Director of Financial Services & School Business - Permanent, Full-time

Foothills School Division

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Director of Financial Services and School Business

Permanent, Full-time

The Foothills School Division (the Division) is seeking a Director of Financial Services and School Business position to provide support in leading the Financial and Central Services Department to ensure the effectiveness of the Division’s financial and information systems. The Director will work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services/Secretary‑Treasurer to facilitate integration into the role. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with public sector accounting standards, and contributing to the organization’s strategic objective.

This leadership role requires a strong background in financial and data management, and team development. Education is at the center of our flourishing community where the Division values opportunities for growth and continued learning.

Our Division & Communities

The Division serves the learning needs of approximately 7500 students from preschool to grade 12. The Division operates 22 public schools, an online digital school, an alternative campus, and three colony schools. The Division Office is located in High River while schools are found in the Towns of Okotoks, High River, and Diamond Valley, and the communities of Blackie, Cayley, Heritage Heights, Red Deer Lake, Longview, Millarville, and Foothills County.

We honour the spirit, life, and lessons this land and its ancestors teach us. We acknowledge the traditional land and territories of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut’ina, and Îyârhe Nakoda as well as the Foothills District and the Rocky View District within the Battle River Territory of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta.

2026-2027 Budget Summary

This school year’s budget was approved by the Board of Trustees (the Board).The Board set priorities through the Division’s Education Plan which guided the development of the 2026-2027 Budget.Click here toview the 2026-2027 Budget Summary.

The Role

Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services/Secretary‑Treasurer, the Director is responsible for supporting the Assistant Superintendent in financial and system leadership through:

• Leading the planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of Finance and Central Services department operations to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Overseeing core accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, including cash management, accounts receivable, and payables.
• Ensuring that the Division's accounting systems operate within professionally acceptable standards.
• Coordinating and managing month‑end and year‑end financial activities, including account reconciliations, adjustments, and the preparation of financial statements.
• Working directly with external auditors in relation to the audited financial statement process, ensuring the timely and comprehensive delivery of information required for audits.
• Planning, developing, reporting, and monitoring the overall budget.
• Ensuring compliance with government reporting requirements, such as T4As, GST rebates, and annual charity filings.
• Reviewing and providing guidance on the treatment of all financial reporting transactions.
• Liaising with Alberta Education and Childcare in matters related to the audited financial statement, budget reports, and other required financial documentation.
• Overseeing the accuracy and integrity of student records required for funding purposes.
• Overseeing the Division’s Student Information System to ensure accurate and efficient management of its student data.
• Generating and analyzing enrollment data to provide insights that inform decision‑making.
• Providing schools, departments, and the Executive Team with timely and accurate financial data and analysis.
• Responding to inquiries from schools and other departments related to their financial reports and position.
• Designing, implementing, and monitoring financial internal controls and procedures across the system.
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams, to ensure risk mitigation strategies are integrated into financial planning, forecasting, and reporting processes. Providing quality leadership consistent with the Division Leadership Quality Standards (Policy G 330).
• Providing leadership and mentoring to the Financial Services Department to ensure quality financial and accounting practices.
• Establishing team goals, providing meaningful performance measures to evaluate progress, while motivating and mentoring staff.
• Facilitating the constructive resolution of conflict within the department and the larger Foothills leadership team to foster positive relations.
• Cultivating and modeling respect, professional learning and ethical leadership
• Handling of other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services/Secretary‑Treasurer.

Qualifications & Skills

To prepare for this position, you will have the following qualifications and skills:

• Post‑secondary education in accounting, finance, business, or a related field is preferred. A CPA designation is considered a strong asset .
• Ten (10) plus years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, auditing, or related roles within a public‑sector or large, complex organization. Experience in the education sector is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and manage projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Strong decision‑making skills, with the ability to evaluate and manage competing demands.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail in all aspects of work, ensuring accuracy and completeness in project deliverables and documentation.
• Strong critical thinking skills and a strong ability to manage shifting priorities in dynamic environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites and various accounting software systems, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality and data security.

We appreciate and consider all applications, but only thoseapplicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.