Manager, Finance and Administration

Faculty of Health Sciences | School of Rehabilitation Science

About the Department

The School of Rehabilitation Science within the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University is a leader in professional education and research, offering programs in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech-Language Pathology, alongside graduate and interdisciplinary undergraduate programming. The School is recognized for its commitment to innovation, interprofessional collaboration, and advancing health and rehabilitation outcomes.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Administration, the Manager, Finance and Administration is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of financial, human, and physical resources within the School. As a key member of the leadership team, this role contributes to business planning, operational excellence, and the effective delivery of academic, research, and administrative priorities.

The Manager provides expert guidance on financial management, human resources, and operational processes, ensuring alignment with University policies and supporting the School’s continued growth and sustainability. The role also acts as a delegate for the Director of Administration, including financial and HR approvals, as required.

Key Accountabilities

Financial Management

• Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of the School’s annual operating budget, including program, research, trust, and partnership funds.
• Provides financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting to support strategic decision-making.
• Authorizes expenditures and ensures compliance with University, Faculty, and external funding requirements.
• Oversees account reconciliations, audits, and year-end processes.
• Develops and implements financial controls and identifies opportunities for cost efficiencies.
• Manages financial aspects of partnerships, contracts, and recoveries.

Human Resources Management

• Provides expert advice on HR policies, procedures, and collective agreements (including unionized environments).
• Leads recruitment, selection, onboarding, and workforce planning activities for staff and faculty.
• Oversees payroll processes, compensation recommendations, and employee lifecycle administration.
• Supports employee relations matters in collaboration with Faculty HR and central units.
• Develops job descriptions, SOPs, and training resources to support operational consistency.
• Manages leave processes, WSIB cases, and health and safety coordination.

Operations & Physical Resources

• Oversees space planning, facilities coordination, and resource allocation.
• Manages equipment, technology, and infrastructure needs in alignment with departmental priorities.
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders on facilities, maintenance, and compliance requirements.

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Contributes to the development and execution of strategic and operational plans.
• Provides leadership in project planning, prioritization, and implementation.
• Analyzes the financial and operational impact of staffing and program decisions.
• Supports innovation, continuous improvement, and organizational effectiveness.

Governance & Administration

• Acts with delegated authority for financial and HR approvals.
• Represents the department on committees and working groups.
• Ensures compliance with University policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• MBA or professional designation (e.g., CPA, CHRP) considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive senior administrative experience, preferably in a university or healthcare environment.
• Experience in a unionized environment is strongly preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strong knowledge of human resources practices, labour relations, and collective agreements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven leadership and people