Senior Budget Specialist

at  City of St Catharines

QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field.
• 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, procurement and/or process review preferable within the Ontario Municipal Financial context.
• 5 years financial analyst experience in developing and working with financial models.
• Progressive leadership experience is considered as an asset.
• Chartered Professional Accountant designation (CPA - CA, CGA or CMA)
• Knowledge of external regulations, such as the Municipal Act, the Development Charges Act, the CICA/PSAB Handbook, and all other regulations impacting the accounting and financial reporting of Ontario municipalities.
• Completion of the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasures of Ontario (AMCTO) - Municipal Finance and Accounting Program is considered an asset.
• Completion of Municipal Finance Officers Association (MFOA) - Municipal Finance 101 is considered an asset.

SKILLS:

• Strong working knowledge of budgetary accounting and reporting processes necessary to develop efficient and effective systems and procedures.
• Strong project coordination, time management and prioritization skills.
• Highly motivated team player, with strong technical and analytical skills and an in depth understanding of business operations, processes and internal controls.
• Ability to work and act independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple assignments within tight time restrictions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate concisely and effectively with respective City department staff and other divisions within Finance.
• Well-developed problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and a willingness and ability to learn and apply new technology as it relates to financial software and systems.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven completion of Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness training.
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture.
• 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).

• In accordance with the related policies and procedures, support the Manager of Financial Planning on the compilation of and co-ordinates the development of the City’s Multi-Year Operating and Water and Wastewater Budget.
• Assist with and research into the development of the budget guidance calculations, guidelines and instruction packages. Provide support to Manager of Financial Planning and City Treasurer on Operating and Water and Wastewater Budget issues.
• Lead the budget compliance review to develop a Budget Compliance Review Plan; Liaise with and provide direction and guidance to the Budget Specialists, departments and outside boards to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of budget submissions; communicates issues and recommends solutions.
• Lead budget submission consolidation and assist with preparing budget documents for Mayor and Council review and deliberation.
• Participates in budget education for Council, budget engagement with public and training for internal staff.
• Oversee the budget maintenance and reconciliation of in-year budget adjustments; Support Manager of Financial Planning in developing performance measures (KPI’s) related to the budget process to monitor ongoing activities and recommends corrective action when variance discovered.
• Prepare budget and financial information to support communication to Senior Leadership Team, City Council, other government organizations, and the general public.
• Research and co-ordinate the development of financial policies, procedures and education that support the financial processes of the City.
• Lead the process around the quarterly and year-end activities related to general government department IDs and outside boards; lead the reporting process of quarterly and year-end variance analysis and forecast to Council.
• As a member of the Staff Grant Committee, lead the grants update reporting process to Council three times each year.
• With the support of subject matter experts, develop queries, reports, and/or dashboards as required to communicate financial information.
• In accordance with the related policies and procedures, lead the City’s multi-year rates and fees process.
• Assist Manager of Financial Planning in training and coaching Budget Specialists on problem solving and ensuring assigned results are achieved. Promote and maintain cross municipal collaboration and involvement with outside groups/regulatory bodies regarding information sharing relating to budget processes, reporting and best practices

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to Manager of Financial Planning, the Senior Budget Specialist is responsible for providing guidelines and support to budget owners and Budget Specialists on budgeting and financial reporting. This role leads the budget consolidation and compliance review, quarterly variance and financial KPI reporting, as well as the rates and fees setting and update process for the City ensuring corporate deadlines are met and information being reported is in alignment with Council and Senior Leadership Team’s objectives and best practices. This role also supports the development of financial policies, procedures and education that enhances the City’s fiscal strategies and practices.

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).

• In accordance with the related policies and procedures, support the Manager of Financial Planning on the compilation of and co-ordinates the development of the City’s Multi-Year Operating and Water and Wastewater Budget.
• Assist with and research into the development of the budget guidance calculations, guidelines and instruction packages. Provide support to Manager of Financial Planning and City Treasurer on Operating and Water and Wastewater Budget issues.
• Lead the budget compliance review to develop a Budget Compliance Review Plan; Liaise with and provide direction and guidance to the Budget Specialists, departments and outside boards to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of budget submissions; communicates issues and recommends solutions.
• Lead budget submission consolidation and assist with preparing budget documents for Mayor and Council review and deliberation.
• Participates in budget education for Council, budget engagement with public and training for internal staff.
• Oversee the budget maintenance and reconciliation of in-year budget adjustments; Support Manager of Financial Planning in developing performance measures (KPI’s) related to the budget process to monitor ongoing activities and recommends corrective action when variance discovered.
• Prepare budget and financial information to support communication to Senior Leadership Team, City Council, other government organizations, and the general public.
• Research and co-ordinate the development of financial policies, procedures and education that support the financial processes of the City.
• Lead the process around the quarterly and year-end activities related to general government department IDs and outside boards; lead the reporting process of quarterly and year-end variance analysis and forecast to Council.
• As a member of the Staff Grant Committee, lead the grants update reporting process to Council three times each year.
• With the support of subject matter experts, develop queries, reports, and/or dashboards as required to communicate financial information.
• In accordance with the related policies and procedures, lead the City’s multi-year rates and fees process.
• Assist Manager of Financial Planning in training and coaching Budget Specialists on problem solving and ensuring assigned results are achieved. Promote and maintain cross municipal collaboration and involvement with outside groups/regulatory bodies regarding information sharing relating to budget processes, reporting and best practices.