Careers at NLC

Additional Information:

Northern Lakes College (NLC) serves a vast region of northern Alberta with 21 campuses and 3 Community Access Points (CAPs) from Athabasca to High Level. While the Administrative Centre of NLC is Slave Lake, there are hub campuses in High Prairie, Peace River, and High Level, and spoke campuses surrounding each of these communities. NLC also has numerous collaborations with other Campus Alberta partners to offer programs in their communities and to support their programs in our communities. The College also offers a wide range of Dual Credit opportunities and has many active partnerships with School Boards throughout the province. 

NLC delivers approximately 90% of our programs online using our innovative Supported Distance Learning (SDL) model. The College serves approximately 2500 credit students and 6000 non-credit students annually, and we are growing. Included in our suite of programs are Health Sciences, Human Services, Business and Information Technology, Administrative Studies, University Studies, Basic and Preparatory, Trades and Technology as well as Continuing Education and Corporate Training. NLC will be adding Rehabilitation Assistant in Fall 2026.  

The College fosters close relationships with partners, adopting a Community Education Committee structure that is the primary advisory body to the Board of Governors via the President & CEO. These committees and the Council of Community Education Committees are an integral part of the fabric of NLC. 

Northern Lakes College seeks a Senior Director, Finance Services who prioritizes people and relationships alongside financial, and who will represent the College provincially as required.  With a budget in excess of $40M annually, the Senior Director, Finance Services will support the Vice President, Finance and Administration and President & CEO in the effective management of resources.  

The success of NLC is due to College and Community partners working together to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through learning.

Vision

Northern Lakes College will be recognized as a first-choice, community-based college with the most accessible programs and services in Alberta. 

Mission 

With respect for cultures and the needs of communities, Northern Lakes College provides quality educational programs and services which enable adults to continue their education, improve their employment opportunities, and enhance their quality of life.

Our Values

To achieve our mission and vision, we share values that guide our practices and behaviors.

THE LOCATION

The area served by Northern Lakes College is a vast land of boreal forests, sweeping grasslands, and endless lakes and rivers. This is a place that is ripe with history, offering spectacular landscapes, incredible recreational opportunities, and a resource-based economy.

A Wide Range of Offerings

Northern Lakes College maintains a focus on the labour market demands in our region and responds to labour market shortages by introducing academic programs that meet the needs of our region. Currently NLC offers certificates and diplomas leading to careers in Health, Allied Health, Education, Human Services, University Studies, Business and Administrative, Information Technology, Professional Skilled Trades and Resource Technology. NLC also collaborates with the University of Alberta, Athabasca University and the University of Calgary to provide degree completion opportunities to our students in our region. 

NLC also offers a wide range of non-credit courses and programs leading to a number of Professional Accreditations, Health and Allied Health and Safety Certifications, Cultural Programming, General Interest, and Forestry programming through our partnership with the Woodland Operations Learning Foundation. Partnerships with multiple School Boards throughout the Province enables NLC to provide a broad access to dual credit programs for high school students. 

All programs are accessible throughout the province by way of our Supported Distance Learning (SDL) model of delivery.

Supported Distance Learning

Committed to the local and regional needs of its residents, NLC focuses on providing opportunities for our students to enter the local and regional economy. The programs offered by NLC meet the labour market demands in the region and the College continually ensures responsiveness to those needs by addressing program gaps with new programming or via collaboration with a CampusAlberta partner. 

Local needs are identified at the community level. NLC supports Community Education Committees in each community to identify local program and service needs. The Chairs of these communities comprise a Council of Community Education Committee that meets regularly with the President. This ensures the College is contributing to community development, leadership capacity and vibrant communities through strong partnerships. Student success is enhanced through a Supported Distance Learning framework with local and regional supports that are 

readily available for all students in all communities. As an early adopter of Distance Learning, the College now has over 50 years of experience utilizing technology to make post-secondary education accessible. 

Making an Impact

NLC remains pivotal to the growth of the region and the vibrant lifestyle of its residents.  The College is proud of the ongoing relationship with regional communities and the positive impact that it makes on the lives of its students, their families, and their communities.  

A recent impact study (June 2024) details how Northern Lakes College, its students, and alumni added $212.5 million to the NLC service region for the 2021-2022 academic year. The College is an essential community component. 

THE OPPORTUNITY Senior Director, Finance Services

The Senior Director, Finance Services, is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of the College’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. This role leads the Finance Department and plays a key role in supporting sound financial decision-making across the institution. The Senior Director works collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure financial integrity, transparency, and operational effectiveness. This position is based at the College’s Slave Lake campus.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Ensure compliance with legislation, public sector accounting standards, regulatory and legislative requirements, Board of Governors directives, and internal policies, procedures, and regulations
• Oversee financial aspects of the College, including the preparation and distribution of regular and adhoc financial reporting within set timelines
• Implement and maintain strong, effective internal controls to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure the accuracy of financial data
• Review current practices and procedures to identify gaps, areas for improvement, and plan and implement change as required
• Oversee regulatory and tax functions, including quarterly reports and returns
• Coordinate annual non-payroll tax slip preparation and distribution
• Provide data for financial and business analysis
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures and regulations
• Work with Investment Managers on the College’s investment portfolio
• Oversee and monitor all treasury and cash management functions
• Plan, direct, and coordinate General Ledger administration and maintenance
• In collaboration with other internal departments, maintain the financial system to ensure it is meeting the needs of students, employees, and other stakeholders
• Plan and execute financial year-end activities
• Prepare draft annual financial statements and notes
• Act as main liaison with external auditors, including the Office of the Auditor General
• Plan and coordinate preparation of annual operating and capital budgets
• Assume responsibility for developing and implementing a corporate budget strategy
• Responsible for current and long-term budgeting and financial planning
• Prepare consolidated and non-consolidated financial statements.

Leadership

• Manage and lead finance department including training, recruitment, performance and evaluation
• Participate in the development, funding, and implementation of projects and initiatives
• Attend local and provincial meetings on behalf of the college, as required
• Establish and implement short-term and long-term department goals and strategies
• Develop, and support the development of College policies, procedures and regulations
• Support and work collaboratively with budget officers
• Participate in meetings and chair and participate in committees as required
• Develop organizational strategies and support the implementation of and adherence to the College Strategic Plan
• Anticipate, and assist the College in planning for, emerging financial issues and trends in order to mitigate loss, and maximize College benefit
• Support the mission and vision of the College
• Lead with integrity in every aspect of the role including relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrate ethical behavior by taking responsibility for mistakes and by challenging unethical behavior in others
• Foster commitment for self-learning by example
• Create and support a culture of a learning organization that meets the evolving needs and priorities of the organization
• Nurture an organizational culture that supports innovative thinking across the organization
• Cultivate and reward college-wide initiatives that promote innovation and creativity at all levels of the organization. Support creative problem solving that balances risk taking and innovation with facts and data.

Communication

• Support a culture of open communication and timely access to essential information across the organization
• Support and develop communication processes appropriate to both internal and external stakeholders

Other duties as required

THE PERSON

Qualifications & Education Requirements

The ideal candidate will hold a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and bring at least three years of experience in a senior or managerial role, along with a minimum of three years of supervisory experience. They will demonstrate strong computer skills, including proficiency in Excel and computerized accounting software. A working knowledge of Unit4 and Caseware is considered an asset. The successful candidate will also possess excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with both internal and external partners. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

Visionary Leadership - Demonstrates a progressive and forward-thinking leadership style, offering guidance and support to staff and senior leadership as needed. Serves as a mentor and positive role model who inspires others, identifies opportunities across departments, and fosters a culture of collaboration and empowerment. Balances vision with a practical, common-sense approach to leadership.

Financial Acumen - Brings a proven ability to manage financial operations across a variety of fiscal environments, with expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. Leads with a service-oriented mindset and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and transparency.

Exceptional Communicator - Possesses outstanding verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills. Communicates ideas clearly, concisely, and positively. Builds trust by engaging others respectfully and transparently, and is recognized as a tactful and credible communicator both internally and externally.

Interpersonal Effectiveness - Relates comfortably with individuals across a wide range of backgrounds and roles. Respects and values diverse perspectives, navigates conflict constructively, and provides thoughtful, timely feedback. Maintains strong working relationships with employees, colleagues, and institutional partners.

Change Leadership - Thrives in dynamic environments and demonstrates the ability to lead transformational change. Evaluates organizational structures and implements strategies that enhance performance and build capacity. Maintains clarity of vision while adjusting course when necessary.

Service Orientation - Leads the development and continuous improvement of service delivery processes. Applies a strategic lens to operational planning and technology integration to enhance client experience and efficiency. Ensures consultation and decision-making processes are inclusive, timely, and aligned with institutional goals.

Pragmatic Decision-Making - Involves the right people at the right time to set priorities and make informed decisions. Applies sound judgment and common sense, demonstrating adaptability and an intuitive understanding of organizational needs.  

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

TO APPLY

Leaders International values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations. Candidates are invited to contact us directly with any accommodation requests.

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume (PDF or Word document only) to Ardyce Kouri or Luke Shin at apply@leadersinternational.com, indicating the job title in the subject line.

Leaders International Executive Search         www.leadersinternational.com