Decision Support Consultant

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Professional and Managerial Group

Decision Support Consultant

Financial Services, Decision Support Team

Two (2) positions
Hiring #: 2024-0301

Please read the Application Instructions before applying

Reporting to the Associate Director, Decision Support Services, the Decision Support Consultant will work closely with leaders across the university to provide evidence-based and strategic advice in support of university and unit budget planning.
The Opportunity:

• Have an impact by increasing the frequency, accuracy, and availability of financial and non-financial information to units under your portfolio, including modeling, forecasting, and budget planning.
• Play a role in achieving the strategic outcomes of the university and its units by developing tools and complex modeling that enable sound and transparent decision-making by leaders across the institution.
• Apply your institutional-level view to recommend financial solutions to business areas, enhancing unit and institutional-level decision making capacity and efficiency.
• Build excellent working relationships and gain a deep understanding of university academic and business operations by partnering with units on campus to achieve their strategic goals.
• Increase budget data control and compliance through careful management of budget processes
• Prepare, analyze and present tables and exhibits for the university’s budget plans
• Apply sound analytical techniques to ensure data is interpreted accurately and effectively applied.
• Belong to a professional service-oriented team that values professional growth

Requirements of the position:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or Commerce (Masters degree preferred) and a CPA designation.
• Minimum of six (6) years of related experience. Applicants should have proven knowledge of financial and accounting principles and procedures, be able to conduct financial analyses, and be able to generate reports for decision making.
• Progressive management and administrative experience, including experience with organizational design (broad), managing human resources, risk assessment, resource allocation and financial mitigation strategies.
• Experience dealing with complex and sensitive issues; progressive leadership experience.
• Experience dealing with the design of solutions for a large and complex organization with various competing stakeholder groups.

Additional skill set:

• Knowledge of Canadian University operations, including understanding effective resource allocation methods to support teaching and research.
• Ability to supervise and manage staff.
• Skills in negotiation, onboarding, and persuasion which are critical for effective business planning.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build strong working relationships to promote effective ongoing engagement among a variety of client groups.
• Exceptional service-orientation.

Why choose the University of Guelph

• Comprehensive Extended Health Care Benefits: Immediate enrollment in extended health to cover yourself and your family.
• Time off: Strong vacation allocation, floater days, and paid time off during the December closure to ensure you are at your best.
• Wellness: In addition to extensive wellness programming, the University offers a yearly flexible spending credit that can be allocated to any of the following: Health Spending, Wellness or Professional Development.
• Learning & Development: Learning and development curriculum and other professional growth opportunities. 
• On-campus Activities: Discounts on food and apparel, fitness programming, access to networking events and team building opportunities.
• Improve Life: Work that directly impacts a brighter future by turning knowledge into action.

Position Numbers       325-012, 325-013
Classification               P07
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 2024 06 04
Closing Date: 2024 07 03 (extended)