Description:

• 5 years progressive experience, preferable with familiarity in the Ontario Municipal financial context, with emphasis in reporting and analysis of budgets and related financing.
• 5 years progressive experience preferably within the Ontario Municipal financial context with emphasis in reporting and analysis of budgets and related financial analyst experience, responsible for complex accounting, budgeting and reporting is preferred.
• Experience with Public Sector Accounting (PSA) and not-for-profit accounting standards is preferred.
• Professional Accounting Designation, CA, CGA or CMA.
• Knowledge and practical experience with accounting systems.
• Knowledge of external regulations, such as the Municipal Act, the Development Charges Act, the CICA/PSAB Handbook, and all other regulations impacting the accounting and reporting of municipalities.
• Completion of the municipal accounting and finance program is preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads the compilation of the annual budget in accordance with corporate target dates and guidelines.

• Sets internal controls and procedures to ensure budget transactions are recorded accurately in both the budget and general ledger.
• Researches and formulates budget guidelines.
• Ensures the accurate and timely recording and reporting of the outputs of the budget unit through the coordination of the administration of the budget modules (capital/operating) (manage, improve, train front line technical support).
• Leads the communication of informational requirements/corporate budget guidelines to departmental, agency and board staff, ensuring complete and accurate information in all corporate communications related to the budget.
• Assesses the accuracy and completeness of budget submissions, reviewing and analyzing for compliance with budget guidelines and corporate policies, communicating issues and recommended solutions and next steps to management and making recommendations to improve future year’s budget process.
• Oversees the reconciliation of budget adjustments.
• Coordinates external information requests relating to the budget, including external auditor requirements.
• Leads the education and training of departmental, agency and board staff in support of corporate compliance.
• Represents Corporate Service requirements when reviewing external system initiatives requiring integration and/or interfacing with budget modules.
• Participates as a member of budget review committee of the whole (BRCOTW) and Corporate Management Team (CMT) budget team.
• Makes recommendations that maximize funding sources available, such as tax revenues, subsidies and reserves.
• Leads new system implementation testing and design as necessary as it relates to various budgeting processes (operating and/or capital).

Monitors and updates budget management policies and procedures, ensuring effective and efficient processes are in place for budget related transactions.

• Monitors the corporation’s compliance with approved policies, following up with departmental staff, agencies and boards, making recommendations for change and facilitating implementation within their respective budget areas.
• Ensures activities in the budget programs are in compliance with external regulations such as the CICA Handbook, Municipal Act etc.
• Reviews Council reports, by-laws, memorandums, and all other documents to ensure compliance with best practices and approved policies, and resolve gaps within the process.
• Promotes and maintains cross municipal collaboration and involvement with outside groups/regulatory bodies regarding information sharing relating to budget processes, reporting and best practices.
• Develops and implements internal audit procedures as necessary.
• Leads technical support/resources for departmental, agency and board staff in relation to the implementation of policies and related procedures.
• Addresses information requests from Responsive Region Improvement Team and implements associated recommendations.

Prepares and presents complex financial analysis to support communication of financial strategies to Council.

• Leads and/or participates in financial analysis, such as lease vs. purchase, reviews of major contracts, commitment analyses, compensation planning etc.
• Communicates the results of complex financial analysis to management, identifying possible impacts and recommending solutions.
• Prepares and communicates “what if” scenarios in support of complex business decision options.
• Prepares timely and accurate responses to Council information requests, researching and reviewing data.
• Coordinates ad hoc analysis requests relating to the corporate budgets.