Interim Finance Manager

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Position: Interim Finance Manager

Location: Martin Luther University College, Waterloo, Ontario (Currently hybrid: 3 days on campus / 2 days remote)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Term: Six (6) to eight (8) month contract.

Reports to: Principal-Dean

Direct Reports: Finance Coordinator

Salary: $90,000/yr, prorated to the contract term.

Start date: May 11, 2026 (estimated)

This is an existing vacancy.

Martin Luther University College (Luther) is a public university college federated with Wilfrid Laurier University. We are a faith-based academic community committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.

Position Summary

The Interim Finance Manager is responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of financial and accounting services that support Luther. Reporting to the Principal-Dean, the Interim Finance Manager provides strategic financial leadership, ensures strong internal controls, and oversees financial operations, reporting, systems, and compliance across the institution.

This role works independently and collaboratively with internal stakeholders, Centre Directors, external partners, and regulatory bodies, and supervises the Finance Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the development of annual and multi-year operating, ancillary, and capital budgets.
• Provide financial modeling, analysis, and recommendations aligned with institutional priorities.
• Advise senior leadership and Centre Directors on financial impacts and planning scenarios.
• Support committees and major initiatives with integrated financial insights.
• Oversee financial reporting for capital projects and long-term resource planning.

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Produce accurate internal, external, and regulatory financial reports.
• Prepare year-end financial statements and act as primary lead for the annual external audit.
• Manage monthly reconciliations (GL, AP, payroll, endowments, operating and special funds).
• Prepare monthly financial reports, year-end projections, and variance analysis.
• Oversee payroll setup, annual increases, and benefit and retirement contributions.
• Manage donor endowment reporting and provide financial analysis to Centre Directors.
• Supervise, train, and support the Financial Coordinator and other finance support staff.

Financial Systems, Processes & Improvement

• Enhance, test, and maintain financial systems (e.g., Banner Finance, expense platforms).
• Analyze and improve financial processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide training for staff and faculty on financial systems, reporting, and expense processes.
• Maintain financial policies, procedures, and documentation.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk

• Maintain strong internal controls to support financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with CRA, HST, accounting standards, and audit requirements.
• Lead initiatives to address control gaps and strengthen practices.
• Develop and deliver finance-related training across the institution.
• Participate in committee work.

Research & Grants Finance

• Manage research finance budgets and processes.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Provide faculty with financial guidance, tools, and accurate grant reporting.
• Liaise with external agencies for reporting, audits, and issue resolution.

Treasury & Cash Flow Management

• Manage cash flow, fund transfers, investment income, endowments, and pension-related expenses.
• Maintain endowment cash flow models and complete monthly bank reconciliations.
• Provide financial bench-marking and reporting to senior leadership and the Board.
• Recommend treasury and debt-related policies.

Accounts Payable, Procurement & Student Financial Support

• Oversee adherence to procurement and AP policies.
• Train staff on AP, procurement, and payment workflows.
• Administer bursaries, scholarships, and student financial transactions.
• Respond to tuition inquiries and calculate annual fee increases.

Centre & Event Support

• Oversee financial activities related to the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre including budgeting, analysis and reporting.
• Support Luther events as required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• A bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, commerce or a related field is required.
• A recognized accounting designation (CPA, CA, CPA, CMA or CPA, CGA) is an asset.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience with demonstrated increasing responsibilities in the areas of accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial planning and analysis or other financial activities are required.
• Experience in a public-sector or post-secondary environment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial statements, auditing, and cost-centre accounting.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Banner) and reporting tools (e.g., Cognos).
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Dog-friendly office environment.
• Extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Comfortable working in an open office environment.
• Many deadlines related to financial cycles and reporting requirements.
• Regular periods of evening or weekend work may be required.
• Comfortable working in a faith-based community.

Staff Benefits:

• Positive, collaborative work environment.
• Comprehensive Extended Health and Dental Benefits

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter in one file to search@luther.wlu.ca by April 19, 2026. Please insert “Interim Finance Manager” in the subject line.

Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide three professional references.

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in the recruitment and selection process, and to Luther employees at every stage of employment.

In line with Wilfrid Laurier University’s hiring policies, Martin Luther University College is committed to diversity and creating a culture of inclusion by increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. The College welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race nationality, gender-affiliation or sexual orientation. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Candidate provided information is used for recruitment purposes only and will not be shared with outside agencies. Information will be retained for a minimum of two years for the sole purpose of applicant review and future recruitment.

Terms of Appointment:

This is a union-exempt position as an employee of Martin Luther University College. Luther employees are not employees of Wilfrid Laurier University.

ABOUT LUTHER

Martin Luther University College (formerly Waterloo Lutheran Seminary) is in Waterloo, Ontario and federated with Wilfrid Laurier University. As a federated college, Luther has its own Board of Governors which oversees the work of the institution. Luther offers academic programming at the undergraduate, graduate, and graduate diploma levels.

Students

Approximately 195 students are enrolled in Luther’s programs at any one time, and another 300 undergraduate students, registered at Wilfrid Laurier University, enroll in Luther courses as electives. Luther students come from more than thirty different faith traditions while some have no faith tradition at all.

Faculty & Staff

Luther is comprised of a dozen full-time faculty members who have earned doctoral degrees, plus four part-time faculty members with earned degrees starting at the master’s level. Given the number of courses offered, many are taught by adjunct faculty who are specialists in their field. The school is supported by a team of eight full-time staff members working in communications, student services, and administration departments, and another ten staff members working in part-time and program-related positions.

Pay: $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial planning/analysis: 7 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5