Manager, Financial Planning

at  City of St Catharines

QUALIFICATIONS:

• University Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.
• Seven (7) years of experience in finance, preferably in municipal government, including managerial, accounting, and budgeting roles.
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Ontario Public Purchasing Certification is an asset.
• Completion of AMCTO Municipal Accounting and Finance, and MFOA Municipal Finance 101, is an asset.
• Strong understanding of municipal budgeting and purchasing guidelines.
• Knowledge of accounting and purchasing principles.
• Experience managing staff in a unionized environment is an asset.

SKILLS:

• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to collaborate with stakeholders and work independently.
• Ability to research and develop business case recommendations.
• Strong writing skills to articulate complex ideas clearly and creatively.
• Proven organizational and time management skills, capable of meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong coaching, supervisory, and leadership skills, with the ability to maintain effective relationships.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and proficiency in MS Office Suite, with the capacity to adapt to new software.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Availability to work flexible hours.
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture.
• Proven completion of Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness training
• Ability to travel between City work locations is required.
• Proof of education will be required upon hire.

(These set out the principal functions of the position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements).

• Develop and manage annual and multi-year capital and operating budgets, including rate budgets for water, wastewater, and parking, ensuring alignment with Council’s objectives and financial transparency.
• Provide comprehensive financial support to departments, covering budget preparation, maintenance and reporting, variance analysis, forecasting, rates and fees, and procurement, ensuring alignment with business goals and corporate strategy.
• Lead the Budget Office in delivering program-specific financial reporting and support, ensuring consistency with the organization’s vision.
• Authorize and track budget adjustments for Council-approved projects and priorities.
• Coach and guide Budget Specialists in budget development, variance analysis, forecasting, grants, and departmental support activities.
• Lead strategic project management for current and long-term planning initiatives.
• Prepare reports for the Budget Standing Committee and the Council.
• Ensure budget data for Agencies, Boards, and Commissions are accurately integrated into the City’s budgets.
• Support the Capital Planning Supervisor in preparing multi-year capital budgets and supporting Asset Management Plan.
• Lead and manage financial oversight initiatives, including managing updates and projects related to budget and procurement software systems, and maintain accurate staffing information.
• Provide variance and forecasting reports and interpret results for the Budget Standing Committee.
• Prepare operating budget figures for the City’s Audited Financial Statements and assist with variance analysis.
• Calculate City and Business Improvement Area tax rates to align with approved budgets and prepare the City’s tax rates bylaws.
• Ensure financial accuracy through the identification and correction of entries and compliance with financial regulations.
• Manage the review of recruitment requests, confirming budget availability for new hires.
• Organize and manage the Budget Specialists team, including recruitment and training

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Financial Planning Manager is a leadership role responsible for providing expertise and oversight in developing the City’s budgets in ensuring that financial resources are allocated and used effectively to support City functions and services. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will directly oversee the Capital Planning and Budget Office and collaborate closely with department heads, Council members, and other interested parties to align financial strategies with the community’s goals and needs. You will leverage your expertise to offer recommendations to the Chief Financial Officer, lead the formulation of budget policies and procedures, and provide strategic and financial advice to senior management to ensure effective corporate accountability in budget preparation and monitoring.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

(These set out the principal functions of the position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements).

• Develop and manage annual and multi-year capital and operating budgets, including rate budgets for water, wastewater, and parking, ensuring alignment with Council’s objectives and financial transparency.
• Provide comprehensive financial support to departments, covering budget preparation, maintenance and reporting, variance analysis, forecasting, rates and fees, and procurement, ensuring alignment with business goals and corporate strategy.
• Lead the Budget Office in delivering program-specific financial reporting and support, ensuring consistency with the organization’s vision.
• Authorize and track budget adjustments for Council-approved projects and priorities.
• Coach and guide Budget Specialists in budget development, variance analysis, forecasting, grants, and departmental support activities.
• Lead strategic project management for current and long-term planning initiatives.
• Prepare reports for the Budget Standing Committee and the Council.
• Ensure budget data for Agencies, Boards, and Commissions are accurately integrated into the City’s budgets.
• Support the Capital Planning Supervisor in preparing multi-year capital budgets and supporting Asset Management Plan.
• Lead and manage financial oversight initiatives, including managing updates and projects related to budget and procurement software systems, and maintain accurate staffing information.
• Provide variance and forecasting reports and interpret results for the Budget Standing Committee.
• Prepare operating budget figures for the City’s Audited Financial Statements and assist with variance analysis.
• Calculate City and Business Improvement Area tax rates to align with approved budgets and prepare the City’s tax rates bylaws.
• Ensure financial accuracy through the identification and correction of entries and compliance with financial regulations.
• Manage the review of recruitment requests, confirming budget availability for new hires.
• Organize and manage the Budget Specialists team, including recruitment and training.