Senior Finance Advisor

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Supervisor, Finance and Business Planning, is responsible for providing financial and statistical analysis, advice and recommendations with respect to the Departmental budget, including recommendations and consultative support for assigned program areas, business plans and expenditure forecasts. Supports the development and preparation of Branches operating and capital budgets for tax levy and reserve funded programs by conducting performance measurement activities, analyzing and reporting variances, and recommending appropriate actions.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides financial, analytical, operational and consultative support to Senior Leadership Team and Branches on the budgetary process, business case development, and forecasting models to meet corporate targets in accordance with Regional budget guidelines.


• Develops program specific budgeting and forecasting models utilizing spreadsheet or database software.


• Develops management reports to identify efficiencies and areas of concern while developing long-range strategy in conducting monthly financial review of programs.


• Monitors financial transactions for Branches to ensure integrity of transactions and are in accordance with Regional policies, directives and practices.


• Analyzes and interprets program requirements and provides financial, operational and consultative support and analysis in maximizing reserve funding while remaining within funding envelopes.


• Develops analyses, financial models and reports to support new program areas for assigned clients.


• Develops Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for program areas and analyzes results to identify and make recommendations on efficiency improvements.


• Prepares, analyzes and contributes to development of Municipal Benchmarking Network Canada (MBNC) performance measures for programs within Department.


• Provides expertise and supports management in the development, reporting and monitoring of the department’s multi-year operating and capital business plan and budget cycle, including providing financial information for the development of the business plan, detailed budget preparation, and preparations for CAO, Committee and Council meetings.


• Prepares analysis and rationale to support the development of the annual budgets and reserve funding requests.


• Coordinates with other departments on developing, maintaining and delivering cost allocation and charge-back models, and in building, monitoring and reporting corporate allocations.


• Participates in the development, review and reporting of statistical information and data analysis that provides key insights to the business planning process.


• Supports the implementation of new budget processes, as required.


• Acts as a change agent in the implementation of continuous improvement activities for the Department’s budget process.


• Prepares cost allocations for Negotiated Specific Agreements and analyzes impact on department budget.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a University Degree in a related field or approved combination of education and experience.


• Completion of a professional accounting designation program and be registered with the CPA Ontario Association.


• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in budget analysis and development, financial management, accounting and financial reporting, operating and capital budgetary responsibility.


• Working knowledge of the Public Sector Accounting Principles and GAAP.


• Experience in writing and reviewing analytical financial reports/studies, including ability to identify problems, research, analyze and interpret data, and make and defend evidence-based recommendations.


• Ability to demonstrate the Region’s leadership/and core competencies.