The Board of Education of School District No. 69 (Qualicum) invites applications for the position of Secretary Treasurer.  We are a dynamic, collaborative, small organization where each individual is valued and a contributing member of our community of learners.  We are located on central Vancouver Island and reside on the traditional grounds of the shared territories of the Nanoose and Qualicum First Nations.  We serve the educational needs of approximately 4,000 students in 8 elementary, and 3 secondary schools and administer a budget of approximately $47.7 million.

Sheltered on the east coast of Vancouver Island, the Oceanside area lays claim to long stretches of sandy, white beaches, hot summer days, a variety of recreational activities, a mild year-round climate, a great selection of parks, trails galore, an abundance of wildlife, excellent local shopping opportunities coupled with easy access to major retailers in nearby Nanaimo, an abundance of non-profit service groups, and incredible scenery.

Reporting to the Superintendent, the Secretary Treasurer, as the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Officer of the Board, provides expertise and advice in the areas of budgeting, accounting, operations and corporate services to the elected Board, district and schools.  The Secretary Treasurer, through sound financial planning and management, allocates resources to be utilized to support student learning while ensuring fiscal responsibility, accountability and expertise and support in order to achieve the District’s strategic plan goals.

The successful candidate will be a leader who:

as part of our senior management team will leverage vision and creativity as well as strategic and leadership skills to meet our educational needs within the funding formula, and to support our educational programs;
recognizes the need for a very hands-on approach to working in a smaller district, but can also delegate responsibility effectively;
can navigate the provincial budget systems, manage the Board’s internal accounting and financial control systems and oversee the collection and preparation of information from a number of departments for budgeting and reporting;
has the ability to provide strong financial leadership for the district in the context of the district’s strategic plan and achievement contract;
will be able to see the big picture while understanding the details;
will be able to identify areas of improvement and bring forward innovative ideas and approaches;
will be an excellent representative of the district, building strong, respectful relationships with our partners and stakeholders;
has demonstrated a collaborative, motivating, team building style of leadership.

The successful candidate will possess and be able to demonstrate:

A fundamental commitment to public education, students and the school community;
A professional designation in accounting (CA, CGA, CMA);
A proven track record of senior management experience in accounting, budgeting and finance with a public sector organization, preferably a BC public school district and experience in working with Boards;
A strong leadership background working with and leading teams comprised of diverse roles, responsibilities and personalities;
Experience developing and managing school district budgets;
Experience in dealing with legal, labour relations and insurance matters;
Excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical and conflict resolution abilities;
Expertise in working with information technology and computerized financial administration systems;
A reputation for honest, direct and proactive communication.

Applications should include the following:

A letter of application;
A statement of educational and financial leadership philosophy;
A current resume;
Business References;
A signed authorization for School District 69 (Qualicum) personnel to contact references in addition to those provided and authorize those contacted to release information to the district.