preparation of financial and cash flow models. 

Qualifications
Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Business Management/Administration, Finance, Accounting, or relevant field
• Completion of, or working towards, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation

Experience:

• 5 years’ in strategic financial management, budgeting and reporting
• Progressive administrative experience in a complex environment (financial, human resources, administrative)
• 3 years supervisory experience (leading people and teams)
• Experience in a unionized or public sector environment preferred
• Experience in an educational or research institute or health care environment is preferred 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of financial budgeting, financial analysis and planning and with principles in financial management (GAAP, GAAS and IFRS)
• Knowledge of Western’s multi-source funding structure and policies, procedures and processes preferred
• Analytical skills in the areas of financial and business management to draft budget proposals, forecast expenses and monitor relevant accounts with a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and opportunities
• Sound business background with a demonstrated ability to make decisions and develop financial models
• Demonstrated skills working with collective agreements, employment standards and the ability to advise on policies and procedures as they relate to different employee groups
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop shared vision to lead and coach support staff to excellence
• Demonstrated advanced judgement, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with internal and external colleagues, departments, and business partners
• Proven ability to take initiative and lead other through change
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse stakeholder group
• Ability to establish effective methods of communication with all members of the team to maximize productivity
• Influential interpersonal skills that build strong, collegial relationships with students, staff and faculty members
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving ability with a solid understanding of key financial and human resources principles
• Solid negotiation, facilitation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to handle diverse situations, multiple projects and rapidly changing priorities
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (with advanced skills in Word and Excel)
• Ability to analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of detail/data
• Ability to work independently & effectively as a member of the team to achieve departmental goals
• Strong record of teamwork with the ability to work independently, in strict confidentiality, often under pressure and deadlines, with frequent interruptions 

 
Background Checks
While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory prior to any offer of employment.

Please note, successful applicants will be required to complete a credit check satisfactory to the employer.

Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:
Interested applicants are asked to visit https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #33974 by midnight on March 12th 2024.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.