Promise and Potential: Project Terms of Reference
Project: Financial Management Framework Project
as of December 18, 2012
Description: To ensure that financial management responsibilities are carried out effectively and efficiently across the organization within the right
unit, with work done at the right staff level, and carried out with appropriate support, the university is undertaking a financial management
framework project. By reviewing the current status, interviewing academic and administrative staff, by learning from other institutions, by conducting
research of leading practices, and most importantly by consulting with university leadership, the team will develop a new organizational framework
for financial management.
Commitment Leaders: Laura Kennedy, associate vice-president, Financial Services Division and Mary Buhr, dean, College of Agriculture and
Bioresources
Expected Outcomes for Project: The project will develop the framework which will include the following:
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Clarity regarding roles and responsibilities for individuals and units
An outline of a possible matrix reporting structure for finance officers
Guidelines regarding monthly/annual activities
Guidelines regarding oversight of department activities and departmental support
Enhanced communication/publication of standard reports
Standard financial management accountabilities, job responsibilities and minimum qualifications for specific financial management positions
Orientation and training materials and a training schedule
Service level standards for financial services provided by the Financial Services Division and chief financial officers
Work to be undertaken:
Task
Document current status
Explore alignment with other university projects
Research internal and external practices
Assessment of needs in colleges, schools and units
Prepare a draft framework
Consultation
Revise, finalize and submit framework proposal
Stakeholders:
Decision-Makers (DM), Consulted (C), Informed (I)
www.usask.ca/plan
Stakeholders
Timeframe
Current status
CMRIC (C), FSD (C)
Project leaders from TABBS, OBA (workforce
planning, process improvements), Audit
AVPs and appropriate directors (C);
Department heads; AVP Finance at other
Canadian universities (C)
Deans and unit leaders (C)
Work Team
All internal participants in earlier stages,
PCIP-AC, PCIP
CRMIC & PCIP
Nov 2012 – Feb 2013
Nov 2012 – Feb 2013
In progress
In progress
Nov 2012 – Feb 2013
In progress
March 15 – April 15, 2013
April 15 – May 15, 2013
May 15 – June 30, 2013
July 1 – Sept. 1, 2013
Current Status: Work In Progress (WIP), Stopped (S), Completed (C)
Promise and Potential: Project Terms of Reference  1