Director of Finance

Position:

Director of Finance

Reports to:

Head of School

Position Group:

Operations

Term:

Permanent, full-time

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) is a premier co-educational day school nestled in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains just outside of the City of Calgary on a 220-acre campus. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, STS offers all three IB Programmes from Kindergarten through to Grade 12.

In addition to the global perspective offered by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the School offers an extensive co-curricular program in a technology-rich environment. Students take advantage of the amazing natural setting including a small pond, forest, and extensive trail system to complement their academic learning.

STS combines the rich traditions from its 120 years of history with innovative and research-based instructional practices where students pursue lives of purpose, flourishing emotionally, physically, and intellectually.

STS values pluralism. We are committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Head of School and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Director of Finance will have a clear mandate to support the achievement of the goals and objectives established in the strategic plan, long-term financial sustainability of the school, excellence in education, long-term capital project financing and management, and a culture that has a disciplined, yet forward thinking approach to financial planning.

The Director of Finance will also provide leadership to the teams that support school facilities, operational accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, regulatory reporting, financing, legal, tax receipting, and payroll & benefits.

Core Areas of Responsibility

Leadership

· Collaborate closely with the Head of School and the Board of Governors, providing the necessary resources and recommendations to allow Leadership and the Board to fulfill their mandates.

· Support the Head of School by keeping up to date with the overall operational and financial activities of the school, analyze a broad range of operational information, identify priority issues to be addressed, and initiatives to be undertaken.

· Ensure the SLT and department heads have the financial tools, knowledge, and skills to develop and implement their annual budgets. Support decision making by providing strategic, financial, and operational analysis in a comprehensive and timely manner.

· Collaborate with the SLT, Team Leaders, and the Board to ensure financial reports are understood and acted upon appropriately while considering the financial implications of decisions.

· Support decision making by providing strategic, financial, and operational analysis in a comprehensive and timely manner.

· Prioritize inclusion at the school by reviewing the allocation of resources and contributing to policies that enable all students and staff members to have equitable opportunities to thrive and belong.

· Work collaboratively with others and be willing to support all aspects of finance, particularly when problem solving.

Operational Responsibilities

· Develop, plan and execute financial policies and ensure appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place and that financial policies are adhered to.

· Monitor budgets to actual expenditures and support department heads in developing strategies to manage budget variances.

· Provide oversight and quality control for all bookkeeping, payroll, and financial reporting completed by team members.

· Ensure appropriate insurance coverage is in place to protect the assets of the school.

· Conduct an annual review on premium costs and coverage.

· Assist the Head of School with negotiation and administration of contracts with significant suppliers.

· Work with SLT to establish key performance metrics and reports that support effective decision making and operational effectiveness throughout the school.

· Responsible for the monthly/quarterly financial statements and reconciliations.

· Responsible for preparing the annual budget and maintaining the quarterly forecasting process.

· Provide meaningful recommendations to support the leadership team in strategic decision making.

· Lead the year-end audit process including preparation of financial statements for external auditors.

· Establish and maintain appropriate internal checks and controls to ensure the accuracy of information and the existence of appropriate safeguards to protect STS' assets and ensure confidentiality of information.

· Assist the Head of School with detailed financial modeling of new projects and strategic initiatives.

· Prepare financial statements and reports as required by Federal and Provincial authorities.

· Ensure compliance with Alberta Education's funding requirements and reporting and be the designated liaison with Alberta Learning for all financial matters.

· Model best practices of exemplary professionalism in dealing with all stakeholders.

· Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School.

People Management

· Provide leadership to the Finance Department to foster staff morale, high productivity, and staff development. 

· Ensure a clear definition of responsibility for each employee in both the Finance and Facilities Departments, including the ongoing mentoring, coaching and management of staff; each being carried out in a manner that creates a strong, collaborative, and open culture.

· Lead regular departmental meetings as a means of sharing company information, setting goals, ensuring team alignment and communicating strategic objectives.

· Ensure timely review and approval of team members' work, offering guidance and corrective feedback when necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

· A university degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, in accounting, business, or management.

· A professional accounting designation.

· A minimum of 7+ years of progressive senior Finance/Accounting experience.

· Prior experience in an independent school is a strong asset.

· Demonstrated success in managing the financials of a complex, multi-stakeholder institution, with the ability to improve efficiencies, manage risks, and identify opportunities for synergy.

· Strong understanding of Alberta Education, the Education Act, and associated provincial legislation.

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, data analysis tools, and financial modeling.

· Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.

· Demonstrated knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.

· Strong leadership, mentorship and analytical skills.

· Demonstrated knowledge of Sage 50 accounting software.

· Previous experience working with a Board of Governors.

· Knowledge of CRA regulations affecting charities an asset.

· An understanding of fundraising including capital campaigns, expanding private and public funding, and creating mutually beneficial partnerships.

· Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.

· Impeccable communication and organizational skills.

· Demonstrate and uphold a strong commitment to occupational health and safety.

Application Instructions

Applications must contain a cover letter, your resume and the names and contact information for three work-related references, one of which must be a direct supervisor (your references will not be contacted without your prior consent).

Please submit your application through our recruitment module at

Applications will be reviewed as received and interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as the position may be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is selected. 

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an equal opportunity employer and provides a welcoming environment for all employees and encourages diversity among staff and students as part of our commitment to the Alberta Human Rights Act.