Position: Director of Finance and Administration
Location: Martin Luther University College, Waterloo, Ontario
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 8:30am to 4:30pm, In office at least 4 days a week
Reports to: Principal-Dean
Direct Reports: 1 - 2 roles
Salary: $90,000 - $120,000 annually
Start date: December 2026
This is an existing vacancy.
Position Summary
Martin Luther University College (Luther) is a public university college federated with Wilfrid Laurier University. We are a faith-based academic community committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
The Director of Finance and Administration provides strategic and operational leadership for Luther’s financial and administrative functions. Reporting to the Principal-Dean, the Director is responsible for financial reporting, compliance, planning and budgeting, internal controls, and administrative systems that support the long-term financial sustainability of the institution and its mission.
Responsibilities
Leadership of Financial Planning, Management, and Reporting
- Ensure all necessary financial operations (including the operating budget), reporting, cash management, expenditure controls and other controls are in place and operating effectively to support Luther’s operations and the Board’s fiduciary obligations.
- Prepare financial analysis and reports as needed including operating statements (revenues and expenditures), budget forecasts, and forecast of cash flow for use by the Principal-Dean, responsible managers or faculty, and the Finance Committee to support informed decision-making and organizational accountability for a $4 Million operating budget.
- Manage the allocation of annual realized gains from endowment funds and reconcile investment manager’s reports for endowed and non-endowed investments, resolving discrepancies.
- Take the initiative to manage investment transactions required as part of the annual budget or operations. Coordinate the flow of investment deposits and investment income with investment manager. Liaise with Luther’s investment manager and/or Finance Committee on investment issues for accounting purposes.
- Prepare annual unaudited financial statements and all reconciliations, supporting schedules, background reporting, and year end entries and adjustments required for the annual audit; prepare an audit package and manage the annual audit with the external auditors once per year, including: Schedule the audit and associated activities, Negotiate the audit contract for recommendation to the Finance Committee, Manage Luther’s elements of the process, Ensure a clean audit
- Assist Luther’s staff and faculty in understanding and using relevant financial information. Support them in budget development for their areas or projects.
- Understand in detail and make recommendations to enhance the funding agreements between Luther and Wilfrid Laurier University and be able to advise the Principal-Dean on the implications to annual revenue of proposed revisions to these agreements.
- Maximize the use of accounting software reporting capabilities where possible.
- Manage the financial elements of grant projects, supporting the assigned project manager in planning and tracking financial commitments, and in financial reporting for the project.
- Prepare and submit annual financial and statistical reporting required by external organizations such as Canada Revenue Agency (Registered Charity Information Return -- T3010, HST), Council of Ontario Universities (detailed analytical financial report), Association of Theological Schools, and others as required. Consult with these organizations regarding reporting requirements as necessary.
- Develop the annual capital budget (including equipment) for Board approval to maintain the Luther’s physical assets and avoid undue deferred maintenance.
- Oversee the implementation of the capital budget.
- Manage the financial elements of capital and construction projects.
General Administration
- Act as the Chief Compliance Officer for reporting and legal requirements.
Policy Coordination and Board Support
- Coordinate policy needs and improvements with the Principal-Dean to ensure all operational and board policies are consistently organized, reviewed, updated, and in compliance.
Support to the Principal-Dean
- Support the activities of the Principal-Dean through research, high-level project/program development and implementation, implementation of confidential activities and other areas as they arise from time to time.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
- CPA designation
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting
- A minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience
- Ability to lead strategically while maintaining hands-on responsibility for day-to-day financial and administrative operations in a lean organizational environment
- Ability to work effectively within a governance-based environment, supporting boards and collaborating with diverse interest holders
- Experience in a post-secondary institution, public sector, or medium non-profit organization is preferred
- Strong knowledge of public sector and/or fund accounting
- Advanced financial planning, budgeting, and analytical skills
- Ability to communicate complete financial information clearly to non-financial interest holders
- Strong leadership, collaboration and relationship-management skills
- High level of integrity, judgment, and professional discretion
- Experience with enterprise resource planning and financial reporting systems
Working Conditions
This position is based primarily in an in-office environment and requires regular on-site presence during standard business hours. The role involves extended periods of computer work, frequent interaction with staff, leadership and external partners, and coordination of multiple operational priorities. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support meetings or organizational needs. The position requires the ability to manage competing deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and respond to evolving organizational priorities in a collaborative workplace setting.
This role requires extended periods of sitting and computer use, including keyboarding and screen work. The position may involve light physical activity such as moving between office spaces, attending meetings, and occasionally lifting or moving materials (up to approximately 10–20 lbs). The ability to communicate effectively in person and through digital platforms is required.
TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter in one file to search@luther.wlu.ca by November 4, 2026. Please insert “Director of Finance and Administration” in the subject line.
Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide three professional references.
The organization is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. Reasonable accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process and employment in accordance with applicable accessibility and human rights legislation.
Martin Luther University College is committed to diversity and creating a culture of inclusion by increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. The College welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race nationality, gender-affiliation or sexual orientation. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
Candidate provided information is used for recruitment purposes only and will not be shared with outside agencies. Information will be retained for a minimum of two years for the sole purpose of applicant review and future recruitment.
Terms of Appointment:
This is a management position as an employee of Martin Luther University College. Luther employees are not employees of Wilfrid Laurier University.
ABOUT LUTHER
Martin Luther University College (formerly Waterloo Lutheran Seminary) is in Waterloo, Ontario and federated with Wilfrid Laurier University. As a federated college, Luther has its own Board of Governors which oversees the work of the institution, supporting its mission of education for a life of meaning and service through spiritually integrated education. Luther offers academic programming at the undergraduate, graduate, and graduate diploma levels. Our small class sizes and dedicated learning space help create a special sense of community where people connect closely with each other.
Students
Approximately 250 students are enrolled in Luther’s programs at any one time, and another 300 undergraduate students, registered at Wilfrid Laurier University, enroll in Luther courses as electives. Luther students come from a variety of different faith traditions while some have no faith tradition at all.
Faculty & Staff
Luther is comprised of thirteen full- and part-time faculty members, along with approximately 20 adjunct faculty who teach on a term-by-term basis. The school is supported by a team of eight full-time staff members working in communications, student services, and administration departments, and another 10 staff members working in part-time and program-related positions.
Centres at Martin Luther University College
The Centres of Luther offer programming at the intersection of scholarship and community engagement. Administratively, the Centres fall within Luther’s finance and administration portfolio, which supports their operations. Our largest centre is The Glebe Counselling Centre, a not-for-profit, multifaith counselling agency committed to strengthening emotional and spiritual well-being.
