Position Description

Summary

The chief financial officer position is accountable for the administrative, financial, and risk management operations of the institution. This includes developing a financial and operational strategy, establishing metrics aligned with that strategy, and continually enhancing and monitoring control systems to safeguard organization assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.

Qualifications

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and active participation in the faith community, demonstrating a life consistent with Christian principles.
• A wholehearted commitment to the mission of Briercrest and the ability to sign and uphold our Corporate Mission and Institutional Covenant.
• An undergraduate degree, ideally in business, finance, or accounting, supplemented by professional accounting training (CPA, CA, CGA preferred). Advanced financial analysis expertise is critical, with significant executive-level financial leadership experience required.
• Excellent people leadership experience supported by overall business acumen. Experience in building and leading high-performing teams, with excellent communication, management, and collaboration skills.
• In-depth knowledge of business analytical practices and methodologies along with a strong understanding of modern information technology systems relevant to financial operations.
• A diligent and principled leader, exhibiting unwavering integrity, transparency, and ethical behaviour in all professional interactions. Desired Outcomes and Activities Planning

Desired Outcomes and Activities

Planning

1. Assist in formulating the institution's future direction and supporting tactical initiatives.
2. Monitor and direct the implementation of strategic business plans, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
3. Develop comprehensive financial and tax strategies to optimize the institution’s financial health.
4. Manage the capital request and budgeting processes to ensure resources are allocated efficiently and aligned with strategic goals.
5. Develop and track performance measures that support the organization's strategic direction and drive institutional success.

Operational Management

1. Participate in key decisions as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
2. Provide comprehensive financial reporting and maintain strong collaborative relationships with all members of the Executive Leadership Team to support unified decision-making and organizational alignment.
3. Manage relationships with third-party service providers for any outsourced functions, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective service delivery.
4. Develop and implement operational best practices across departments to improve efficiency, optimize resources, and enhance institutional performance.
5. Work with the HR department in the oversight of employee benefit plans, ensuring they are both competitive and sustainable while supporting staff well-being.
6. Supervise acquisition due diligence processes, ensuring thorough evaluation and risk management, and negotiate terms of acquisitions.
7. In addition to leading our Financial Department, provide strategic oversight and leadership for Operations, Information Systems, and Athletics (oversight responsibilities may change or be expanded in collaboration with the president).

Risk Management

1. Develop a deep understanding of the institution’s risk profile. Proactively implement strategies to mitigate key risks and safeguard the institution’s assets and reputation.
2. Continuously monitor all ongoing legal issues involving the company, ensuring that potential risks are managed and compliance is upheld. Stay informed on industry legal trends and regulatory developments that could impact the institution.
3. Design, implement, and monitor robust internal control systems that ensure financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and adherence to institutional policies. Regularly assess these systems to ensure they remain reliable and effective.
4. Regularly review and maintain appropriate insurance policies that align with the institution’s risk profile, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all potential liabilities.
5. Ensure that the organization complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. Stay current with regulatory changes to adjust policies and procedures as necessary.
6. Ensure that financial record-keeping systems meet the requirements of auditors, government agencies, and regulatory bodies, supporting transparency and accountability.
7. Provide detailed risk assessments and reports to the audit committee of the board of directors, ensuring that they are informed of any emerging risks and the measures taken to address them.
8. Maintain positive and transparent relationships with external auditors. Actively investigate their findings and recommendations and implement necessary improvements to enhance institutional processes and controls.

Funding

1. Regularly track and analyze the institution’s cash flow, ensuring that cash balances are sufficient to meet operational needs. Develop and maintain accurate cash forecasts to anticipate future financial requirements and optimize liquidity management.
2. Lead efforts to secure appropriate debt and equity financing to support the institution’s strategic goals. Negotiate favourable terms for financing arrangements, ensuring they align with the institution’s long-term financial stability and growth objectives.
3. Strategically manage the institution’s investment portfolio, ensuring funds are invested in a way that balances risk and return while aligning with the institution’s financial goals and ethical standards. Regularly review and adjust investment strategies to optimize financial performance.

Third Parties

1. Participate in conference calls with the investment community. Provide clear, accurate and strategic insights into the institution’s financial performance and future outlook, fostering stakeholder trust and confidence.
2. Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with banking partners. Negotiate favourable terms for banking agreements and continually assess the institution’s financial partnerships for optimal results.
3. Serve as a key representative of the organization with investment bankers, investors, and government leaders.

Team Relationships

• The CFO will report to the President.
• The CFO will be a voting member of the Executive Leadership Team.
• The CFO will oversee Finance, Operations, Information Systems, and the Athletic Department.
• The CFO will be responsible for reporting to the Board of Directors.
• May also include statements of responsibility for external contractor relationships, government regulators or key customers.

Applications

Applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé/CV, names of three references and any specified documents by email to the Human Resources office at hr@briercrest.ca. All employees of Briercrest College and Seminary are required to sign and adhere to our Institutional Covenant. Please review the covenant prior to submitting your application.