Associate Vice President, Financial and Procurement Services

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 941
CLOSING DATE: December 9, 2024 @ 11:59 PM MDT

FINANCIAL & PROCUREMENT SERVICES

NorQuesters are difference makers and NorQuest College is a place of connection, a hub for business leaders and innovation, a catalyst for research focused on society’s biggest challenges and a vital partner to government, industry and the community.  We are growing and are looking for a talented individual to join the College in the role of Associate Vice President (AVP), Financial and Procurement Services.
 

Reporting to the Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer, the AVP, Financial and Procurement Services is accountable for providing overall strategic direction and oversight for all aspects of finance and procurement at the College. The AVP will provide strategic expertise to the Executive Committee, Strategic Operations Committee, and Board of Governors on an ongoing basis. This includes overseeing the development of business plans that align with the overall College strategy, focusing on the long-term (3 to 10 years out) opportunities and risks. 
 

The successful candidate will promote collaboration and communications across the college while ensuring a cohesive, coordinated and strategic approach designed to facilitate and enable the College’s strategic and corporate business plans. They will ensure strong governance while overseeing all teams responsible for finance and procurement strategically, enabling them to reduce overall costs, promote business development; collaboration, communication, and relationship management with a range of stakeholders through the various operations and initiatives. The AVP, Financial and Procurement Services will ensure that all regulatory and legislative requirements are met.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

The AVP, Financial and Procurement Services will be responsible for:
 

Strategic Leadership

• Providing innovative strategic leadership in developing and executing, monitoring and adjusting strategies associated with Corporate Planning, Finance and Procurement policies and processes across the organization. 
• Ensuring that the divisions within their area of responsibility evolve in a manner that supports college-wide strategic and business plans and growth while managing associated risks. 
• Reviewing and providing advice and direction to teams within the Finance division and across the organization based on information identified through key pieces of data (metrics).  
• Overseeing all aspects of Corporate Planning, Finance and Procurement within the college and ensures that all necessary roles are established to meet the technology needs of the college. 
• Defining and establishing a system to monitor performance across the institution.  The performance measures are based on and aligned to the strategy and business plan and support operational plans.
• Developing internal partnerships to support strategic investments and recommendation of new opportunities.
• Providing coaching and mentoring to senior members of the division.

External Research and Integration

• Evaluating and analyzing external data and collaborating with external parties to evolve the College’s strategies where opportunities to improve are identified.
• Developing strategies for advancing partnerships and external relationships. 
• Communicating strategies in partnership with divisional leaders.

Management of Internal Controls and Systems

• Strategically leading all divisions, ensuring that the College is positioned for success in all audit processes.
• Continually seeking to improve internal controls and systems.
• Evolving the division's policies, procedures, and practices, ensuring effective and efficient operations while reducing organizational risk.

Operational Leadership

• Accurately and effectively handling NorQuest’s financial reporting, supply chain, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and contract management functions.
• Managing the College’s corporate business plan, long-term financial plan, and annual report.
• Developing a strong finance leadership team and succession plan, ensuring that appropriate operational expertise exists in all function areas.
• Cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Cultivating relationships with internal stakeholders and understanding the needs and goals of internal constituents.
• Participating in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of senior leadership staff members.
• Conducting performance reviews, progressive discipline, and termination of employees.
• Overseeing the implementation of a new ERP for the finance module.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensuring sound financial internal controls.
• Working with the Director, Information, Risk, and Compliance to ensure appropriate risk management and reporting.
• Ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of external audit and regulatory reporting.
• Keeping informed of current trends in business and risk, identifying emerging risks as appropriate.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• A master’s degree in Finance or Business Administration fields is an asset, though a combination of education and experience is also acceptable.
• An accounting designation/CPA is required.
• A procurement designation (Supply Chain Management Professional) is an asset.
• An approximate 15-20 years of broad experience in finance with a proven track record of remaining up-to-date with emerging trends and considerations.
• A minimum of 5 years leading within a large complex organization.
• Strong experience in developing and managing long-term strategy and developing high-performing teams.
• Proven strategic planning, organization and execution skills.
• Proven persuasion and negotiation skills. 

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?

• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing external landscape.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation, analysis, project management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to convey technical information to a wide range of audiences.
• Sound judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Outstanding analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to motivate a large and diverse employee base while maintaining a collaborative environment.
• Ability to confidently build relationships with external parties, such as the Government of Alberta and its peers.
• Ability to oversee the successful management of multiple complex projects.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent understanding of project management principles.
• Considerable knowledge of business theory, business processes, management, and budgeting.
• In-depth knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and provincial laws and regulations related to Finance and Procurement.
• Strong commitment to honesty and integrity.

SALARY: $171,804 - $204,789 reflective upon what you bring, AKA your education and experience. This is a full-time permanent position with immediate access to our great pension and benefit programs.  

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

Additional Information: 

To support the College in this critical search, we have partnered with Mullen Leadership Recruitment.  If this opportunity excites you, we invite you to submit your resume and cover letter in confidence to connect@mullenleadership.com.

Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc. For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

• International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment
• World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.