Senior Compliance Officer

The Opportunity:

The Ministry of Advanced Education provides leadership and resources to foster a high-quality post-secondary education and training system that responds to the needs of Saskatchewan’s people and economy. The ministry’s Sector Management and Relations Branch is seeking a Senior Compliance Officer to lead the financial and regulatory compliance monitoring of private vocational schools in Saskatchewan.

The sector is regulated pursuant to The Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act, 1995, and The Private Vocational Schools Regulations, 2022. Reporting to the Director, Quality Assurance and Private Vocational Schools, the Senior Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with Saskatchewan's private vocational school legislative and regulatory framework.

• Apply a comprehensive understanding of The Private Vocational Schools Act and Regulations to conduct compliance monitoring and inspections, prepare monitoring reports, assess regulatory risks, and recommend compliance and enforcement actions that are fair, consistent, and aligned with principles of procedural fairness.
• Evaluate the financial solvency and operational sustainability of registered and prospective private vocational school operators by reviewing financial statements, business plans, operational plans, and supporting documentation.
• Analyze financial, operational, and regulatory information to identify risks, assess organizational viability, and provide recommendations regarding school registration, program approvals, and ongoing compliance.
• Administer and monitor compliance requirements related to financial security, the Training Completions Fund, tuition refunds, advertising, student records, equipment, facilities, inspections, and other regulatory obligations.
• Conduct investigations into student complaints and/or alleged non-compliance, gather and assess evidence, document findings, and recommend appropriate corrective, compliance, or enforcement measures.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and legally defensible reports, briefing materials, correspondence, and recommendations to support regulatory decision-making.
• Provide guidance and support to private vocational school operators, applicants, prospective operators, and the public regarding legislative, regulatory, policy, and operational requirements to promote understanding, voluntary compliance, and the correction of non-compliant activities.
• Liaise with school operators, students, ministry officials, legal counsel, auditors, and other stakeholders regarding compliance matters, investigations, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and compliance monitoring practices that support a transparent, accountable, and student-focused private vocational school sector.
• Maintain current knowledge of emerging risks, sector trends, regulatory best practices, and financial oversight practices to inform compliance monitoring and enforcement activities.
• Lead the coordination of private vocational school closures by managing student transition and train-out plans, administering refunds where applicable, safeguarding and administering student records and school files, and ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and procedural requirements.

The qualifications normally required to perform this job include the completion of a university degree in business administration or commerce or equivalent, and the acquisition of a professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA) along with progressive financial and/or compliance audit and client relations experience.

Knowledge of the post-secondary sector will be an asset.

Job Capabilities:

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence.

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level C)
• Critical Thinking (Level C)
• Data Literacy (Level C)
• Digital Skills (Level C)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
• Influence (Level C)
• Interacting with Others (Level C)
• Managing Self (Level C)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level C)
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level C)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

Knowledge and Technical Skills:

Knowledge of the following is required:

• The Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act, 1995
• The Private Vocational Schools Regulations, 2022
• The Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Act, 2022
• Private Vocational Schools Administration and Policy Manual, forms and guides;
• Financial accounting principles, financial statement analysis, auditing practices, internal controls, risk assessment, and financial solvency evaluation.

In-province travel (up to 30%) will be required. A valid driver’s license and the ability to conduct onsite school visits is mandatory.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.

The Ministry of Advanced Education is responsible for developing a skilled and educated workforce that meets the needs of Saskatchewan's labour market. The ministry works with the private sector, post-secondary education institutions and community organizations to develop, retain and attract skilled workers. We also work with educational institutions to recruit and retain international students and assist First Nations and Métis learners.

The ministry provides financial assistance to over 23,000 Saskatchewan post-secondary students each year through student loans, grants and numerous scholarships and bursaries and supports the Graduate Retention Program.

The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.