Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, serving the educational needs of approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. The Division employs approximately 880 full-time equivalent teaching staff and 550 full-time equivalent non-teaching staff and has an annual operating budget (2024-25) of $213 million. Every day, the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. We pride ourselves on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming, current resources, and practical professional learning opportunities.
Elk Island Public Schools Central Services building is located in Sherwood Park, at 683 Wye Road. Providing services for the Division, Central Services is comprised of eight departments, in addition to the Board of Trustees. The departments include Education Executive, Communication Services, Facility Services, Student Transportation, Human Resources, Financial Services, Supports for Students and Information Technologies. Central Services is staffed by 190 employees.
EIPS is recruiting a permanent full-time Secretary Treasurer for the Business Services department.
- Commencing July 2, 2025
- Full-time position
- EIPS offers a comprehensive benefit package
- O pen to internal and external applicants
- Click on Sign in With Employee Email to be considered an Internal Applicant
Function and Purpose of Position
Reporting directly to the Superintendent (CEO), the Secretary-Treasurer (CFO) will be highly skilled with a proven track record of successful financial management experience and a commitment to public education. As a member of executive leadership team, the Secretary-Treasurer is responsible to ensure the Division resources are expended efficiently and effectively for the maximum benefit of students.
Leadership and operational management
- Provide leadership and financial advice for Board of Trustees and leadership.
- Determine annual funding and ensure budget allocations align with Board budget priorities, provide financial projections and recommendations for the use of surplus funds.
- Lead reporting and financial results including interim financial reports and year end projections, audit and preparation of year-end audited financial statements, and ensure that recommendations are completed in a timely and proactive manner.
- Identify and problem solve financial and budgetary risk.
- Ensure appropriate accounting procedures, financial controls and reporting to meet the conditions of contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies, and comply with relevant legislation, Division Policies and administrative procedures.
- Contribute to the review of Division risks and ensure risks are reduced or mitigated in the Division with appropriate insurance policies.
- Submit the annual Division operating budget and the audited financial statements for approval by the Board of Trustees.
- Oversee the goals and outcomes for Business Services -- financial reporting, budget services, payroll, purchasing and contracts, and risk management.
- Oversee requests for proposals, tenders and contracts for Division purchases and manage the Division payroll and benefits.
- Develop and maintain Division procedures and standards for the collection, receipt, stewardship and allocation of funds, while ensuring that the reporting and recording of financial data is timely, accurate and in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS).
- Approve development of the accounting and financial services and systems, and review and implement financial internal controls.
Communications and stakeholder relations:
- Fulfills the role of Corporate Secretary for Board of Trustee meetings – reviewing the minutes, Board packages, and Board workplan; being a resource for Board procedures; and handling delegations to the Board.
- Maintain positive relations with key external stakeholders including Alberta Education, Canada Revenue Agency, insurance providers, benefit providers, municipalities, vendors, consultants, financial institutions and others.
- Manage administrative procedures, projects, processes and best practices in collaboration with school leaders, senior staff and departments and build an understanding of financial practices across the Division.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Education:
- Professional accounting designation (CPA) with an undergraduate or master’s degree in leadership, business administration or a related field.
Experience:
- The ideal candidate for this role will have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in financial service with 5 years of leadership within a complex, multi-disciplinary and evolving organization
- Extensive experience in accounting, financial planning, budget reporting, assurance guidelines and human resources.
- A background in education, crown corporation, government or government agency is preferred.
Competencies and attributes:
- A big picture, long-term and strategic thinker with strong analytical skills to quickly assess complex situations, determine key issues, and prepare and implement clearly defined solutions and/or responses.
- Seen as a trusted leader and advisor who ensures an equitable and fair approach in decision making.
- Effective parliamentarian who can provide guidance on parliamentary rules and procedures quickly and efficiently.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team player and leader in a complex, multi-faceted organization.
- Demonstrated ability to work with initiative and creativity when managing multiple projects under constant deadline pressure.
- Develops and promotes a culture of continuous improvement and fosters a climate of openness, adaptability and flexibility to change.
Please contact Superintendent Stoddard at Sandra.stoddard@eips.ca with any questions.
Only online applications will be accepted.
Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.
If you require assistance with the application system, please call Apply to Education at 1-877-900-5627 or email info@applytoeducation.com.
