Position Description

Vice President Finance – 50% time allocation

THE ORGANIZATION

McMaster Divinity College (MDC) is an evangelical Christian seminary with students representing nearly forty denominations. Located across from but affiliated with McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, MDC is independent in governance and manages its own financial affairs. The mission of MDC is to develop effective evangelical Christian leaders for the Church, academy, and society through graduate-level education, spiritual development, and vocational formation. We educate students for successful ministry and productive academic careers.

MDC is a graduate school and seminary providing education for the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, Master of Arts in Counseling and Spiritual Care, Master of Arts in Global Christianity, Master of Arts Christian Studies, Doctor of Practical Theology, and Doctor of Philosophy. MDC currently has more than 150 full time equivalent students, serving approximately 300 persons. The annual operating budget is approximately $4.5 million and endowed funds, which are externally managed by a third party, total approximately $28 million.

THE MANDATE

The Vice President Finance (VPF) reports directly to the president and is primarily an accountant/comptroller, with some additional responsibilities. These responsibilities include:

• Managing all financial affairs and accounting functions of MDC
• Ensuring effective cash management
• Being the primary liaison with banks and auditors
• Assessing and managing organizational risk
• Ensuring the timely and accurate completion of the annual budget and external audit
• Overseeing the rolling multi-year strategic plan;
• Preparing regular financial reports and interpretations of such to the President and the senior administrative team
• Assisting the MDC board in understanding MDC’s financial situation and needs
• Supporting the deliberations of the Resources Committee of the Board;
• Supervising payroll responsibilities
• Supervising HR responsibilities and policy development.

The VPF will be an experienced financial and business manager with a demonstrated record of effective financial and operating skills. The VPF will manage the finance function of MDC and will work closely with the President and other members of the senior administrative team.

MDC contracts with McMaster University for the provision of various services. As a result, MDC is able to operate with a small staff component. The VPF will be comfortable with personal involvement at the transactional level. 

The VPF will have a CPA designation, with a minimum of five years’ experience in financial and business management roles, preferably in the not-for-profit and/or higher education sector. MBA is also preferred. He/she must possess advanced personal expertise with Excel and be experienced in, and comfortable with, direct manipulation of Excel spreadsheets in the creation of financial and related information. Excellent written and oral communication skills are expected. This position may be attractive to someone who has recently left full-time employment and/or someone desiring a meaningful employment opportunity with reduced hours.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate should have the following demonstrated competencies and attributes:

• Ability to sign the MDC Statement of Faith
• CPA with a strong accounting and finance focus; MBA is also preferred
• 5+ years of financial management experience, preferably in the not-for-profit and/or higher education sector
• Strong IT skills, including hands-on experience with Excel; experience with Mosaic is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of/experience with fund accounting
• Knowledge of accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively and efficiently under pressure
• Ability to contribute in a positive manner to leadership team dynamics

COMPENSATION

• Competitive within the theological post-secondary education sector
• Full benefits package available

POSITION TYPE

50% time allocation

LOCATION

Hamilton, Ontario, with the possibility of some work done remotely