School District No. 36 (Surrey)

Director – Financial Management Services

The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools are located on the traditional, unceded and shared lands of the Coast Salish Peoples: q̓ ícə̓ y̓ – Katzie, qʼwa:n̓ƛʼən̓ – Kwantlen and SEMYOME – Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.



Surrey Schools, a winner of the Best Employers in British Columbia and Best Employer in Canada awards, is the largest school district in British Columbia and the second largest employer in Surrey. Spread across one of British Columbia’s fastest growing cities, Surrey Schools provides high-quality education to more than 82,000 students through 124 school sites and a variety of other educational facilities, offering a wide range of innovative programs and services to support our students’ learning. The Surrey School District’s team of nearly 13,000 employees works tirelessly every day to ensure children have the best start possible, providing the preparation to be tomorrow’s leaders.



Reporting to the Senior Director of Financial Management Services, the Director of Financial Management Services will be responsible for implementing, maintaining, evaluating and improving financial reporting processes, accounting policies and procedures, performance management processes, financial systems and treasury functions in accordance with Surrey Schools policies, collective agreements and legal requirements.



The Director of Financial Management Services is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Financial Management Department, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other cash and treasury management functions, ensuring accurate and timely preparation of month-end closing and financial reporting, effective systems management, and compliance with regulatory requirements. This role supervises a team of financial professionals, oversees external reporting, manages special purpose funds, and supports organizational development through continuous improvement and employee training.



The Director will provide effective leadership, vision, and direction to the District’s Financial Management Services function and provide a strong level of support to the Senior Director of Financial Management Services.



The responsibilities of this manager position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Leadership and staff management

• Supervise and direct the Financial Management Services team, promoting a culture of quality, continuous improvement, collaboration, and strong customer service.
• Supervising the implementation of departmental objectives and performance standards consistent with strategic objectives.
• Monitor employee performance and attendance and resolve employee issues including conflict, absence, and performance concerns.
• Providing training, mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure proper distribution of work and accurate and timely completion of tasks.

Financial reporting and compliance

• Oversee all aspects of accounting operations – accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger entries, account reconciliations, credit card expense report reconciliation, school financial audit, and wire transfers.
• Provide accurate and timely financial processing, monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements, and key account reconciliations to ensure that area reporting meets legal and legislative requirements.
• Support the region’s decision-making process by providing accurate and timely financial information (e.g., variance analyses, accounting standards analysis, accounting processes, etc.) and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts that allow for forecasting and analysis towards recommendations on cash targets to support daily operations, funds available for investment and efficient liquidity management.
• Prepare a wide range of supporting materials for financial statements and working papers/reports for external auditors, board secretaries, treasurer, department managers, etc.
• Oversee the preparation of the financial information statement, charitable proceeds, and other financial reports for external stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with public sector accounting standards and other regulatory requirements.

Systems and controls

• Review data integrity and internal controls within financial systems.
• Oversee security access to financial programs across schools and within the Financial Management Services Department.
• Review and approve journal entries and ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures.
• Make recommendations to improve policies and processes.

Stakeholder engagement

• Communicates with internal departments and external agencies to resolve issues and provide financial guidance.
• Respond to internal and external financial inquiries, including sensitive or confidential matters.
• Providing training and support on financial systems and reporting tools.

Other duties

• Stay up to date with financial techniques and practices.
• Perform other responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the Senior Director of Financial Management Services.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Professional Accounting (CPA) designation in good standing is required
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of progressive accounting experience in financial reporting, analysis, financial operations, management, assurance, and working with integrated computerized systems.
• Minimum of 3 years of previous management/supervisory experience with a proven ability to lead, manage and develop people and collaborative relationships at all levels
• Strong understanding and knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong focus on customer service.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with application of forward-thinking
• Demonstrated ability to practice tact, diplomacy, confidentiality, and conflict resolution skills.
• Understand and respect the diverse values ​​and culture of the school district environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting procedures and financial reporting practices.
• Demonstrated ability to summarize and present complex financial data in an organized and concise manner with strong attention to detail
• Strong computer skills, proficiency in spreadsheet software (Microsoft Office Suite), and demonstrated ability to use various financial software packages and databases to perform financial analyzes and develop reports.

Eligible applicants can apply to the Make a Future program at https://buff.ly/F77CkCc By clicking on the “Apply” button located to the right of the post. The deadline for this position is October 30, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Note: Successful applicants will be asked to consent to a criminal records search prior to employment. Occasional site visits are required, a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is preferred. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thanks for your interest.