We are currently accepting resumes for the position of Financial Analyst, Vacant Home Tax. Reporting to Supervisor of Taxation Revenue this role will be responsible for supporting the development, implementation and administration of a comprehensive Vacant Home Tax (VHT) program. While ensuring compliance with the VHT by-law and mitigating risk. This includes administering the program, contributing to public awareness initiatives for the declaration process and ensuring vacant residences are taxed accurately through timely billing and auditing.
The role requires strong analytical and communication skills to engage effectively with property owners, external agencies, and management, while providing clear recommendations and reporting on program outcomes. Additionally, the position ensures adherence to applicable legislation, contribute to policy development, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and program integrity.
Key duties and responsibilities
Vacant Home Tax Program
- Support the development in conjunction with the Supervisor of Taxation Revenue and Manager of Revenue and Treasury of an annual VHT program, including audit campaigns, risk assessments, appeal process, resource planning, and expected outcomes.
- Support the identification of risk areas and help develop controls and audit strategies to detect fraudulent occupancy declarations and homes that may be vacant.
- Contribute to creating policies, procedures, tools, training materials, and documentation related to the VHT program and audit process.
- Co-ordinate property tax requirements for of VHT billing in conjunction with property tax staff.
- Stay current with legislation, regulations, and best practices, and implement changes as required.
Audit Execution
- Participate in annual audit campaigns using best-practice methodologies, ensuring evidence sufficiency and appropriateness.
- Utilize City resources, data sets, and systems to maximize audit effectiveness.
- Gather and evaluate evidence through research property owners and the public.
- Working with other staff assigned to assist/support in the VHT program audit reviews.
- Provide clear rationale for audit determinations and communicate results to property owners.
- Communicate effectively with property owners and external agencies, providing timely and professional responses to inquiries both orally and in writing.
- Deliver operational updates and recommendations to management, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of audit program performance and impacts.
- Prepare annual reports summarizing VHT revenue, audit program performance, identifying trends, revenue impacts, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Appeal Management
- Explore transparent appeal process as part of the program implementation and by-law development.
- Provides the first review and determination of all appeals based on relevant by-laws and statues.
Other Duties
- Support compliance with the Municipal Act, Planning Act, and other applicable legislation.
- Provide input and analysis to management, and the public on VHT, and revenue related issues on matters tied to housing.
- Reconciliation of all VHT revenue and receivables.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and identify operational efficiencies.
- Perform additional tasks or special projects as assigned to support departmental and corporate objectives.
Qualifications and requirements
- Completion of post-secondary education in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or Public Administration.
- Professional designation in a related field is considered an asset (e.g., Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or completion of specialized municipal administration programs such as the (AMCTO Diploma in Municipal Administration) or MTAP through Seneca is an asset.
- Considerable experience in municipal finance, auditing, consulting, or financial analysis/reporting, with a track record of designing and executing audit programs, assessing risk, and ensuring compliance with legislation and by‑laws.
- Demonstrated ability to develop policies and programs, design business processes and internal controls, draft by‑laws, prepare reports, and communicate audit findings and recommendations to senior leadership, council, and the public.
- Knowledge of municipal taxation, development/residential pro forma models, and financial viability assessments for housing projects.
- In-depth understanding of the Municipal Act, Assessment Act, Planning Act, and other relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Excellent organizational and decision-making skills, with a solution-oriented and strategic approach.
- Skilled in conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement, including facilitating effective community consultations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, stakeholders, Council, and the general public.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and ability to use systems such as Cognos, Office 365, and SharePoint.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop, recommend, and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with external agencies, and other levels of government.
Hours of work
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).
Pay/Salary
Non-union Grade 5 Rate: $86,457 - $108,071
How to apply
Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by January 8, 2026. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.
The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.