Permanent Full-Time Excluded Position

8:30am to 4:30pm / Monday to Friday

Grade 15 ($125,478 to $167,305 per annum)

Please note: This position is currently under consideration for an internal candidate. However, we welcome all applications and will review submissions in accordance with university hiring policies.

ABOUT EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY OF ART + DESIGN

Situated on unceded, traditional and ancestral xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories in Vancouver, Canada, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) is where creativity meets practice. Ranked among the world’s top 30 universities for art and design (QS 2024), ECU is recognized globally for its hands-on, practice-based teaching and learning environment that equips students to experiment, take risks and drive innovation.

Since 1925, ECU has championed bold ideas and emerging talent through a close-knit, studio-intensive setting that connects students with award-winning faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and real-world opportunities. Today, ECU serves more than 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students, along with thousands more through continuing studies, contributing to Canada’s cultural and creative sectors and shaping the future of art, media, design and research.

Having marked our centennial in 2025, ECU continues to ask what art and design can make possible.100 years in the making, we are shaping what comes next.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Vice-President, Finance + Administration, the Director, Financial Services is responsible for leading the University in the ongoing process of continuous improvement in business and accounting practices. This position is responsible for the administration of financial policy, the overall management of accounting operations, financial report systems, and the monitoring of financial performance in accordance with University policy. The Director provides leadership and direction to the Finance Department and ensures the integrity of data in a complex integrated database (Colleague).

A key function of the Director is to translate unstructured ideas into coherent presentations suitable for implementation according to the University’s needs.

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE EMILY CARR COMMUNITY

- Enrollment in a comprehensive benefits package, including Dental Coverage, Extended Health, Disability Coverage and Life Insurance.
- Membership in the College Pension Plan.
- Competitive vacation and Professional Development benefits.

AS THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT, YOU SHOULD POSSESS

- Professional designation in accounting from a recognized educational institution (CPA).
- Minimum ten years of progressively responsible experience in financial and administrative management.
- Expertise in budget planning, financial management and control, as well as administration of budget and financial resources.




- Extensive experience with computer based accounting systems and large database.
- Demonstrated knowledge in area of expertise, along with supervisory and leadership experience.
- Expert communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to build relationships and cooperation on a University-wide level.
- Ability to set and communicate high standards for group performance within the Financial Services department and to facilitate and motivate teamwork.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to apply sound judgement in problem solving and evaluate courses of action.
- Ability to advise on and make complex financial decisions.
- Solid computer skills with advanced proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

1. Develops, administers, and ensures compliance with guidelines, policies and procedures for effective financial management of the University’s resources leading to continuous improvement in business and accounting practices.
2. Reviews and prepares analyses of financial information and ensures the completion of both internal and external financial reports by communicated deadlines, including all provincial and federal reporting requirements.
3. Responds to requests for ad hoc information from the VP, Finance + Administration, the President + Vice-Chancellor, administrative management, and external agencies, and provides effective counsel and assistance.
4. Participates as required in short and long range strategic planning, collaborating with administrative management and producing coherent implementation plans from unstructured proposals.
5. Designs and maintains an internal control framework for the Financial Services area such that business loss is mitigated.
6. Manages cash flow requirements and invests surplus funds in line with established investment policy.
7. Responsible for the year-end audit processes and reviews preparation of annual working papers and financial statements for external auditors. Manages the preparation of analysis and supporting documents for review by the VP, Finance + Administration and the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
8. Directly supervises the management positions within Financial Services and ensures all responsibilities are carried out effectively. Maintains oversight of the Financial Services department staff including recruitment and selection, orientation, performance planning and review and ongoing training and development.
9. Collaborates with the Associate Vice-President,



Human Resources in hiring, discipline, dismissal and grievance procedures and collective agreement administration relating to support staff. Produces labour costing for collective bargaining and participates directly in collective agreement negotiations.
10. Arranges for tenders of University banking services and external audits, establishing criteria to make decisions and providing reports and recommendations to the VP, Finance + Administration and the Board.
11. Responsible for the preparation of the annual budget. Assists the VP, Finance + Administration in financial planning, forecasting, development and consolidation of budgets and in the development of presentations to the Board. Prepares, analyses and adjusts University budget based on long term plans; divisional submissions and established priorities for review by the VP, Finance + Administration.
12. Reviews and interprets month-end financial results. Advises VP, Finance + Administration of results through management reports, highlighting potential issues or problems.
13. Participates on University committees as assigned.
14. Responsible for ensuring the completion of weekly cheque runs, ensuring appropriate audit and authorization is performed before processing.
15. Maintains currency in legislation and regulations and in area of professional expertise. Maintains an active role in professional activities relating to the area of responsibility by participating in associations and committee’s external to the University.
16. Manages the department budget and is responsible for expenditures and allocations within that budget.
17. Collaborates with the Executive Director, University Advancement + Events to maintain detailed financial records and provides advice on the management of endowed funds.
18. Acts for the VP, Finance + Administration in his/her absence.
19. Performs other related duties as required.

To apply for this job, please visit https://ecuad.peopleadmin.ca. Competition closes on Tuesday, October 13. 2026

Emily Carr University especially invites those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized. These include women, persons with diverse gender expressions and identities, persons of all sexual orientations, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and First Nations, Metis, Inuit and Indigenous persons.

All qualified people are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.

📌 Director of Financial Services (Vancouver)
🏢 Emily Carr University of Art & Design
📍 Vancouver