Appointment of
Vice-President, Finance
November 2014
Contents
Executive summary
03
About the University of British Columbia
04
About the Vice-President, Finance Portfolio
06
Appointment of the Vice-President, Finance 09
Duties and responsibilities
09
Candidate profile
14
Appointment process and how to apply
16
Living in Vancouver
17
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
02
Executive summary
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global
UBC now seeks to appoint a Vice-President, Finance
centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked
who will provide strategic leadership to the Finance
among the 40 best universities in the world, currently
portfolio in order to accomplish the vision,
placing 33rd in the Times Higher Education World
commitments, goals, and actions of the University’s
Reputation Rankings. Since 1915, UBC’s West Coast
strategic plan and ensure the growth and success
spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the
of UBC. The successful candidate will have leadership
status quo. Its entrepreneurial perspective encourages
responsibility for the areas of Finance, Treasury and
students, staff and faculty to challenge convention,
Risk Management Services across both campuses,
lead discovery and explore new ways of learning.
as well as overseeing the University’s relationship with
At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into
UBC Investment Management Trust and UBC
ideas that can change the world.
Properties Trust.
As one of the world’s leading universities, UBC’s vision
and values, enshrined in ‘Place and Promise: the UBC
Plan’1 centre on creating an exceptional learning
environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a
civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding
The position reports to the President and works
closely with the Provost and Vice-President,
Academic (“the Provost”) (UBC, Vancouver) and
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (UBC, Okanagan).
1
See http://strategicplan.ubc.ca/files/2009/11/
research to serve the people of British Columbia,
Canada and the world.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
03
About the University
of British Columbia
UBC is the second largest university in Canada centred
Just a few of the iconic facilities on campus include the
on our two major campuses in Vancouver and the
Museum of Anthropology, the Beaty Biodiversity
Okanagan. We attract, nurture and proactively
Centre, Belkin Art Gallery, TRIUMF Laboratories,
transform more than 58,000 students from 140
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC Botanical
countries. The University has over 5,000 faculty, 10,000
Garden and the Nitobe Japanese Garden. These and
staff, 300,000 alumni, an operating budget of $2
many other centres of learning, research and discovery
billion, research income approaching $600 million, 158
comprise a vibrant community situated on a Campus
spin-out companies and $12.7 billion economic impact.
set in a location of truly unique and unparalleled natural
beauty. The result of these factors is a culture that
highlights scholarship, learning, sophistication,
UBC’s reputation for research and discovery is strong
intercultural exchange and sustainability.
across diverse subject areas. Amongst current or
The University has two main Campuses, the UBC
former faculty and alumni, the University is privileged to
Vancouver campus is located about 30 minutes
name seven Nobel Laureates, two Canadian Prime
from downtown on the western end of the Point
Ministers, 11 3M National Teaching Fellows, 65 Olympic
Grey peninsula. This stunning campus is surrounded
medallists, 68 Rhodes Scholars and 180 members of
on three sides by forest and the Pacific Ocean on
the Royal Society of Canada.
the fourth.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
04
About the University of British Columbia continued
Opened in 2005, the UBC Okanagan campus is
In addition, UBC’s Asia Pacific Regional Office in Hong
located in the dynamic city of Kelowna in the Okanagan
Kong and a satellite office in New Delhi support alumni
Valley, a spectacular wine-growing region in South-
engagement and facilitate teaching and learning
Central (“the Interior” of ) British Columbia.
partnerships.
Other centres of operation also include in Vancouver,
For more information about the Campuses visit the
UBC Robson Square which is a vibrant learning centre
following link: www.ubc.ca/our-campuses/index.html
in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district; the UBC
Learning Exchange is a community engagement
initiative based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside;
To learn more about UBC visit the following link:
www.ubc.ca
and UBC’s Centre for Digital Media at the Great
The President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC is President
Northern Way Campus is located in Mount Pleasant.
Arvind Gupta:
UBC also provides clinical education to Faculty of
http://president.ubc.ca/president-bio/
Medicine students at 75 health care facilities across
British Columbia.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
05
About the Vice-President,
Finance Portfolio
The Vice-President, Finance has leadership
The key areas of the portfolio include the following:
responsibility for the areas of Finance, Treasury and
Finance
Risk Management Services, as well as overseeing
University’s relationship with the UBC Investment
UBC Finance oversees a range of non-academic
Management Trust and UBC Properties Trust. Relevant
services that support the University’s mission through
organizational charts appear below in the section
financial reporting and financial services. The
entitled ‘Appointment of the Vice-President, Finance’.
Departments which report to our Office include:
Financial Services, Financial Reporting and Budgeting,
The current Consolidated Financial Statement can be
viewed here:
http://finance.ubc.ca/sites/finance.ubc.ca/files/
uploads/financial/documents/FS%20March%20
Management Information Systems and Management
Reporting.
For more information about UBC Finance visit:
http://finance.ubc.ca/
2014_final%20signed.pdf
To view additional financial reports please visit:
http://finance.ubc.ca/reporting/financial-reporting/
reports#finance
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
06
About the Vice-President, Finance Portfolio continued
Treasury
UBC Treasury is a dynamic department with
Its mission is to acquire, develop and manage real
estate assets for the benefit of the University.
responsibilities that go beyond the scope of a
Under the direction of current President and CEO
traditional treasury department. Under the traditional
Al Poettcker, UBC Properties Trust has the mandate to:
treasury umbrella, UBC Treasury focuses on the
• Service and market lands for residential
guardianship of financial assets, debt issuance and the
re-lending of working capital to UBC departments and
faculties. Beyond the traditional, responsibilities include
strategy and decision support, contracts and leases
management, faculty housing assistance program
administration, internal liquor license administration,
and the maintenance of the University’s institutional
memory. UBC Treasury is a system-wide function that
provides support to the Vancouver, Okanagan, Robson
Square and Great Northern Way campuses.
For more information about UBC Treasury visit:
http://treasury.ubc.ca/
UBC Properties Trust and UBC
Investment Management Trust
UBC Properties Trust was created in 1988 as a private
company wholly owned by the University. It now
development;
• Develop, lease, and property manage two rental
portfolios: Village Gates Homes (Staff and Faculty
Rentals) and Wesbrook Properties;
• Develop, lease, and property manage an office and
retail portfolio;
• Analyze projects as requested by UBC;
• Manage a mortgage investment portfolio;
• Project manage the construction of institutional
projects;
• Lead the community development and marketing
for Wesbrook Place.
For more information about UBC Properties Trust visit:
www.ubcproperties.com
operates as a trust whose sole beneficiaries are UBC
and the UBC Foundation.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
07
About the Vice-President, Finance Portfolio continued
UBC Investment Management Trust
Investment management responsibility for UBC’s
Endowment, Staff Pension Plan, Working Capital and
other investment portfolios rests with UBC Investment
Management Trust Inc. (IMANT). Through a ‘manager of
managers’ approach, IMANT engages top tier
investment management talent from around the world
and provides comprehensive investment management
expertise, modeled after the most successful university
endowments in North America.
IMANT’s role is to ensure that the assets under
administration are managed to maximize investment
returns commensurate with the distinct needs and risk
parameters associated with each portfolio, as well as
ensuring that each fund’s short and long-term goals are
together the former Office of Enterprise Risk
Management, Department of Health, Safety and
Environment and Office of Risk and Insurance into the
new Department of Risk Management Services (RMS),
reporting to the newly-created position of Chief Risk
Officer, is an incremental step in this process.
Additionally, RMS has a close and collaborative working
relationship with Risk Management Services, UBC
Okanagan.
RMS services include:
• Enterprise Risk Management: Risk Registers (risk
identification and assessment);
• Occupational and Research Safety;
met. The independent structure of IMANT facilitates
• Environmental Impact Mitigation;
decision-making and leverages expert input at the
• Emergency Preparedness;
investment management and board level, while
implementing best investment management practices
• Continuity Planning;
in a business activity not core to the University.
• Insurance Placement;
IMANT’s team of investment professionals is
• Insurance Claims Management;
complemented by an independent Board of Directors.
• Loss Prevention;
The Board, comprised of members from the business
community and the University, provides oversight and
governance to the organization. The governance
structure was established by the University’s Board
of Governors.
For more information about UBC Investment
• Personal Information Security and Governance;
• Internal Consulting Assistance-in all of the
above areas.
For more information about UBC Risk Management
Services visit: http://riskmanagement.ubc.ca/
Management Trust visit: www.ubcimant.ca
Risk Management Services
Risk Management at UBC is about identifying,
assessing, and managing all types of risk (strategic,
academic, operational, financial, hazard and
reputational) in all parts of the organization
(faculty, research, students,and administration) on both
UBC campuses.
The process of implementing a Risk Management
framework and culture at UBC through the
development and maintenance of Risk Registers and
related reporting is progressing favourably. Bringing
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
08
Appointment of the
Vice-President, Finance
Duties and responsibilities of the
Vice-President, Finance
The Vice-President, Finance has leadership
responsibility for Finance, Treasury and Risk
Management Services, as well as overseeing the
University’s relationship with the UBC Investment
Management Trust and UBC Properties Trust.
The incumbent will ensure the growth and success
• Reports to the President on the integrity of the UBC
operating budget and consolidated financial
statements and works closely with the Provost and
Deputy Vice-Chancellor to ensure cogent financial
information and planning to support academic
decision making and the allocation of resources
through the annual budget process.
• In the context of UBC’s strategic plan and in
of the University across the Province, including both
collaboration with relevant stakeholders, formulates
major campuses. The position reports to the President
a strategic plan for UBC’s financial activities that
and works closely with the Provost (UBC, Vancouver)
articulates a future vision, goals, objectives and
and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (UBC, Okanagan).
actions including strategic priorities, investments,
The principal duties and responsibilities of the role
include the following:
1.0 Governance and system
leadership
• Supports the President and UBC leadership team in
providing information, counsel and support to the
Board of Governors to enable them to effectively
fulfill their governance responsibilities. The
incumbent has system-wide responsibility to ensure
adherence to Board and Government policy on
financial matters, as well as ensuring the highest
standards of financial integrity for UBC.
• Functions as a key member of UBC’s senior
debt, budgeting and endowment activities. Identifies
critical issues that must be addressed in order to
realize the vision and achieve the goals and
objectives and sets out strategies to address those
issues. Ensures an annual operating plan sets out
specific goals and strategies for each fiscal year
aligned with the portfolio budget. Takes direction
from the President and partners with the Provost,
Deputy Vice Chancellor and senior leadership team
on decisions to maintain academic integrity and
priorities.
2.0 Finance
• Responsible for ensuring the consolidated budget
and its component parts are designed to maintain
leadership team collectively responsible for the
the resourcing of academic priorities, as well as
vision, commitments and goals established in the
ensuring both effective financial performance
strategic plan. Through the effective management
management systems and timely reporting on key
and utilization of the University’s financial resources,
performance indicators to enhance accountability
the incumbent provides strategic leadership, advice
across UBC.
and counsel to the senior leadership team.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
09
Appointment the Vice-President, Finance
continued
• Provides strategic advice and support to the Provost
• Responsible for financial assessments and loan
who is responsible for the UBC Vancouver budget
administration of UBC’s internal loan portfolio and
and the Deputy Vice Chancellor who is responsible
that debt issued to third party lenders are aligned
for the UBC Okanagan budget. Provides honest,
with requirements; also ensures efficient and
forthright and objective advice on financial needs
effective management of payroll, accounts payable
and realities facing the University and its various
and purchasing; and, proper administration and
academic and operating elements.
safekeeping of the University’s leases and related
• Responsible for ensuring the annual operating
budget and annual and quarterly financial reports to
the Board of Governors, Audit Committee, Provincial
Government, and other stakeholders are accurately
prepared, released in a timely manner, and are
consistent with decisions taken in the budget
process led by the Provost and Deputy ViceChancellor.
• Responsible for continually enhancing the
accounting system to enable systematic and
accurate maintenance of records and reporting of
financial transactions in accordance with legal and
regulatory requirements; provides timely and
accurate financial information necessary for effective
and forward-looking decision making.
3.0 Treasury
• Provides oversight of all asset, debt and investment
matters of the University including responsible
investing of the endowment, as well as support to
the UBC leadership team on strategic decision
making. Reviews opportunities including financial
modeling, financing and contract negotiation.
• Serves as official liaison for the UBC Properties Trust
for oversight of the optimization of the University’s
land assets and for the UBC Investment Management
Trust for oversight of the investment of the
endowment and staff pension plan.
legal documents.
4.0 Enterprise risk management
• Responsible for the enterprise risk management
framework process; brings risk and evidence-based
approaches to the identification, management and
reporting of identified risks.
• Builds a culture that identifies, assesses and
manages all types of risk across UBC and maintains
comprehensive programs for insurance placement,
claims management, occupational and research
safety, environmental and emergency management,
continuity planning and personal information security.
5.0 Administrative leadership and
management of staff
• Responsible for developing and maintaining an
effective organizational structure for the portfolio.
Communicates, motivates, guides, and directs all
those involved to contribute fully to the realization
of the portfolio’s strategic and operational goals
and actions.
• Fosters a highly productive and rewarding work
environment for all employees through effective
hiring, development, motivation, and performance
feedback. Maintains high visibility among the team
and adopts engaged two-way communication
with staff.
Appointment of Vice-President,
Chair of the Board
Finance
of Trustees
| November
| November
2014 2014
10
Appointment the Vice-President, Finance
continued
• Responsible for the annual budget of the portfolio.
Ensures the effective utilization of the financial
resources within established objectives, policies,
plans and budgets.
6.0 Service quality
• Maintains an exceptional standard of integrity, ethical
leadership and assumes responsibility to ensure
respectful communications with our communities.
• Ensures the team maintains a strong service
orientation including open and effective two way
9.0 Reporting relationships
• The Finance portfolio has recently been separated
from that of Resources and Operations to ensure that
the next Vice-President, Finance is fully focused on
the financial affairs of the University. Final decisions
regarding the Resources and Operations portfolio
have not been made at this time and interim
arrangements under the leadership of the
Vice-President, Human Resources will remain
into 2015.
communication with its internal and external
10.0 Internal and external relationships
constituencies. Ensures proper processes and
• Works in close collaboration with UBC’s Board
consultations occur within the UBC governance
of Governors and committee members, the
structure.
President, Provost, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, other
7.0 Trends in portfolio and finance
Vice Presidents, Deans, Council of Senates Budget
• Ensures UBC is kept apprised of trends and changes
ensure the objectives of the University are met.
relative to advances in corporate governance and
financial management and considers their impact on
the University.
• Keeps abreast of developments in finance,
accounting, and risk management and identifies
new and innovative approaches that could be
implemented at the University.
8.0 Other responsibilities
• Carries out other responsibilities as assigned by
the President.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
Committee and other leaders and committees to
• Maintains positive working relationships with all
levels of government, such as appropriate ministries
of the Provincial Government (e.g. Advanced
Education and Finance) on various matters including
finance and financial reporting.
• Initiates and strengthens ties and establishes a
positive profile for UBC both internally and in the
broader community to ensure UBC’s mandate of
becoming an essential part of the community’s social
and economic well-being is met.
11
Organizational charts
UBC PROPERTIES TRUST
Working
relationship with
VICE PRESIDENT
FINANCE
UBC INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT TRUST
COMPTROLLER
Ian Burgess
Finance Officers for
Admin Units:
TREASURER
Peter Smailes
ASSOCIATE VP FINANCE AND
OPERATIONS OKANAGAN
CAMPUS Michael Shakespeare
–– MANAGING ASSISTANT TREASURER
Linda Josh
–– PROVOST
Jenny Lum
–– STRATEGY AND DECISION SUPPORT
Clare Waters
–– VP STUDENTS
Brian Heathcote
–– PAYMENT AND
PROCUREMENT SERVICES
Dennis Silva
–– VP RESEARCH
Sharon Wu
–– VP FRO/HR
Ray McNichol
–– VP DAE
Anita Chiu
–– VP C C&P + UNIVERSITY COUNSEL
Joanna Carson
–– BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT
REPORTING
Andrew Glynn
–– FINANCIAL REPORTING
Frances Yip
–– HR/FINANCE
INFORMATION SERVICES
Robert Boudreau
–– FINANCE OPERATIONS
Carri Lawrence
CHIEF RISK OFFICER RISK
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Ron Holton
–– OCCUPATIONAL & RESEARCH
HEALTH & SAFETY
Bruce Anderson
–– FINANCE STRATEGIES
Curtis Morcom
–– EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
& CONTINUITY PLANNING
Reg Fountain
–– CAMPUS OPERATIONS
& RISK MANAGEMENT
Shelley Kayfish
–– OPERATIONAL HEALTH
& SAFETY
Tariq Din
–– PAYMENT &
PROCUREMENT SERVICES
Dennis Silva
–– PERSONAL INFORMATION SECURITY
& GOVERNANCE Jennifer Kain
–– ADMINISTRATIVE
SYSTEMS PROJECTS
Chris Rogers
–– ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Noga Levit
–– ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Falza Wilson
UBC PROPERTIES TRUST
–– COMMUNICATIONS
Neal Wells (interim)
and
UBC INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT TRUST
–– FINANCE OPERATIONS UBCO
Carri Lawrence
–– FINANCE STRATEGIES UBCO
Curtis Morcom
DIRECTOR FINANCE, RESOURCES
AND OPERATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
Kera McArthur
Finance Officers for Faculties:
–– FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Evie Mandel
–– FACULTY OF EDUCATION
Ciara Ng
–– RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Neal Wells (interim)
–– FACULTY OF SCIENCE
Meredith Edwards
–– PAYMENT & PROCUREMENT
Ailsa Mannell (temp)
–– SAUDER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Sandy Tanaka
–– FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Stuart Mackenzie
–– HEALTH DISCIPLINES
Leisa Belanger
–– FACULTY OF ARTS
Brian Lee
–– FACULTY OF FORESTRY/LFS
Colin Sharwood
–– FACULTY OF LAW
Saker Hirani
TOTAL CORE FTE FOR FINANCE: 323
COMPTROLLER TOTAL FTE for portfolio 38: Finance Directors (14);
Management Reporting department (7); Finance Reporting department
(15) + Comptroller and EA (2). Does not include dotted line reporting in
FTE count.
TREASURER Total FTE 103: Treasury (7); Strategy and Decision Support
(9); Payment and Procurement (86).
AVP FINANCE AND OPERATIONS OKANAGAN
TOTAL FTE for portfolio 147: Finance Operations (9); Finance
Strategies (3); Campus Operations and Risk Management (49); Payment
and Procurement UBCO (7). AVP also oversees Operations at UBCO and
includes Business Operations (25); IT, Media and Classroom Services
UBCO (46); Campus and Community Planning for UBCO (6)
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
EXECUTIVE COORDINATION
AND ADMINISTRATION
MANAGER Caroline Cerna
SENIOR MANAGER
HUMAN RESOURCES, FINANCE,
RESOURCES
AND OPERATIONS
Patrizia Todaro
–– FINANCE PORTFOLIO
Debbie McLaughlin
CHIEF RISK OFFICER TOTAL FTE for portfolio 32: Operational and
Research Health and Safety (12); Emergency Management and Continuity
Planning (3); Operational Health and Safety (7); Personal Information
Security and Governance (2); Environmental Services (7); Administration
and Departmental Finance (2).
OFFICE OF THE VP TOTAL FTE 3: staff includes VP, Sr. Manager HR,
Executive Coordination and Administration Manager
COMMUNICATIONS, HUMAN RESOURCES AND EXECUTIVE
COORDINATION support both Finance and Resources and Operations
portfolio.
12
Dual Report(s):
1
DVC and VPDAE 2 DVC and VPHR
3
DVC and VPFRO 4 DVC and VPRI
–– University Relations
–– Student Services and
Financial Support
–– Ombudsperson for Students
–– Office of Research Services 4
–– Human Resources 2
–– Finance and Operations 3
–– Equity and Inclusion 3
–– Development and Alumni
Engagement 1
–– Office of the Provost and
Vice-Principal
DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR
AND PRINCIPAL OKANAGAN
CAMPUS Deborah Buszard
Dual Report(s):
6
VPC&P and VPRI
–– University Library
–– UBC Robson Square
Dual Report(s):
7
Provost & VPA and VPFRO
–– University Sustainability
Initiative (USI)
–– UBC IT 7
–– Planning and Institutional
Research (PAIR)
–– First Nations House of Learning
–– Public Affairs
–– Learning Exchange
–– Innovation Catalyst 6
–– Government and Corporate
Relations
–– Enrolment Services/Officer of
the Registrar
–– Continuing Studies
–– Community Partnership
–– DAE Communications,
Events and Stewardship
–– Eg.UBC
–– Centre for Teaching, Learning
and Technology (CTLT)
–– Communications and Marketing
–– DAE Services
–– Faculties and Schools
–– Ceremonies and Events
PROVOST AND
VP ACADEMIC
David Farrar
–– Water and Energy Services
–– University Community Services
–– Treasury
–– Risk Management Services
–– Infrastructure Development
–– Comptroller
–– Campus and Community Planning
–– Building Operations
–– Peter Wall Institute for
Advanced Studies
–– UBC Press
–– Strategic Partnership Office
–– Institutional Programs Office
–– University-Industry Liaison
Office (UILO)
–– Office of Research Ethics
–– Animal Care Services
–– Support Programs to Advance
Research Capacity (SPARC)
–– Officer of Research Services
(ORS)
–– Officer of VP Research and
International
VP RESEARCH AND
INTERNATIONAL
Josh Hepburn
DEPUTY TO
THE PRESIDENT: UNIVERSITY
AFFAIRS
Anne Gorsuch
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Anna Lucarino
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR David
Hurford
VP FINANCE, RESOURCES
AND OPERATIONS
Interim VP Finance – David Farrar Interim
VP Resources and Operations – Lisa
Castle
PRESIDENT AND
VICE-CHANCELLOR
Arvind Gupta
–– Alumni UBC
VP COMMUNICATIONS AND
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Pascal spothelfer
OMBUDSPERSON
FOR STUDENTS
Shirley Nakata
INTERNAL AUDIT
Michael Hartwick
UNIVERSITY COUNSEL Hubert
Lai, Q.C
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH
COLUMBIA
CHANCELLOR
Lindsay Gordon
–– Development
VP DEVELOPMENT AND
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
Barbara Miles
BOARD PLANNING &
LIAISON MANAGER SECRETARY
TO THE BOARD
Reny Kahlon
BOARD OF
GOVERNORS CHAIR
John Montalbano
Organisational charts continued
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
13
Dual Report(s):
8
VPS and VPFRO
–– Student Housing and
Hospitality Services 8
–– Student Development
and Services
–– Athletics and Recreation
VP STUDENTS
Louise Cowin
Dual Report(s):
9
VPHR and Provost & VPA
–– Housing and Relocation
Services 9
–– Equity and Inclusion
–– Human Resources
(Okanagan Campus)
–– Human Resources
VP HUMAN
RESOURCES
Lisa Castle
SECRETARY OF SENATE
Katie Ross
CHAIR COUNCIL OF SENATES
Senate UBCV | Senate UBCO
Arvind Gupta
Candidate profile
The incumbent must be able to demonstrate
Campus specific budgets are well designed and
evidence of the following experience, skills,
monitored.
capabilities and attributes:
Experience and strategic leadership
• Executive financial leadership accomplishments
gained in a large and complex private sector, public
sector, NGO or not-for-profit organization with
distributed operations, international scope and high
public profile. Experience working with scale,
complexity, range of stakeholders and a complex
governance structure that parallels UBC. Experience
in, or strong understanding of, the complexity of a
large research university is an asset.
• A strategic leader able to influence an organization
at all levels, build consensus towards achieving its
vision and goals, and support the broader
governance of the University. Able to articulate a
vision and translate it to various stakeholders,
internally and externally, while inspiring their
understanding, ownership and support.
Financial expertise
• In-depth understanding of how the broad range of
financial policy, strategies and processes required by
• Expertise in enterprise risk management. Has
experience within an environment where managing
complex enterprise risk is a critical component within
the financial portfolio.
Organizational and change
leadership
• Demonstrated ability to set challenging goals and
achieve positive results in a highly complex
environment. Possesses superior administrative skills
and the ability to handle multiple projects
concurrently.
• Proven track record of providing strong leadership
and mentorship to a multidimensional team of
direct and functional reports; able to develop and
implement effective performance management tools
and practices.
• Possesses a strong performance management
philosophy with a track record of developing and
implementing highly effective financial performance
management tools and practices.
• Experience leading the transformation of an
a large organization such as UBC contribute to the
organization’s policies, strategy and approach
achievement of strategic goals and objectives.
relative to financial performance. Builds a culture of
Understands that the finance function is in service to
disciplined decision making and accountability.
academic and administrative areas of the University.
• Provides oversight of a complex portfolio focused on
best practices in financial management, investment
and endowment strategies combined with the
financial expertise to ensure UBC’s consolidated and
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
14
Candidate profile continued
Relationship building and
communication skills
• Highly personable, possesses the ability to build
deep relationships with diverse internal and external
stakeholder groups. By nature, is one who
collaborates easily and welcomes the ideas and
opinions of others when developing plans;
demonstrated success working in a highly
collaborative manner, and building and enhancing
team success.
• Understands and is motivated by the need to build
• Driven by strong personal values including integrity,
openness, honesty and transparency, inclusiveness,
mutual respect and trust, respect for cultural and
ethnic diversity, and a caring and respectful approach
to all interpersonal relationships.
Intellectual skills and education
• Strong intellectual skills and a deeply strategic
mindset. Able to understand the overall context of a
large, complex organization, conceptualize and
formulate strategy relative to the organization’s
overall reputation and financial practices that
and sustain UBC’s relationship with all levels of
contribute to the achievement of University goals
government, particularly with the Government of
and objectives.
British Columbia.
• Possesses the passion and skill to compellingly
• An undergraduate university degree from a
recognized institution – an advanced degree is an
communicate UBC’s vision and mission to faculty,
asset – combined with an accounting designation
staff, students and external audiences; able to
as a Chartered Professional Accountant or an
communicate complex financial information in a
equivalent combination of qualifications and
manner that enables people to engage effectively
senior experience.
with the subject matter.
Value drivers
• Motivated by the opportunity to serve in a leadership
role at one of the world’s leading universities with a
commitment to “…create an exceptional learning
environment that fosters global citizenship,
advances a civil and sustainable society, and
supports outstanding research to serve the people
of British Columbia, Canada and the world”.
• Understands and demonstrates the ability to work
effectively in the context of the culture, traditions and
values of a public university, as well as the ability to
engender the confidence and respect of faculty, staff
and students.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
15
Appointment process
and how to apply
An executive search exercise is being undertaken by
Applications will be considered by the selection
Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will support the University in
committee on 18th December 2014 and shortlisted
helping to identify the widest possible field of qualified
candidates will subsequently be invited for informal
candidates and assisting in the assessment of
engagements with the University which will be closely
candidates against the requirements for the role.
followed by formal interviews in late-January 2015.
Applications should consist of a full CV detailing
academic and professional qualifications, full
employment history, latest remuneration and relevant
achievements and should be accompanied by a
Selection of and negotiations with the preferred
candidate will take place thereafter and it is intended
that the appointee will take up employment ideally in
March or April 2015.
covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly
the criteria in the ‘Candidate profile’, why the
committed to equity and diversity within its community. appointment is of interest and what they believe they
We especially welcome applications from visible
can bring to the role. These can be uploaded at
minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons,
www.perrettlaver.com/candidates quoting the
persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual
reference number 1813. The closing date for
orientations and gender identities, and others with the
applications is 12 noon on Friday, 12th December 2014.
skills and knowledge to productively engage with
diverse communities. All qualified candidates are
encouraged to apply; however Canadians and
permanent residents will be given priority.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
16
Living in Vancouver
Vancouver is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis
It is a place where one can ski on one of three ski hills
surrounded by majestic mountains and the Pacific
at the tops of the North Shore Mountains in the
Ocean. Consistently rated one of the best places in
morning and go sailing in English Bay in the afternoon;
the world to live, Vancouver currently ranks 3rd in the
cycling, hiking, running, kayaking and other such
2014 Economist Intelligence Unit’s World Liveability
activities are also particularly popular.
Ranking.
Whilst a truly unique set of outdoor activities are
available the City also has numerous other attractions,
From snow-capped mountains to temperate rainforests
such as Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium,
and sunny beaches Vancouver has endless outdoor
Telus World of Science, Vancouver Maritime Museum,
activities on its doorstep and thanks to the mild climate
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Museum of Vancouver
these can be enjoyed year-round. Whilst it does rain
and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, as well as several
quite often between November and March it very
professional sports teams. The City hosted the 2010
rarely snows in the City and summers are nothing
Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
short of spectacular, being largely sunny and warm.
Due to this unique natural setting, the City’s inhabitants
tend to be focused on physical activities and healthyliving – a general outdoors mentality permeates life
in Vancouver.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
A highly multicultural city, approximately 52 per cent of
its inhabitants have a first language other than English
and approximately 30 per cent of the population is of
Asian descent.
17
Living in Vancouver continued
Cultural activities abound with incredible First Nations
The greater metropolitan area of Vancouver (or “Metro
art at the Bill Reid Gallery and many other venues,
Vancouver”) comprises 21 municipalities,
a vibrant Chinatown (North America’s second largest
one Electoral Area and one Treaty First Nation and
by area and third largest by population), the Dr Sun
according to Statistics Canada it is home to
Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the Punjabi Market,
approximately 2.6 million people.
and many more.
From Vancouver it is easy to reach Victoria, the capital
The Vancouver Art Gallery and art galleries on Granville
of British Columbia, which is located on Vancouver
Island and the historic areas of Gastown highlight
Island – a large, beautiful and tranquil destination home
Vancouver’s vibrant artistic and cultural scene.
to artists and artisans and known for outstanding
Furthermore, watch Shakespeare outdoors during the
natural beauty, wildlife and lovely gardens. The US
summer at Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park where the
Border is on the southern edge of Metro Vancouver
backdrop is of ocean, mountains and a beautiful
making it an easy trip into Washington State and a 2.5
sunset. The Orpheum Theatre houses the Vancouver
hour drive to downtown Seattle. Vancouver also has a
Symphony Orchestra and, on Vancouver’s east side, a
brilliant international airport with excellent non-stop
firehall and an abandoned church have been turned
services to all major cities across North America, Asia
into well-loved performing arts venues.
Pacific and Europe.
Excellent shopping for every taste exists throughout
For more information about the City of Vancouver visit:
the City, for instance on Robson Street, in Pacific
http://vancouver.ca/ and
Centre Mall, the Kitsilano and South Granville
www.hellobc.com/vancouver.aspx
neighbourhoods, as well as on Granville Island and
in Yaletown.
Appointment of Vice-President, Finance | November 2014
For more information about Metro Vancouver visit:
www.metrovancouver.org
18
885 West Georgia Street,
Suite 1500
Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E8
Canada
T: +1 604 601 2003
F: +1 604 683 8125
E: mail@perrettlaver.com