Finance Operations Manager

The opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Finance, this full-time role lives at the intersection of accounting, processes, and technology. It is a builder role, for someone who thinks in end-to-end processes and systems, and believes that if information has to be entered manually, duplicated, or a report rebuilt every month, something has gone wrong.

Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will supervise AP and AR, design scalable processes, automate workflows, and help structure data intentionally for reporting.

The qualifications reflect the Manager level. We are open to considering candidates at a Senior Analyst level who bring the right combination of skills.

What you’ll do

Operational Leadership

• Supervise day-to-day AP and AR functions, with an initial hands-on approach to support operations
• Support the Director on non-routine accounting transactions, schedules, and reporting
• Progressively take on more complex accounting work to move key accounting processes from year-end catch-up to ongoing monthly maintenance

Process Design & Automation

• Use advanced Power Platform and Power Query to build reusable data models and reconciliations that don’t need to be rebuilt each month
• Design and implement standardized, batch-based processes for AP, AR, and month-end close, with embedded controls, clear traceability, and proper documentation
• Build workflows, forms, and automations using Power Automate, SharePoint, and Power Apps, creating auditable and repeatable flows and solutions

Data & System Design

• Work with the Director of Finance to refine chart of accounts structure, cost centre and project coding, and document configurations with future reporting in mind, so data is not just correct, but usable for the questions that come next
• Ensure that system design decisions support future analytical needs, not just current operational requirements

What we’re looking for

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in finance operations, accounting, or finance, including leadership and supervision of staff
• A post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Accounting, Finance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience
• CPA Prep coursework preferred
• Experience designing or significantly improving Finance processes, not just operating within them
• Advanced fluency in Excel, Power Query, SharePoint, and Power Platform, including the ability to build tools, not just use them
• Experience with ERP systems (Dynamics GP, Sage Intacct, Sage 300, or similar). ERP experience at a configuration level is an asset
• Experience in the Canadian nonprofit or post-secondary environment is an asset

Who you are

• You think in processes and systems, not tasks. When handed a direction and a set of control requirements, you dig in fully, understand every nuance, and come back with well-considered options
• You have a demonstrated track record of building reconciliation models, workflows and SOPs that don’t break when the volume increases
• A learner who retains and builds: you take what you’re taught, internalize the logic (not just the procedure), and apply it independently the next time
• You take pride in work well done, not just “good enough to move on,” but genuinely well-designed and well-documented
• Accuracy matters to you: you catch things others miss, you don’t round corners on details that affect the integrity of the output, and you hold yourself to a high standard without being told to
• Aligned with Ambrose’s values, mission, vision, and Statement of Faith

What we offer

• Compensation commensurate with education and experience; title will reflect what the candidate brings
• A role that has been reshaped to meet where Finance needs to go, with the opportunity to build things that didn’t exist before
• A close working relationship with the Director of Finance, with direct communication, mutual respect, and genuine investment in your development
• A stable, mission-driven institution, on-site in southwest Calgary
• A vibrant campus community committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and holistic student development

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a process impact statement (one page or less) to careers@ambrose.edu with “Finance Operations Manager” in the subject line.

In your impact statement, describe two or three processes or tools you have designed or significantly improved: briefly cover the situation before, what you built, how you built it, and what changed. We are not looking for polished writing; we are looking for evidence that you have done this kind of work. Also, include a short paragraph outlining your interest in the role and how you connect with Ambrose University’s Christian mission and environment.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

• Ambrose employees agree to uphold and sign the University’s Statement of Faith upon initial appointment and to conduct their work in accordance with it
• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check and academic transcripts, where applicable
• In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada

Duties and responsibilities performed within one’s capabilities that do not constitute a major change may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of the supervisor, either orally or in writing.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.