Business Partner - Financial Services

Position End Date: January 14, 2028

Salary Range: $81,724 to $108,966 with a typical starting salary between $98,070 and $108,996 annually

Type of appointment: Administrator - Term Full-time

Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00 to 4:00 pm

Your Opportunity

The Business Partner, under the direction of the Associate Director of Financial Planning, serves as a strategic financial advisor to administrators and leaders within Okanagan College, aligning with the institution’s vision of empowering individuals and communities. This role is integral in developing, analyzing, and implementing financial frameworks and initiatives that support the operational objectives of their client group and, where necessary, coordinates the efforts of staff members.

Aligning with Okanagan College’s commitment to students, communities, and sustainable development, the Business Partner collaborates closely with College leaders to assess service requirements, identify and monitor challenges, and ensure the consistent and accurate application of relevant legislation and College policies. The Business Partner will work within the Financial Services team, advocating for best practices and strategic programs, policies, and initiatives, which support the College’s strategic plan and its overarching goals.

Functions and Duties

Financial Management

• Planning, organizing, and directing initiatives for the efficient management of financial resources.
• Monitoring the overall financial effectiveness and efficiency of all units within the client portfolio/department(s), and instituting changes as necessary in consultation with the portfolio/department(s) leadership.
• Providing advice on the application of financial policies and procedures.
• Coordinating and overseeing development and implementation of financial systems, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborating with portfolio/department(s) leadership to develop short and long-range financial plans to optimize the portfolio or department’s financial effectiveness in conjunction with portfolio/department(s) and College strategic goals.
• Managing the coordination and review of annual budgets, quarterly variance analysis and forecasting for all units within the client’s portfolio/department(s).
• Acting as liaison between the portfolio/department(s) and Finance on all financial matters.
• Providing financial advice, support, and assistance to portfolio/department(s) staff.
• Providing strategic direction and guidance to the portfolio/department(s) leaders.
• Leading the development and management of all financial reporting requirements related to units within the portfolio/department(s), from transactional level details required to support monthly reconciliation processes to summarized management reports to enable decision-making.
• Monitoring existing internal controls throughout the portfolio/department(s) and ensuring internal controls are operating effectively; reviewing internal controls continuously to ensure efficiency is maximized and risks are mitigated.

Contributes to strategic planning and direction for the portfolio/department(s)

• Acting as a member of the portfolio/department(s) leadership team, participating in strategic, budget, resource, and staffing processes.
• Providing strategic advice to units consistent with organizational objectives on the effective and efficient use of financial resources.
• Developing key objectives and tactics as required to meet the strategic objectives of the portfolio/department(s), linking financial goals with departmental planning and operations.
• Identifying and researching issues and coordinating the resolution of these issues.
• Working in close partnership with portfolio/department leaders on special projects and projects of a sensitive, confidential nature by identifying issues, researching background materials,
• Strategizing, developing, presenting, and implementing recommendations, and delivering related communication on behalf of the portfolio.

Establishes best practices and develops capacity across the portfolio/department(s)

• Providing finance related mentoring and education for staff.
• Participating in the development and delivery of campus wide training initiatives.
• Acting as a thought partner to leaders.
• Working with all stakeholders to build consensus in planning processes and initiatives.
• Establishing relevant financial indicators for each unit in the portfolio/department(s) and monitoring their performance.

Supervision

• Supervises the Accounting Analyst, including assignment of duties, health and safety, orientation, training and staff development, recognition and reward, performance management and evaluation, scheduling, prioritization of work requirements and in consultation with the Associate Director, completes recruitment and selection, as well as disciplinary action, as required.
• Leads, guides and motivates staff in maintaining high performance standards and customer satisfaction levels

Other

• Working closely with directors and managers in the portfolio/department(s) as well as People Services to support organizational planning.
• Working in collaboration with other Finance Services Business Partners to share knowledge, best practices, and opportunities for efficiencies.
• Keeping abreast of issues pertaining to units within the portfolio, including participation on College committees.
• Promoting open and transparent communications.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Education and Experience

Completion of a 4-year accounting related degree (Business Administration or Commerce) with a CPA accounting designation or equivalent is required.

A minimum of 5 years of progressive related experience, including 3 or more years of supervisory/management experience. Preferred experience includes familiarity with public sector accounting, cost accounting and project management.

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in developing and implementing comprehensive financial strategies that align with organizational goals and operational objectives. Ability to forecast, budget, and plan effectively, considering both short-term and long-term financial implications.
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights. Skilled in utilizing critical thinking to assess financial scenarios and make well-informed decisions.
• Strong capability in communicating complex financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders. Proven track record of building and maintaining collaborative relationships with leadership, departments, and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in leading financial initiatives and mentoring team members. Ability to foster a culture of financial literacy and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Advanced skills in financial software, Microsoft Excel, and online collaborative platforms. Committed to leveraging technology for improved financial analysis, reporting, and process innovation.