Resumes are being accepted for the position of Financial Analyst on the Budget Services team within the Finance department. Reporting to the Manager, Budget Services, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing financial support and analysis for an assigned portfolio of work. The portfolio of work may include directly supporting an assigned group of departments with all things finance (budgeting, accounting, business case development, financial costing, and other related support) and/or supporting other corporate initiatives. Assignments may change over time as the needs of the organization change, and this will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to gain a broader organizational perspective. Financial Analysts have the skills, knowledge, experience and initiative to understand the broader context of the work they are doing, and take responsibility for their assigned portfolio or work, as well as the ability to learn and grow beyond their previous experience to take on new assignments within the scope of the role.

Key duties and responsibilities

Budget Development, Forecasting and Strategic Alignment

• Assist departments with operating and capital budget development in alignment with corporate financial policies, reserve strategies, and accounting structures.
• Prepare budget documentation and financial presentations as required.
• Support multi year financial forecasts linked to the Strategic Plan and departmental Business Plans.
• Provide analysis and advice related to user fees, revenues, growth funding, grants, reserves, and reserve funds.

Financial Analysis, Reporting and Accounting

• Review financial performance through operating variance analysis, capital spending reviews, and interim financial reporting.
• Prepare and post journal entries including accruals, reserve funding, and reallocations.
• Assess financial impacts of changing legislation and recommend operational or financial improvements.
• Provide financial guidance on grant applications and prepare grant financial claim submissions.
• Participate as the Finance representative on development related projects, studies, master plans, business cases, and costing initiatives.
• Book journal entries as required to address assigned departmental accounting needs including year-end accruals, reserve funding, and reallocations.

Department Financial Partnership and Advisory

• Act as the primary Finance liaison for assigned departments, maintaining regular communication on financial matters.
• Develop a strong understanding of departmental operations, strategic initiatives, and emerging financial needs.
• Attend departmental management meetings and provide ongoing financial advice and guidance.
• Review financial implications of legislation, Council, and Committee reports, flagging non routine impacts to the Manager.
• Provide financial guidance on grant applications and prepare grant financial claim submissions.
• Participate as the Finance representative on development related projects, studies, master plans, business cases, and costing initiatives.

Systems, Process Improvement and Policy Support

• Recommend and support improvements to financial systems, revenue collection processes, and financial policies.
• Implement efficiencies by documenting processes and leveraging technology.
• Support financial policy development and assess impacts of legislative changes.
  Training, Collaboration and Corporate Support
• Provide training to departments on financial, asset maintenance, and budgeting systems.
• Participate in Finance team meetings and stay current on departmental and corporate finance initiatives.
• Assist with corporate finance responsibilities, special projects, and other duties as required.

Qualifications and requirements

• Experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through post-secondary education in Finance/Accounting or related field, and/or a professional accounting designation or equivalent, and considerable experience in a related financial planning role, preferably within the public sector. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Analytical, organizational, project management and report writing skills.
• Ability to communicate and establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Advanced skills with financial reporting software (for example: JD Edwards, FMW).
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with data query and analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently and to prioritize to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to attend meetings at offsite locations as required.

Hours of work
35 hours per week Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Flexibility would be required to attend evening meeting and to meet departmental needs. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).

How to apply
Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system. The posting will remain live until the position is filled. 

Hiring Process Transparency
The City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.

Commitment to Diversity & Accessibility
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.

Privacy Notice
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.