Position: WHL Director, Finance & Administration
Company Description
The Western Hockey League (WHL) is a premier junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. Established in 1966, the WHL is one of three leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), alongside the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
The WHL consists of 22 teams divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference is further divided into two divisions:
- Eastern Conference: Comprises 11 teams from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
- Western Conference: Comprises 11 teams from British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.
The WHL is renowned for being one of the world’s finest development leagues for junior hockey players. It has been a leading supplier of talent to the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 50 years. The WHL’s headquarters are located in Calgary, Alberta. The league is governed by a commissioner and a team of executives who oversee its operations and ensure it maintains its high standards of player development and competition
To learn more, visit https://chl.ca/whl/
Scope and Responsibilities
Reporting to the WHL Commissioner, the WHL’s Director, Finance & Administration plays a critical role at the League’s head office in Calgary, AB, and is responsible for the management and oversight of the League’s financial operations, strategic financial direction, and League office administration and operations.
Specific Responsibilities
This is a critical role in WHL’s continued success and growth. The role is accountable for the following:
Financial Strategy & Strategic Planning:
- Develop and implement financial strategies to support short-term and long-term WHL strategic initiatives;
- Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities and provide insights and recommendations;
- Collaborate with the WHL Board of Governors, Finance Committee, WHL Clubs, CHL, and other key stakeholders to set financial targets and monitor performance; and,
- Work closely with the Commissioner and the Senior Leadership team on any advanced financial modeling requirements.
Budgeting & Forecasting:
- Oversee annual budgeting process and presentation to WHL Board of Governors for approval;
- Monitor and report on budget variances, ensuring targets are met and resources are efficiently allocated; and,
- Prepare and present the yearend forecast to WHL Board of Governors.
Financial Reporting & Analysis:
- Prepare and present detailed quarterly and annual financial statements, reforecasts and support schedules; and,
- Final review and approval of general ledger, bank reconciliations and working papers, ensuring all reporting is timely, accurate, and compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and audit standards.
Cashflow & Treasury Management:
- Manage WHL cashflow, ensuring efficient liquidity for operations, projects, or investments; and,
- Oversee treasury functions including banking relationships, investments, and debt management.
Risk Management & Compliance:
- Identify and manage financial risks including insurance, investment, and credit risks;
- Ensure compliance with all financial, tax, and legal requirements;
- Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accuracy and compliance of financial records; and,
- Final oversight and management of annual financial audit and corporate tax filing.
Business Administration & Operations:
- Support general Human Resources activities (hiring, contracts, onboarding, technology) for WHL Staff;
- Oversee the tracking, fulfillment, and club liability calculations of WHL Scholarship and Development program;
- Assist in the development of office policies, procedures, and staff onboarding processes;
- Oversight of the WHL employee benefit program. Conduct review of benefits, insurance, and overall employee rewards programs;
- Collaborate with the Commissioner on various legal and due diligence matters;
- Manage third party office IT contract and oversee future technology upgrades;
- Review Travel and Expense management and reimbursement programs, corporate card issuance, etc.;
- Regular review and renewal of WHL office contracts including lease, insurance, phones, etc.; and,
- Oversee the completion of the annual WHL Operations Manual.
WHL Board of Governors Relations:
- Oversee logistical planning and execution of WHL Board of Governors meetings including venue, catering, accommodations, and preparation of pre-read meeting materials;
- Manage various directories, designation forms, internal distributions, and other administrative correspondence pertaining to the WHL Board of Governors; and,
- Serve as a member of the WHL Finance Committee.
People Management
- Manage a team of Finance and Administration personnel, with the goal of increasing performance and job satisfaction; and,
- Drive culture through the WHL office through a people-first mindset.
Desired Candidate Abilities, Background and Experience
Given the role this individual will play in WHL’s continued growth and success, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following education, experience, and personal characteristics:
Education
- Bachelor Degree in Business, Accounting or other related fields; and,
- C.P.A. designation is required.
Experience
- Minimum of ten years progressive accounting experience;
- Minimum of seven years in a prior leadership role;
- Experience with Not-For-Profit Accounting;
- Prior experience in Sports & Entertainment or similar landscape;
- Experience procuring and implementing accounting systems and expense software;
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft NAV or similar accounting systems;
- Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and meet strict deadlines; and,
- Expertise and comfort with technology platforms including Powerpoint, Excel, Word, MS Teams, or equivalents.
Personal / Professional Attributes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to effectively communicate financial results to various members of the Leadership Team, problem solve, and resolve conflicts;
- Analytical, thoughtful, and possessing a level of creativity;
- Courageous – willing to have tough conversations;
- Communication skills – not only written and verbal, but also listening.This is paramount to understand and execute against the needs of the organization; and,
- Ability to handle many projects and business challenges simultaneously.
Contact Information
Jeff Mercer
Partner
DHR Global
T: 403-305-0055
E: jmercer@dhrglobal.com
