Senior Analyst, Institutional Reporting

VIU invites applications from experienced Bookkeepers or financial services professionals with vast experience in financial reporting to apply for this new opportunity with our Financial Services team.

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, the Senior Analyst, Institutional Reporting at Vancouver Island University is responsible for the production of financial reports to external agencies, in-depth financial analysis, and the implementation of new accounting processes. The incumbent will apply advanced accounting knowledge in compiling, analyzing, and preparing financial documents for the University in accordance with the applicable accounting framework and governing legislation.

This position requires a high degree of judgement, technical expertise, and attention to detail. Using a strong knowledge of integrated financial systems and internal controls, the incumbent will support the implementation of improvements and new initiatives by providing strategic input and developing related business processes. The Senior Analyst, Institutional Reporting will also provide education, training, and support to users of the financial system to promote the understanding of financial reporting and financial management.

The successful candidate will work in close partnership with the Directors and Managers within Central Financial Services, the Payroll Office, and the Enterprise Systems Team; and will also collaborate with the Office of University Planning & Analysis on the financial aspects of institutional short-term and long-term planning for reporting.

This position is expected to be thoroughly familiar with accounting standards and trends. The Incumbent will continuously review and refine the University’s external financial reporting and be looked upon to answer questions of compliance.

The Senior Analyst, Institutional Reporting, will supervise one Accounting Assistant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific areas of responsibility include external financial reporting, performance monitoring, and financial processes and systems.

Financial Reporting, Information Analysis, and Performance Monitoring

• Prepare quarterly and annual financial reports to the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS), Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Stats Canada, Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO), and other internal and external stakeholders. Ensure reports are timely, accurate, understandable to users, and have supporting documentation.
• Prepare GST, PST, and MRDT returns for the CRA and Ministry of Finance.
• Perform ad hoc analysis of complex reporting issues for the University and provide summaries of results and recommendations for decision making.
• Prepare sections of the University’s annual financial statements and assigned year-end working papers, and work with external auditors to provide additional information as required.
• Monitor and prepare complex monthly account reconciliations for specific accounts, including investigating variances and unusual or unexpected transactions to ensure validity and support. Review account reconciliations prepared by the Accounting Assistant, and provide guidance, feedback, and direction for any corrections required.
• Prepare recurring, non-recurring, correcting, and complex journal entries for financial statement presentation purposes, including year-end payroll salary and benefit accruals. Review journal entries prepared by Accounting Assistant and submitted by other departments.
• Work closely with the Assistant Controller and Payroll Manager to provide in-depth analysis of the cause of key variances.

Financial Processes and Systems

• Participate in the planning and implementation of business or system process reengineering to improve efficiency or in response to legislative or regulatory changes. Ensure processes, procedures, and systems are developed for effective reporting, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Apply best practices and technical knowledge to design and propose sustainable policies and procedures. Provide training to end-users on business processes, system changes and enhancements, and the effective usage of system tools and reporting.
• Work closely with the Assistant Controller to continually develop strategic financial reporting and enhance information systems, and the Payroll Manger in the investigation of issues and implementation of payroll system changes that have a monetary impact recorded in the general ledger.
• Maintain specific attributes and relations within the ERP system, including chart of account and divisional hierarchy structure changes, work order creation, and period maintenance.

Communication, Leadership, and Other

• Communicate directly with external agencies and auditors to answer questions, coordinate, and satisfy reporting requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Directors and Managers within Central Financial Services to deliver exemplary service and expertise to support the University’s goals. Provide guidance to Financial Analysts supporting other reporting units.
• Provide effective leadership and direction to employees by establishing objectives and priorities and fostering effective communication and cooperation of the team.
• Evaluate and supervise employees in accordance with the collective agreement and University policies, including work allocation and review, training, and opportunities for professional development.

Required Qualifications:

A recognized Canadian accounting designation (CPA, CPA-CA, CPA-CGA, or CPA-CMA), with current membership. Minimum ten years of progressive experience with an emphasis on accounting and financial reporting and analysis, preferably in a post-secondary institution or a publicly funded organization of similar size. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Solid understanding and application of current accounting principles for not-for-profit, public sector, and charitable organizations.
• Demonstrated experience working with integrated systems and the ability to produce concise and complex financial reports. Ability to assess and manage financial risks through internal control mechanisms.
• Superior communication skills and ability to present complicated information in an easily understood manner in both oral and written form. Ability to maintain strong working relationships with all levels of faculty and staff.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with exceptional Microsoft Excel skills and demonstrated ability applying Excel to complex financial analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and make decisions based on professional knowledge, research, and consultation. Candidate must be self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision within multiple tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support the work of others.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.