Finance Manager, Academic

Job Overview

Reporting to the Associate Director, Academic Finance Operations, the Finance Manager provides cross‑departmental leadership in financial strategy, budget development, quarterly budget reviews, position control, enrolment planning, and analytical reporting for assigned schools/departments within the Academic area. The role maintains functional reporting relationships with Deans/Directors and oversees day‑to‑day financial management and operations, including enrolment/activity forecasting, contract administration, and budget officer supervision.

• Develop short, medium, and long‑term financial operating and capital plans for an annual budget of $30–$60M.
• Lead and coordinate annual and quarterly budget reviews, submissions, and variance resolution.
• Develop and manage a budget and positions‑tracking process, overseeing monthly performance and providing strategic input during budget preparations.
• Offer guidance to Deans/Directors and Chairs/Managers on budget principles, contribution margins, and financial guidelines.
• Provide daily oversight of budget monitoring, identify risks, and propose mitigation strategies.
• Research and recommend corrective actions to ensure progressive performance standards and optimal value for money.
• Coordinate multi‑year enrolment projections, integrating assumptions into budget and staffing plans.
• Design and redesign business processes to meet evolving student and administrative needs.
• Analyze cost reports, KPI trends, retention data, enrolment, and financial drivers; prepare recommendations for costing improvements.
• Produce scenario analyses for planning, scheduling, contract proposals, and new initiatives.
• Provide detailed reports on trends, opportunities, enrolment/activity, student retention, and return on investment.
• Oversee contract administration: review terms, maintain documentation, support risk minimization, and manage contract workflows.
• Develop business cases and cost‑benefit analyses for partnerships, projects, and contracts.
• Prepare working papers, journal entries, and draft financial statements for contract compliance.
• Manage space and equipment requirements, ensuring alignment with the Academic Space Plan and Capital Equipment Plan.
• Coach, develop, and manage staff; oversee workload allocation, performance planning, and professional development.
• Collaborate with other Finance Managers and Budget Officers to standardize financial services across the Academic Area and drive continuous improvement of reporting tools.

• Education
  :
  Minimum four‑year degree in Business Administration, Commerce, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and work experience).
• Certification
  :
  Certified Professional Accounting Designation (CPA).
• Experience
  :
  Minimum seven years in senior financial and business planning roles within post‑secondary institutions; experience leading teams and managing deliverables in a matrixed environment; experience presenting to upper management and senior executives.
• Experience with complex multi‑year budgets, unionized and non‑unionized HR plans, and large organization financial, HR, and accounting systems.
• Experience in all phases of business process design and redesign.
• Experience preparing financial statements and reports for all levels and explaining variances.
• Experience with provincial government funding and contract terminology.
• Advanced Excel and other software proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, accounting, database) – minimum nine years of progressive experience.

• Proven leadership, supervisory, and management skills to oversee full responsibility scope.
• Excellent financial analysis, communication, and decision‑making skills.
• Conflict resolution, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strong understanding of GAAP (GAPP) and corporate governance.
• Proficiency with Human Resources Systems, Financial Systems, and Microsoft 365.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time‑management skills.

Compensation:
Competitive base salary ($–$ Annual) and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and retirement plans. Eligibility for benefits varies by position.

Career & Development:
Access to training, tuition assistance, certifications, workshops, and professional development opportunities.

Work arrangement:
Eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy ().

Algonquin College is an equal‑opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected status.