Interim Finance Manager

• Position: Interim Finance Manager
• Location: Martin Luther University College, Waterloo, Ontario (Hybrid: 3 days on campus / 2 days remote)
• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Term: Six to eight-month contract
• Reports to: Principal-Dean
• Direct Reports: Finance Coordinator
• Salary: $90,000/yr, prorated to the contract term
• Start date: May 11, 2026 (estimated)

Position Summary

The Interim Finance Manager is responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of financial and accounting services that support Luther. Reporting to the Principal‑Dean, the Interim Finance Manager provides strategic financial leadership, ensures strong internal controls, and oversees financial operations, reporting, systems, and compliance across the institution.

This role works independently and collaboratively with internal stakeholders, Centre Directors, external partners, and regulatory bodies, and supervises the Finance Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the development of annual and multi‑year operating, ancillary, and capital budgets.
• Provide financial modeling, analysis, and recommendations aligned with institutional priorities.
• Advise senior leadership and Centre Directors on financial impacts and planning scenarios.
• Support committees and major initiatives with integrated financial insights.
• Oversee financial reporting for capital projects and long‑term resource planning.

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Produce accurate internal, external, and regulatory financial reports.
• Prepare year‑end financial statements and act as primary lead for the annual external audit.
• Manage monthly reconciliations (GL, AP, payroll, endowments, operating and special funds).
• Prepare monthly financial reports, year‑end projections, and variance analysis.
• Oversee payroll setup, annual increases, and benefit and retirement contributions.
• Manage donor endowment reporting and provide financial analysis to Centre Directors.
• Supervise, train, and support the Financial Coordinator and other finance support staff.

Financial Systems, Processes & Improvement

• Enhance, test, and maintain financial systems (e.g., Banner Finance, expense platforms).
• Analyze and improve financial processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide training for staff and faculty on financial systems, reporting, and expense processes.
• Maintain financial policies, procedures, and documentation.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk

• Maintain strong internal controls to support financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with CRA, HST, accounting standards, and audit requirements.
• Lead initiatives to address control gaps and strengthen practices.
• Develop and deliver finance‑related training across the institution.
• Participate in committee work.

Research & Grants Finance

• Manage research finance budgets and processes.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Provide faculty with financial guidance, tools, and accurate grant reporting.
• Liaise with external agencies for reporting, audits, and issue resolution.

Treasury & Cash Flow Management

• Manage cash flow, fund transfers, investment income, endowments, and pension‑related expenses.
• Maintain endowment cash flow models and complete monthly bank reconciliations.
• Provide financial benchmarking and reporting to senior leadership and the Board.
• Recommend treasury and debt‑related policies.

Accounts Payable, Procurement & Student Financial Support

• Oversee adherence to procurement and AP policies.
• Train staff on AP, procurement, and payment workflows.
• Administer bursaries, scholarships, and student financial transactions.
• Respond to tuition inquiries and calculate annual fee increases.

Centre & Event Support

• Oversee financial activities related to the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre including budgeting, analysis and reporting.
• Support Luther events as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, commerce or a related field is required.
• A recognized accounting designation (CPA, CA, CPA, CMA or CPA, CGA) is an asset.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience with demonstrated increasing responsibilities in the areas of accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial planning and analysis or other financial activities are required.
• Experience in a public‑sector or post‑secondary environment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial statements, auditing, and cost‑centre accounting.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Banner) and reporting tools (e.g., Cognos).
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem‑solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Dog‑friendly office environment.
• Extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Comfortable working in an open office environment.
• Many deadlines related to financial cycles and reporting requirements.
• Regular periods of evening or weekend work may be required.
• Comfortable working in a faith‑based community.

Staff Benefits

• Positive, collaborative work environment.
• Comprehensive Extended Health and Dental Benefits.

Terms of Appointment

This is a union‑exempt position as an employee of Martin Luther University College. Luther employees are not employees of Wilfrid Laurier University.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

In line with Wilfrid Laurier University's hiring policies, Martin Luther University College is committed to diversity and creating a culture of inclusion by increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity‑deserving groups. The College welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, nationality, gender‑affiliation or sexual orientation. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.