Director, WUSA Finance

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Posting Information:

The internal posting deadline for this position is January 29 2026 at 11:59PM.
There is a qualified internal in the role.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Director of Finance role for a is a critical position responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the Waterloo Ungraduated Student Association (WUSA) with over $30M in managed member revenues for a diverse catalogue of operations programs and services. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies to ensure the organizations financial health stability and growth. They will also work closely with the executive leadership and board of directors to provide financial analysis and guidance.

The Director of Finance will oversee the financial reporting process including the preparation of monthly quarterly and annual financial statements for WUSA. WUSA has separate financial records audits compliance requirements internal controls asset management and data integrity responsibilities independent of UWs finance department.

They will also be responsible for budget development monitoring and reporting including the creation of forecasting models and analysis of financial performance. Additionally the Director of Finance will manage the organizations cash flow investment portfolio and risk management activities. They will also ensure compliance with financial regulations and requirements including tax filings and audits.

Key Accountabilities

Finance Leadership Strategy & Development

Develop financial strategies: Work with the General Manager & Board to develop plans for revenue generation cost control and investment management providing financial analysis and recommendations to support decision-making and align with the organizations long and short-term strategies.

Provide financial leadership: Oversee the development and implementation of financial policies procedures and controls providing guidance and support to all WUSA staff and ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

Manage financial risk: Identify assess and manage financial risks to the organization developing risk management strategies and policies and working with senior management to ensure adequate protection from financial risks.

Develop financial systems: Create efficient financial systems for budget planning forecasting cash flow management and financial reporting while ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

Improve financial processes: Continuously review and improve financial processes working with finance staff to identify inefficiencies develop process improvements and implement new financial software or tools. Ensure processes are documented and communicated to staff for consistency and accuracy.

Control Compliance & Audit

Ensure compliance with GAAP: The Director of Finance must ensure that the organizations financial statements are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Ensure compliance with financial regulations: The Director of Finance must ensure compliance with tax laws accounting standards ONCA and other financial regulations. They must also ensure that financial practices align with industry best practices.

Develop internal controls: The Director of Finance must develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard the organizations assets prevent fraud and ensure accuracy of financial information.

Oversee external audit process: The Director of Finance must oversee the external audit process and work with auditors to ensure the accuracy of financial statements and compliance with accounting standards.

Management of Assets Investments & Funds

Develop and implement investment strategies: The Director of Finance should work with senior management to develop investment strategies that align with the organizations goals and objectives. This may include evaluating investment options analyzing risks and making recommendations on investment decisions.

Monitor and report on investment performance: The Director of Finance should monitor and report on the performance of the organizations investments. They should track investment returns assess investment risks and provide regular reports to senior management and the board of directors.

Manage capital projects: The Director of Finance should oversee the management of capital projects including developing and implementing project budgets monitoring project progress and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Manage fixed assets: The Director of Finance should be responsible for managing the organizations fixed assets replacement schedules including developing and maintaining an inventory of assets monitoring asset values and depreciation and ensuring that fixed assets are properly maintained and insured.

Develop and implement multi-fund strategies: The Director of Finance should work with senior management to develop funding strategies that align with the organizations objectives. Includes evaluating financing /grant options managing debt/equity financing and identifying potential funding sources. Funds include capital funds endowments insurance plans and several other funds.

Reporting Business Intelligence & Advisory

Oversee financial reporting: The Director of Finance should ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial reports including the balance sheet income statement and cash flow statement. They should also be responsible for regulatory reporting tax compliance and financial audits.

Provide financial analysis: The Director of Finance should provide financial analysis to support decision-making. This may include forecasting budgeting variance analysis and financial modeling.

Manage business intelligence: The Director of Finance should oversee the development and management of business intelligence tools such as dashboards and data analytics. They should ensure that the organization has access to timely and accurate financial data to support decision-making.

Provide financial advisory: The Director of Finance should provide financial advisory to senior management and the board of directors. They should make recommendations on financial strategy investment opportunities and risk management.

Team Management & Stakeholder Relations

Lead and manage finance team: The Director of Finance should lead and manage the finance team providing support guidance and mentorship to help team members grow and succeed.

Collaborate with other teams: The Director of Finance should collaborate with other departments to ensure that finance is integrated with other business processes and to identify areas where finance can add value to the organization.

Manage stakeholder relations: The Director of Finance should manage relationships with key stakeholders including investors lenders and other financial partners. They should ensure that stakeholder reporting is accurate timely and meets the needs of each stakeholder.

Required Qualifications

Education

Completion of undergraduate program at university (preferably in commerce accounting or finance)

CPA Required

Certifications in Microsoft Dynamics Business Central (or equivalent experience)

Masters degree an asset

Experience

10 years as a controller/director of finance in a mid-large sized enterprise/non-profit

Strong background in finance accounting or a related field along with excellent analytical and communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead and work well in a team environment manage multiple priorities and have a deep understanding of nonprofit financial management.

10 years managing full cycle accounting required

5 years managing complex multi-fund budgets of $10M

Advanced experience with Microsoft Excel & Business Intelligence (or equivalent reporting tools)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Advanced knowledge of accounting principles: A Director of Finance should have a deep understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards.

Financial analysis and modeling skills: The ability to analyze financial data and create financial models to support decision-making and forecasting is essential.

Budgeting and forecasting expertise: Directors of Finance should have the ability to develop and manage budgets and forecasting processes to ensure financial stability.

Risk management skills: The ability to identify assess and manage financial risks is important including experience in developing and implementing risk management strategies.

Proficiency in financial software: Directors of Finance should be proficient in financial software tools including accounting and financial management software.

Leadership and team management skills: The ability to lead and manage finance teams is critical including the ability to create and monitor effective systems and controls delegate tasks provide guidance and motivate staff.

Effective communication skills: Directors of Finance should be effective communicators able to communicate financial information clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Strategic thinking and business acumen: Directors of Finance should possess strong strategic thinking skills and be able to understand the business operations of the organization and the industry in which it operates.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research learning teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized including applicants who identify as First Nations Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) Black racialized a person with a disability women and/or 2SLGBTQ.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application interview or workplace accommodation requests please contact Human Resources or ext. 45935.