Operational Financial Data Lead
About The Position
Advanced Education supports Albertans by providing the education and training opportunities they need to prepare for the workforce. This is accomplished by: approving programs of study; funding public post-secondary institutions and other adult learning providers; providing financial aid for learners; and supporting academic research and innovation. Programs and services are driven by 3 outcomes: (1) Adult learning opportunities are accessible and affordable for all Albertans; (2) High-quality education, skills development and research make a positive contribution to Alberta’s economy, society, culture and environment; and (3) The adult learning system is accountable and coordinated. Data Management and Governance Unit Advanced Education’s Data Management and Governance (DMG) unit aims to improve the ministry’s data maturity, as follows: Develop, implement, and evolve and enterprise-wide data management and governance. Develop, implement, and evolve stewardship of the Department's major administrative datasets. Collect and provide oversight of key administrative data from the advanced learning system. For more information on the Ministry of Advanced Education, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/advanced-education.aspx. Role Responsibilities If you are a data-driven leader who thrives in complex operational environments, this role offers the opportunity to lead financial data work that informs strategic decision-making across Alberta’s post-secondary system. The Data Management and Governance (DMG) unit is responsible for the collection, stewardship, and governance of the Department’s major administrative datasets. The unit develops and delivers high-quality data and data products to government, stakeholders, and the public, while advancing enterprise-wide data management and governance practices. As Operational Financial Data Lead, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of assigned data from design to use including metadata and quality standards, security and privacy, collection, validation, reporting, and analysis. As the subject matter expert, you will provide authoritative guidance on all aspects of their data, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and addressing data-related issues in collaboration with colleagues and clients. Working closely with policy and research professionals, you will support accountability, post-secondary research, and the development of performance metrics across institutional, provincial, national, and international levels. You will also provide advice on data design, collection, and stewardship practices across government, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and policy development. A strong understanding of the Tuition and Fees Regulation, the Protection of Privacy Act, and the Post-Secondary Learning Act is required. As Operational Financial Data Lead, you will be accountable for, but not limited to: Ensure operational financial data and tuition data are relevant, standardized, accessible, and usable Provide expert advice Guide data system development, enhancement, and maintenance Build strong stakeholder relationships Support the Department's data management and governance efforts
Requirements
- University graduation in Accounting, Finance or in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent
- Strong knowledge of data analysis, reporting, and trend identification.
- Experience using analytical and reporting tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power Query, and Power BI.
- Ability to interpret complex data, identify trends and anomalies, and provide meaningful insights to support decision-making.
- Ability to communicate analytical findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Understanding of data management and governance principles and best practices.
- Experience working with large datasets, reporting systems, and information management tools.
- Knowledge of data documentation practices, including business definitions, data dictionaries, and reporting standards.
- Strong knowledge of data validation and data quality assurance.
- Strong understanding of the Tuition and Fees Regulation, the Protection of Privacy Act, and the Post-Secondary Learning Act is required.
Nice To Haves
- Possessing or pursuing an accounting designation.
- Experience with AI tools for financial analysis
- Experience with Power BI dashboards
- Experience working with developers to build or fix data systems
- Experience with regulatory compliance
- Experience with Alberta’s adult learning system
Responsibilities
- Ensure operational financial data and tuition data are relevant, standardized, accessible, and usable
- Provide expert advice
- Guide data system development, enhancement, and maintenance
- Build strong stakeholder relationships
- Support the Department's data management and governance efforts
Benefits
- Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
- Leadership and mentorship programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
