Finance Support Officer

at  Toronto District School Board

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Provision of own vehicle for Board Business.
• Requires regular travel across the TDSB.

WE STRIVE TO MEET THE ACCOMMODATION NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE THEIR NEEDS FOR ACCOMMODATION KNOWN IN ADVANCE DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS.

The TDSB follows a hybrid work structure where some employees may be able to work remotely at times, based on operational requirements. Please refer to Policy P103 , Flexible Working Arrangements for more information.

OVERALL PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Finance Support Manager, the Finance Support Officer will provide oversight, support, and training to TDSB schools and academic departments on finance and administrative functions, and related Board policies and procedures.

The Finance Support Officer will:

• Monitor school budgets, school generated funds, HST reporting, petty cash and student nutrition program accounts to ensure policy compliance and accuracy of transactions and records;
• Provide guidance to schools in areas such as funds management, procurement, account reconciliations, cash handling and safeguarding of Board assets;
• Provide training and support to schools and academic departments on budget development, business policies and procedures, internal controls and best practices;
• Provide support and assist with the planning, implementation and training of accounting systems, or other related systems, including upgrades;
• Coordinate the collection, administration consolidation and review of school generated funds reports, for management analysis and Ministry reporting purposes.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

• Monitor school budgets, school generated funds, HST reporting, school nutrition program funds, P-card transactions, employee reimbursements and petty cash accounts to ensure policy compliance and accuracy of transactions and records;
• Work with schools on developing financial plans to address budget and school generated funds surplus/deficit issues;
• Inform, advise and ensure that staff adhere to proper internal control procedures;
• Assist in the development and implementation of business processes, policies and procedures for schools and central departments, including developing and preparing training materials and/or manuals;
• Provide training, advice and support to school and central staff on business processes, policies and procedures including budgeting, purchasing, general accounting, payroll, work flow, enrolment reporting, banking, purchase card, petty cash, ordering, financial reporting, employee reimbursements etc.;
• Assist with planning, implementation and training of any new or system upgrades to financial, enrolment and other related systems;
• Advise schools on how best to access systems data and monitor financial transactions;
• Provide support to school on projects or board/ministry initiatives that require tracking of expenditures and preparation of related reports;
• Coordinate the collection, administration, consolidation and review of school generated funds financial reports for management analysis and Ministry reporting purposes;
• Assist schools and school councils to resolve financial issues, financial reconciliations and troubleshooting;
• Provide support to Principals and office staff with regards to school closures, new school start-ups, consolidations and transfers;
• Work with Business Development staff on inquiries from schools relating to fundraising;
• Review and analyze documentation (e.g., invoices, purchases and receipts etc.) to determine if accounting and budget postings in the board financial and data collection systems are as expected;
• Work with school staff on preparing corrections where needed;
• Work with schools and school councils on financial management and reporting issues;
• Review reports, prepare analysis and summary schedules for senior management and board auditors;
• Prepare reports to senior management on school budgets and identify areas of risk or concern;
• Assist in developing and refining business policies, procedures and workflows for school based business transactions, including the collection and reporting of school fees and non-public funds;
• Review school enrolment registers on-site to ensure they are accurate and align to Ministry standards;
• Liaise with the Planning department on any enrolment reporting issues identified during school visits;
• Assist with data analysis, identifying system efficiencies, new financial processes or system implementation;
• Liaise with other school boards to identify best practices and participate in internal work groups and committees, as required.
• Provide support to special projects as required; and
• Other duties as assigned.
• Post-secondary degree in related field (e.g. Commerce, Accounting, Finance or Business Administration) with four years of progressively responsible finance experience, preferably in the education or government sector, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Excellent understanding of budget development and monitoring;
• Strong proficiency in financial accounting and bookkeeping software (e.g. Quicken, Quickbooks);
• Ability to design, deliver and evaluate training programs;
• Detail oriented and analytical with strong problem solving skills;
• Proven customer service, financial support or training experience;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment;
• Flexibility to undertake a diverse range of tasks with minimal supervision;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including effective presentation skills;
• Understanding and knowledge of related Board’s policies and procedures with respect to budgeting and financial management;
• Proficient with spreadsheets, word processing, data processing and financial and/or human resources information systems (e.g. Microsoft Office, SAP, Trillium, HRIS, Concur, KEV School Cash);
• Proven track record of working collaboratively and effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels;
• Demonstrated ability to handle matters requiring diplomacy, sensitivity and confidentiality;
• Proven ability to work under pressure and consistently meet deadlines.