Associate vice-president and chief financial officer
Associate vice-president and chief financial officer, Memorial University
St. John’s, NL
Memorial University is seeking a strategic and disciplined financial leader to serve as its next Associate vice-president and chief financial officer (AVP & CFO). This is a critical leadership role during a time of significant institutional change, offering the opportunity to help reshape Memorial’s financial future while supporting its academic mission and public service mandate.
The Organization
Memorial University respectfully acknowledges that the lands on which our campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu and Inuit of this province. Memorial University is deeply committed to truth and reconciliation and to building relationships based on mutual understanding and respect. Memorial plays a unique and vital role in Newfoundland and Labrador. With a deep commitment to advancing award winning research, creative scholarship and entrepreneurialism that reflects the evolving needs of communities, Memorial is home to over 17,000 students and over 3,500 faculty and staff across multiple campuses in St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Labrador. Founded in 1925 as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War, the university has grown into a comprehensive institution with global impact and local relevance.
Rooted in the province’s resilient spirit, Memorial is an institution with a powerful sense of place, belonging, and purpose. The university has begun an exciting new journey under the leadership of a new President and vice-chancellor, with a clear focus on academic excellence, financial sustainability, reconciliation, and the experience of Memorial students.
The Role
Reporting to the Vice-president (finance and administration), the Associate vice-president and chief financial officer (AVP & CFO) provides expert oversight of the University’s financial health, risk management practices, and financial planning functions. They are responsible for safeguarding and strengthening Memorial’s financial health through the strategic oversight of financial planning, reporting, risk management, and systems modernization. In addition, the AVP & CFO plays a central role in ensuring institutional transparency and stability, particularly during times of change.
The AVP & CFO oversees critical functions such as accounting, treasury, long-term planning, procurement, audit, and financial systems, and has direct responsibility for investment management and pension fund oversight. As a trusted advisor to the VPFA, senior leadership, and the Board of Regents, the CFO provides strategic insight, operational discipline, and clear financial direction during a time of institutional change. They work collaboratively across academic and administrative units to modernize systems and strengthen financial planning, helping Memorial become more agile and sustainable.
This role is ideal for a senior financial leader who thrives in complex public sector environments and understands how to balance fiduciary responsibility with the values and mission of a public university.
Key areas of oversight and responsibility include:
You are a senior financial executive with significant experience in large, complex public or post-secondary organizations. You are a skilled leader who brings both financial depth and the interpersonal finesse needed to influence and collaborate in a collegial environment. You combine technical expertise with strategic thinking and have a deep appreciation for the role of financial stewardship in enabling mission-driven organizations. You are energized by Memorial’s history, mandate, and future potential, and committed to strengthening its impact in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
Qualifications and experience:
While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.
Memorial University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process by contacting accommodations@kbrs.ca.
To Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online for full consideration by clicking Apply Now.
St. John’s, NL
Memorial University is seeking a strategic and disciplined financial leader to serve as its next Associate vice-president and chief financial officer (AVP & CFO). This is a critical leadership role during a time of significant institutional change, offering the opportunity to help reshape Memorial’s financial future while supporting its academic mission and public service mandate.
The Organization
Memorial University respectfully acknowledges that the lands on which our campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu and Inuit of this province. Memorial University is deeply committed to truth and reconciliation and to building relationships based on mutual understanding and respect. Memorial plays a unique and vital role in Newfoundland and Labrador. With a deep commitment to advancing award winning research, creative scholarship and entrepreneurialism that reflects the evolving needs of communities, Memorial is home to over 17,000 students and over 3,500 faculty and staff across multiple campuses in St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Labrador. Founded in 1925 as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War, the university has grown into a comprehensive institution with global impact and local relevance.
Rooted in the province’s resilient spirit, Memorial is an institution with a powerful sense of place, belonging, and purpose. The university has begun an exciting new journey under the leadership of a new President and vice-chancellor, with a clear focus on academic excellence, financial sustainability, reconciliation, and the experience of Memorial students.
The Role
Reporting to the Vice-president (finance and administration), the Associate vice-president and chief financial officer (AVP & CFO) provides expert oversight of the University’s financial health, risk management practices, and financial planning functions. They are responsible for safeguarding and strengthening Memorial’s financial health through the strategic oversight of financial planning, reporting, risk management, and systems modernization. In addition, the AVP & CFO plays a central role in ensuring institutional transparency and stability, particularly during times of change.
The AVP & CFO oversees critical functions such as accounting, treasury, long-term planning, procurement, audit, and financial systems, and has direct responsibility for investment management and pension fund oversight. As a trusted advisor to the VPFA, senior leadership, and the Board of Regents, the CFO provides strategic insight, operational discipline, and clear financial direction during a time of institutional change. They work collaboratively across academic and administrative units to modernize systems and strengthen financial planning, helping Memorial become more agile and sustainable.
This role is ideal for a senior financial leader who thrives in complex public sector environments and understands how to balance fiduciary responsibility with the values and mission of a public university.
Key areas of oversight and responsibility include:
- Strategic Finance Leadership – Lead multi-year financial planning exercises to support institutional priorities. Provide analysis and insight to inform executive decisions and enable long-term sustainability.
- Operations and Compliance – Oversee all core finance functions including accounting, treasury, audit, and financial reporting. Ensure compliance with PSAS and all regulatory, legal, and policy frameworks.
- Investment and Risk Oversight – Oversee the university’s investment portfolio and pension plan, ensuring responsible stewardship and alignment with long-term goals. Lead enterprise-wide financial risk management and internal control strategies.
- Systems, Procurement, and Process Innovation – Drive continuous improvement through financial systems modernization and the adoption of technology to improve reporting, integration, and transparency. Oversee strategic procurement to deliver value and sustainability.
- Team Management and Financial Culture – Lead a high-performing finance team rooted in service, accountability, and excellence. Promote cross-institutional financial literacy, collaboration, and a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.
You are a senior financial executive with significant experience in large, complex public or post-secondary organizations. You are a skilled leader who brings both financial depth and the interpersonal finesse needed to influence and collaborate in a collegial environment. You combine technical expertise with strategic thinking and have a deep appreciation for the role of financial stewardship in enabling mission-driven organizations. You are energized by Memorial’s history, mandate, and future potential, and committed to strengthening its impact in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.
Qualifications and experience:
While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.
- CPA designation (required), with a degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related discipline.
- Significant senior financial leadership experience, ideally within a university, public sector, or similarly complex multi-entity environment.
- Proven experience in strategic financial management including financial analysis and long-term financial planning.
- Strong working knowledge of Canadian public sector accounting standards, financial reporting frameworks, and audit practices.
- Experience with investment portfolio management and/or pension fund oversight.
- Experience overseeing and modernizing financial systems, tools, and reporting capabilities.
- Familiarity with government, public funding models and procurement, or university-specific financial frameworks is a strong asset.
- Experience working with governing boards, external auditors, and regulatory bodies.
- Process-oriented, strategic thinker with patience and adaptability.
- Exceptional financial analytical and planning skills.
- Exceptional communicator with the ability to translate financial concepts to anyone.
- Deep integrity, with a commitment to transparency, equity, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborative leadership style rooted in compassion, accountability, and service.
- Calm under pressure, with strong judgment and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Deep appreciation for the values of public education and the unique mission of Memorial University.
Memorial University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process by contacting accommodations@kbrs.ca.
To Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online for full consideration by clicking Apply Now.