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.
About You:
- 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.
- 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.
- Travel between City work locations is required.
Other Requirements:
Other Position Requirements include: Ability to travel between City work locations
Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.
Job Details:
Job ID:2025-185
Pay Rate: $81,609 to $95,459
Hours:35 per week
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location:St. Catharines, ON
Work Mode:Hybrid (50% or more remote)
Employee Group: Non-Union
Position Type: Permanent, Full-time
Duration: Ongoing
Application Deadline:10/10/2025 at 11:59 PM
