Financial Planning Consultant - (01325.13)

OVERALL PURPOSE
General Accountability:
The Financial Planning Consultant provides support in the areas of financial planning and budgeting financial analysis financial statement reviews problem resolution and general financial and business advice to Faculties Schools and Divisions (FSD). Responsibilities include:

• performing effective financial planning and analysis and budget development to assist leaders within assigned portfolio to adjust and commit resources toward FSD and organizational priorities;
• working closely with the Financial Reporting team in providing advice to budget holders that correctly applies generally accepted accounting principles; and
• supporting the development of certain year-end financial statement working papers.

A high degree of professionalism and strict confidentiality is required when dealing with various situations reviews and analysis.

Organization and Structure:
The Financial Planning and Analysis department is the first point of contact for FSDs for all budget related issues. The Financial Planning Consultant reports directly to the Manager Financial Planning & Budget and works closely with academic and administrative leaders (Provost VP A&F Deans AVPs Directors etc.) within the assigned portfolio.

Who We Are

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a comprehensive learner-centred and sustainable university offering high-quality and flexible education training research and scholarship to regional national and international learners and their communities. TRU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of Nursing Social Work Education Computer Science Science and Law to a highly diverse student population. Located on the traditional territory of the Secwepemc peoples TRU offers two campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake and several regional centres in British Columbias southern interior.

In line with our vision Community-minded with a global conscience we boldly redefine the university as a place of belonging Kwseltktnws (we are all related and interconnected with nature each other and all things) where all people are empowered to transform themselves their communities and the world Thompson Rivers University is committed to equity diversity and inclusion.

Why Kamloops

These positions are based out of TRUs main campus in Kamloops which features an abundance of green space and overlooks the North and South Thompson Rivers. Kamloops is a vibrant city that offers a high quality of life for people of all ages with mild winters warm summers and short commutes. Kamloops boasts an events centre excellent primary and community health care an airport schools the university and a WHL hockey team.

The city is situated between the Coastal and Rocky Mountains which is the perfect backdrop for some of Canadas most incredible outdoor experiences. Living and working in Kamloops you will be minutes away from scenic river trails and parks and a short distance to world-class outdoor recreation in all seasons including mountain biking and hiking trails freshwater lakes in the Okanagan and Shuswap and world-class skiing snowboarding cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Plus it is only a few hours drive to major hubs in BC Alberta and the United States.

Nature and Scope:
As the first point of contact the Financial Planning Consultant provides comprehensive strategic and operational advice guidance and support in all facets of financial management accounting (while working closely with the Financial Reporting team) and financial planning to academic and administrative leaders and their respective departments and faculties across campus. The Financial Planning Consultants also collaborate to develop and implement best practice financial planning processes policies and systems that support the Universitys leaders and managers.

Key to the success of the Financial Planning Consultant is their ability to develop strategic partnerships understanding the key challenges of the faculties schools & departments and providing coaching and advice based on best practice and a good understanding of generally accepted accounting principles within their assigned portfolios. The Financial Planning Consultant will operate with considerable independence while exercising discretion and initiative have a high degree of motivation critical thinking and professional judgment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Developing short and long-range financial plans to optimize the portfolios financial effectiveness in alignment with the portfolio and institutional strategic goals.
2. Advising academic and administrative leaders within respective portfolio on strategic budget appropriate accounting treatment in conjunction with the Financial Reporting department resource and staffing decision-making.
3. Managing the coordination and review of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for all units within assigned portfolio
4. Providing strategic advice on the effective and efficient use of financial and human resources to portfolio that is consistent with organizational objectives
5. Establishing and monitoring relevant financial indicators for each unit in the portfolio.
6. Monitoring the overall financial effectiveness and efficiency of all FSDs within assigned portfolio in consultation with the Deans AVPs and Directors.
7. Providing advice on the application of financial policies and procedures.
8. Serving as liaison between the FSDs and Finance Department on all financial matters and dissemination of information.
9. Providing financial advice support and assistance to FSD staff.
10. Participating in the evaluation and implementation of systems and tools
11. Providing mentoring and education for FSD staff
12. Participating in the development and delivery of campus wide training initiatives
13. Working in collaboration with other Financial Planning Consultants to share knowledge best practices and opportunities for improving efficiencies.
14. Train new Budget Officers on processes and procedures
15. Keeping abreast of issues pertaining to units within the portfolio including participation on University committees.

REPORTS TO
Manager Financial Planning and Budget

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
Qualifications & Experience:

• Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation
• 7 years of progressive accounting experience in a computerized environment including experience in developing spreadsheets budgets and forecasts analytical reports and financial statements.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered with preference given to candidates with a CPA designation.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Advanced experience with complex reconciliations and analysis of large amounts of financial and other data.
• Experience with integrated financial reporting and budget tools and models.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and utilize complex spreadsheets and financial models.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Excel Word Outlook PowerPoint etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to translate budget and financial data and scenarios in non-technical terms to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong skills at providing positive and improved customer service
• Strong organizational and planning skills including ability to determine priorities be self-directed and work with minimal supervision.
• Experience in an academic or complex professional environment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and short time lines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to independently apply knowledge of policies and procedures.

*Please note that the salary for this position is under review*