Financial Analyst, Coordinator

Working in close partnership with academic and non-academic leaders and support staff of their assigned service area(s), the Financial Analyst, Coordinator is an integral part of the university's Central Financial Services and will work within one of the core Finance teams, Financial Planning & Analysis.

Using a high level of technical expertise, demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail, the incumbent will provide strategic input and support for financial and operational activities in accordance with VIU's Financial Services standards, processes, and procedures in addition to governing legislation as well as perform a high volume of in-depth analysis, data entry, process reviews, and apply strong accounting knowledge in several core financial areas.

The incumbent utilizes various financial or accounting systems to prepare, monitor, analyze, and provide strategic input on finance and operations for work orders relating to a broad range of base academic and university operational activities, professional development and training, research, cost recovery, and contract programs.

• Works in partnership with academic and non-academic unit leaders, providing strategic input and support in matters related to the financial functions.
• Provides consolidated division forecasts to support decision‑making and support leadership in the presentation of financial reports.
• Reviews and consults with leadership on external financial partnership arrangements, including building budgets, liaising with contract holders, and contract specialists as required.
• Monitors budgets on an ongoing basis, reviewing financial activity with stakeholders, providing guidance in interpreting financial reports and advice in decision making.
• Prepares budget information, drafts, projections; undertakes budget planning, development, and review; engages in informed discussion about budgets and future plans.
• Provides financial and budget support to specific projects or areas as directed by leadership.
• Provides direction and support to the assigned service area(s) on FIS, financial processes, finance forms, and budgets, including training, updates, and changes in process.
• Generates FIS financial reports, manipulating in Excel as required to meet varied departmental needs.
• Prepare quarterly financial reports and perform variance analysis.
• Work closely with academic and non-academic leaders and Finance staff to provide in‑depth analysis of the cause of key financial variances.
• Assist with the development of internal controls and reporting.
• Provide education and support to users of the financial system to promote and foster understanding of the financial reports and how to manage financial resources.
• Redesign and implement processes, procedures, and internal controls where improvements can be made. When new processes are required, apply best practices and technical knowledge to design and propose sustainable policies and procedures.
• Analyze key financial areas on an ongoing basis. Where concerns exist, document issues, investigate possible solutions, recommend course of action, and implement agreed upon solution.
• Identifies, tracks, records, and provides details of overload / additional‑hours appointments and cost distribution changes for entry into HRIS by the Appointment Creator.
• Become proficient in the specific processes and cross‑train to provide backup support for other analysts or functions within the Finance department.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or Economics, along with a CPA designation or documented progress toward CPA (CMA in progress may also be considered), and at least five years' experience managing complex cost recovery and revenue‑based budgets, including preparation, monitoring, analysis, quarterly reviews, and year‑end reconciliation using advanced Excel.

• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and develop effective systems work instructions and procedures to support finance functions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet mandatory deadlines, and set priorities accurately and efficiently.
• Superior critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and independence,…