Manager, Budget & Planning

University of Toronto•Toronto, ON

19h•CA$106,705 - CA$177,843•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey. Financial Services is part of a vibrant and expanding campus where diversity fuels innovation. It consists of a team of professionals who provide accounting, budgeting and procurement services to UTSC. As a centralized department, it is responsible for safeguarding university assets, ensuring compliance, developing financial models and conducting analysis in support of the University’s academic mission. This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Operating Budget, the Manager, Budget & Planning provides strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, analytics, reporting, and data-driven decision-making for the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). The incumbent leads the development and implementation of budget models, financial analyses, forecasting, long-range planning, and institutional reporting that support the campus's academic mission and strategic priorities. The Manager is responsible for overseeing complex financial and operational data analysis, developing performance metrics and dashboards, managing data visualization and reporting platforms, and ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and effective use of financial and institutional data. The role partners with senior leadership, academic and administrative units, and central University stakeholders to provide expert financial advice, evaluate initiatives, assess risks and opportunities, and support evidence-based decision-making. The position also leads process improvement and technology initiatives related to budgeting and financial management, oversees financial reporting activities, manages special projects, and provides leadership, coaching, and performance management for staff within the unit. Through strategic planning, financial stewardship, and innovative analytical solutions, the Manager contributes to the long-term financial sustainability and operational effectiveness of UTSC.

Requirements

Completion of a University degree with a specialization in accounting and a professional accounting designation (CPA, CA, CMA) or acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience in finance and business management is required.
Understanding of both managerial and financial accounting practices within complex organizational environments, preferably in the higher education sector, is essential.
A minimum of seven (7) years of related budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis experience, with a proven ability to manage large-scale budgets and provide strategic financial advice.
Experience in strategic advisory roles to senior management, providing guidance on complex, non-standard issues, and formulating recommendations in uncertain or rapidly changing financial environments.
Demonstrated experience in managing and leading cross-functional teams, including overseeing staff performance, mentorship, and professional development.
Strong record of coaching and developing staff to foster a high-performance culture.
Experience in leading change management initiatives, particularly in financial processes, system upgrades, or organizational restructuring, with the ability to influence stakeholders and guide departments through significant transitions.
Excellent leadership and management skills, with demonstrated success in leading diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and building strong relationships with senior leadership and key stakeholders.
Thorough knowledge of financial analysis, forecasting, modeling, accounting, reporting, and internal control principles. Ability to apply these principles in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required.
Expertise in financial data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau is required.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and a strong self-starter mentality, with a highly rigorous attitude and excellent attention to detail.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to organize and clearly present complex financial information to non-financial staff and faculty.
Must demonstrate diplomacy in managing difficult situations and provide effective guidance across various levels of the organization.
Ability to think strategically, challenge the status quo, and see the long-term implications and opportunities of proposed financial changes and decisions.
Advanced problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex financial data, identify inefficiencies or risks, and provide actionable recommendations.
Expertise in managing financial projects, ensuring they align with institutional goals, stay within budget, and are completed on time.
Ability to lead process improvement initiatives and provide recommendations for enhanced financial efficiency and reporting.
Risk management skills to identify financial vulnerabilities and suggest proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure long-term financial stability.
Experience in mentoring and training financial officers and staff, with the ability to provide guidance, constructive feedback, and create learning opportunities that enhance team capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Public sector or higher education experience is highly desirable, with knowledge of institutional funding models, including grants, tuition revenue, and self-funded units.
Proven experience in managing and integrating financial systems, including financial management software (e.g., SAP, PeopleSoft), and experience with Financial Information Systems (FIS) and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) is a strong asset.
Knowledge of the University’s Financial Information System (FIS), Human Resources Information System (HRIS), and familiarity with budgeting and financial policies and procedures are an asset.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership in financial planning, budgeting, analytics, reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
Leads the development and implementation of budget models, financial analyses, forecasting, long-range planning, and institutional reporting.
Oversees complex financial and operational data analysis.
Develops performance metrics and dashboards.
Manages data visualization and reporting platforms.
Ensures the integrity, accuracy, and effective use of financial and institutional data.
Partners with senior leadership, academic and administrative units, and central University stakeholders to provide expert financial advice.
Evaluates initiatives, assesses risks and opportunities, and supports evidence-based decision-making.
Leads process improvement and technology initiatives related to budgeting and financial management.
Oversees financial reporting activities.
Manages special projects.
Provides leadership, coaching, and performance management for staff within the unit.
Contributes to the long-term financial sustainability and operational effectiveness of UTSC through strategic planning, financial stewardship, and innovative analytical solutions.