About the City:
In the city of St. Catharines, we are committed to realizing the vision outlined in The City of St. Catharines - Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027. Our goal is to cultivate a city that thrives on safety, innovation, sustainability, and caring, not just for today, but for generations to come. Join our team and be part of a meaningful journey to shape the future of our community, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the present.
About the Role:
Reporting to Manager of Financial Planning, the Budget Specialist is responsible for providing program, departmental and divisional specific financial support including budget development and maintenance, rates and fees, procurement facilitation, variance analysis and forecast at quarter and year end, grant application and reporting, financial modeling and analysis, and process improvement. This role also supports corporate initiatives including internal financial reporting, system implementation, cost allocations, and ad hoc special projects. This role is acts as key resource for departments on all financial related matters within the corporation.
What You Will be Doing:
Financial Management and Compliance
- Ensuring required financial supports are in place for internal business partners to achieve their goals and objectives.
- Monitoring for adherence to generally accepted accounting principles and corporate directives.
- Working with internal business partners on quarterly variance analysis, forecasting, budget development and maintenance, financial modeling, and business case preparation.
- Managing program-specific grant applications, supporting internal and external reporting, and liaising with relevant external agencies.
- Providing functional direction on procurement matters, including by-law and procedural guidance to departmental staff.
- Undertaking financial audits to ensure all financial policies (corporate and departmental) are observed including contract awards, reporting and filing of financial information.
- Supporting, gathering data, and conducting analysis as needed to facilitate data-driven decision making by department management, Senior Leadership Team and Council.
Policy and Process Improvement
- Enhancing operations by working with finance process and policy owners, providing expert advice, and developing communication strategies to keep department staff informed.
- Ensuring alignment with budgets, reporting, accounting, and procurement by working with finance outside consultants and internal business partners.
- Ensuring that new systems and business initiatives are seamlessly integrated with financial and measurement systems.
Support and Collaboration
- Acting as first point of contact and assisting internal business partners on day-to-day financial implications, including new policies or system implementations.
- Contributing to new systems, business initiatives, rate setting, and ensuring financial and measurement systems integration.
- Engaging in budget education for council members, public budget engagement, and providing training for internal staff.
- Supporting report preparation to Council and the public regarding budget, variances, grants, rates and fees, and financial implications in all reports and ensuring timely and accurate information is provided.
- Coordinating and liaising with external auditors on an as required or annual basis for all audit procedures.
- Performing other job-related tasks or special projects as directed.
These responsibilities outline the principal functions of the position and serve as a guiding vision for the role's impact and contribution.
About You:
Qualifications:
- University degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
- Three (3) years of progressive experience in financial reporting, budget analysis, and variance tracking, preferably within a municipal setting.
- Chartered Professional Accountant designation (CPA - CA, CGA, or CMA) or active pursuit of the designation is preferred.
- Completion of the AMCTO - Municipal Finance and Accounting Program is an asset.
- Completion of the MFOA - Municipal Finance 101 is an asset.
Skills:
- Knowledge of the Municipal Act, Development Charges Act, CICA/PSAB Handbook, and accounting/financial reporting regulations for Ontario municipalities.
- Proficiency in budgetary accounting and reporting processes for developing efficient systems and procedures.
- Strong project coordination, time management, and prioritization skills.
- Motivated team player with technical, analytical skills, and understanding of business operations, processes, and internal controls.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple assignments under tight deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, with a readiness to learn and apply new financial software and systems technology.
Other Requirements:
- Travel between City work locations is required.
- Demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture.
- Proven completion of the Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness training.
- Proof of education will be required upon hire.
What’s in it for you:
Salary & Benefits: Get a competitive salary plus health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
Pension Plan: Enjoy enrollment in the OMERS pension plan with matched contributions for a secure retirement.
Flexibility: Achieve work-life balance with our hybrid work environment (for eligible positions).
Training: Access training and development funds to support your career growth.
Make Your Mark: Share your ideas, drive change, and leave a lasting impact through modernization efforts.
Great People: Work with a supportive team and leadership focused on your success.
Other Job Details:
Salary Range: $79,225 - $92,674 - Salary Range is currently under review
Employee Group: Non-union
Division: Budget Office
Department: Financial Management Services
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work Mode: In-Person/Hybrid
Work Location: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Hours of Work: 35 per week
Number of Openings: 1
Job ID: 2024-151
Posted Date: June 24, 2024
Application Deadline: 11:59 PM, July 8, 2024
Additional Information:
To ensure fairness and efficiency in our recruitment process, we kindly request that all applications be submitted through our official portal at www.stcatharines.ca/jobs. Applications received through other channels will not be considered. We also advise applicants to maintain up-to-date contact information and regularly check their spam and junk email folders, as important communications regarding their application may be directed there.
For applicable positions, the recruitment process will be conducted using video conference technology. Please note that for certain roles, in-person interviews may be required.
The City of St. Catharines does not use AI Technology in any part of the recruitment process.
Employment Equity, Inclusivity and Accommodation:
Dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment, the City of St. Catharines is an equal opportunity employer committed to accommodating the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We encourage applicants to inform the Human Resources Division of any accessibility needs to ensure they are accommodated throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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