Finance Portfolio Manager

Position title:  Finance Portfolio Manager                           

Position location:  Ottawa

Reports to:  Chief Financial Officer

Deadline to apply:  July 15, 2018

World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a leading Canadian international development organization that works with and through its southern partners to promote sustainable development. Founded in 1957 and currently working in 22 countries worldwide with an annual budget of approximately $45 million dollars, WUSC works towards a world where young people can grow up in safe, secure, supportive environments, where they can learn, work and play a vital role in their community and country’s development. Our internationally recognized programs support youth, women and other marginalized populations, focusing on three thematic areas of education, employment and engagement. Globally, WUSC works with a network of higher education institutions, civil society organizations, private sector partners, professionals, students, volunteers, faculty and community leaders that can be leveraged to support our work.

Nature and Scope:

WUSC is implementing development programs through different funding sources, in complex international settings and in a variety of business models. Quality and cost-effective financial support to these programs is a core mandate of the Finance unit.

The Finance Portfolio Manager is a supervisory position within the finance team that require the incumbent to both directly manage their assigned projects/programs and supervise financial staff assigned to a given portfolio of projects.   The Finance Manager is expected to strengthen leadership and management within the finance team, and to achieve better efficiency, effectiveness, accuracy, financial control and compliance of all finance and accounting activities associated with WUSC programs.

This position will be in a matrix reporting structure, with a reporting line to the Chief Financial Officer and strong ongoing direction from the Controller and Director of Program

The incumbent will be supervising a finance team in a flexible configuration of assigned projects/programs.

Program Support

• Supports the programs unit in the development of the budget and production of budgetary reports;
• Develops and produces a format for financial reports that reflect the local needs with regards to financial management;
• Supports and advises the programs unit in the oversight of each program or project with regards to its contractual obligations;
• Advises the programs or project staff regarding the distribution of financial resources;
• Develops, implements and maintains up-to-date financial measures that are in line with the internal procedures of WUSC and its partners;
• Performs month-end and year-end closings, monthly sub-ledger balancing, inter-organization reconciliation, exchange rate calculations, preparation of month-end journal entries, and maintaining the chart of accounts for projects;
• Ensures that all agreements involving financial commitments with third parties (such as volunteers, partners or local staff) conform to the program’s contractual obligations;
• Supports the WUSC country representatives in financial management and the oversight of activities;
• Ensures that all financial files are accurate, up-to-date and contain all pertinent information;
• Ensures that all program transactions, including field office expenditures, are recorded correctly;
• Prepares the project reporting to the donors, the programs unit and management;
• Supports audits commissioned by the donors in compliance with the corporate audit framework;
• Responds to requests for information from the donors, the programs unit and management;
• Ensures implementation of necessary financial controls and due diligence (review of periodical reports, frequent monitoring visits and internal audits in the field, etc.); and
• Produces statistical and technical assistance reports for the donors.

Team Supervision

• Supervises a team of financial analysts by determining priorities, assigning work tasks, coordinating processes, providing advice, direction and coaching, ensuring quality of deliverables, and managing performance;
• Provides ongoing financial advice and support to Program Managers concerning the conduct of financial management reviews, the revision of financial reports, the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, and the conduct of internal audits;
• Focuses on solving conflict and balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to building a positive team spirit;
• Provides financial support and ongoing training to overseas finance staff; and
• Leads the internal audit process of overseas field offices. Travels to overseas offices to ensure that financial processes are adequate and that proper internal controls are maintained.

Assistance to Management

• Conducts research and analysis that will benefit WUSC and its programs;
• Assists in the development and implementation of standardized, integrated financial management systems, policies, procedures and internal controls for financial operations at HQ and in field offices, including on-site or off-site office set-up for new field office, closing project and field office and development and delivery of financial training sessions to both Canadian and field staff and partners;
• Participates in or leads special projects assigned by management; and
• Conducts other duties as required.

Education/Training

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; Master’s degree an asset.
• Professional accounting designation (CGA, CMA, or CA) or equivalent education and experience is required.

Experience

• Minimum ten years of experience, with at least five years in a supervisory position.  
• Experience in project administration (preferably international development projects) is preferred.  
• Negotiating skills and ability to deal at senior levels with bank officials, auditors, funding agencies and contract partners is essential.  
• Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with staff at all levels are critical.
• In-depth knowledge of integrated accounting software for medium sized organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and regulations governing charities and government funded organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of ERP and accounting software such as Microsoft Dynamics, SAGE, Oracle, etc.

Language

• Complete fluency in English is necessary; working knowledge of French an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Why work with us?

WUSC offers a  dynamic international  work environment with a  diverse intercultural workforce.   We  offer employees  exciting opportunities  to apply their skills and gain experience, all while  making a difference  for youth around the world. We  believe  youth have the potential to provide for their families, build strong communities, and create positive social change for future generations.   Employees at WUSC  work hard  to create lasting change in education, employment and empowerment.  

The WUSC office is centrally located in Hintonburg, Ottawa. We offer competitive benefits, four weeks of annual leave (for full-time employees), safe and healthy working conditions, and fair compensation.

Applications:

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer.   We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.   No telephone calls please.

If you wish to apply for this position, please follow this link to register on WUSC’s candidate database.