Senior Financial Analyst

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) provides a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs. We serve everyone from children to adults to seniors, all under one roof. Our programs help individuals and families to lead lives filled with meaning and promise. We have 400 staff at offices in Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Fergus, and Mount Forest.

We are fully accredited by Accreditation Canada and are proud of our Exemplary Status (the highest standing) received at our most recent accreditation exercise.

Why Join our Team:

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Our compensation package includes a competitive salary and generous benefits supporting the wellness of our staff. We are proud to be members of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) offering one of Canada’s largest and most respected defined benefit plans.

Career Development Opportunities: Our wide range of services and supports allows for varied opportunities for career growth. Our multi-disciplinary approach to care offers cross collaboration and enhanced opportunities for learning. A formal succession planning process is key to our internal leadership recruitment.

Values that include: Mutual Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Excellence and Innovation and a culture that is welcoming and inclusive.

Commitment to Health and Safety: We have a strong health and safety culture at CMHA WW and work tirelessly to address the health and safety needs of staff and the people we serve.

The Opportunity:

We are recruiting for a SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST

• This is a contract full-time newly created position for one year (35 hours per week Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) based in Guelph.

Utilizing a strong analytical and collaborative approach, the Senior Financial Analyst will support the planning, preparation, and evaluation of financial activities for the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW). Working closely with the Finance Manager and Director of Finance, the Senior Financial Analyst will oversee general accounting functions, lead the preparation and submission of funder reports, coordinate the annual budget process, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of the organization’s financial systems.

While the role spans several core finance functions (including accounting, reporting, budget management, and accounts receivable), the Senior Financial Analyst will report directly to the Finance Manager. They will also work in close collaboration with service managers and program leaders across CMHA WW. Together, the Finance team and organizational leaders will ensure that financial information is accurate, accessible, and aligned with operational priorities and funder requirements.

The Senior Financial Analyst will play a key role in strengthening CMHA WW’s financial stewardship by maintaining strong internal controls, improving financial processes, and providing guidance to both finance team members and leadership. This includes developing timely and accurate reporting, ensuring compliance with funder and audit standards, and supporting informed decision-making across the organization. A strong emphasis will be placed on accuracy, accountability, and collaboration to ensure financial sustainability and organizational impact. This role enables the organization to leverage funding and identify savings to manage financial pressures.

Key Responsibilities:

General Accounting

• Maintain integrity of the general ledger (GL) and act as system administrator for Great Plains.
• Process and review all source documents, journal entries, allocations, and reconciliations for accuracy, authorization, and proper coding.
• Ensure balance sheet and operating expense accounts are prepared, reviewed, and analyzed monthly, with unusual items escalated and resolved promptly.
• Maintain the chart of accounts in Excel, ensuring accurate categorization and alignment with funder requirements.
• Manage signing authority records, ensuring they remain current, and signatories are aware of their limits.
• Set up internal financial statements with budgets; ensure monthly posting of accurate statements.
• Prepare annual charity return and support the annual audit process, including reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and source documentation.

Funder Reporting

• Prepare and submit required funder reports (e.g., MOHLTC/LHIN MIS, OHT CAT/SRI, MCYS/MCSS, CofW, and other government or grant reports).
• Review reporting prepared by others (e.g., MOHLTC, small grants), escalating unusual items to the appropriate manager.
• Monitor funder websites for updates or changes to reporting requirements and communicate impacts to relevant staff.
• Ensure reports are submitted accurately and on time, with issues identified and addressed proactively.

Annual Funder Budgeting

• Lead the annual budget preparation process in collaboration with service managers and Manager, Finance and Facilities.
• Conduct financial analysis to support budget submissions.
• Ensure data is accurately entered into budget formats and submitted by required deadlines.
• Track due dates and ensure timely communication and updates with managers.

Accounts Receivable

• Verify and record receipts for CMHA WW in the GL and ensure timely monthly deposit entries.
• Reconcile funder cash flows to service agreements monthly/quarterly.
• Prepare invoices as required and follow up to ensure timely payment.

Financial Guidance and Support

• Provide expertise and guidance to finance team members, including review of reconciliations and reports prepared by intermediate staff.
• Support leadership by enhancing financial literacy, explaining funder requirements, and reviewing financial statements.
• Participate in monthly budget variance meetings with leadership.
• Act as backup to the Intermediate Financial Accountant, Financial Accountant, and partially to the Finance Manager.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an Accounting major is required and CPA designation or active enrollment in the CPA program (in final stages of completion) is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ progressive experience in accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Experience in a healthcare environment preferred, with knowledge of MOHLTC, OH, MOH-CYMH, and MCCSS reporting requirements considered an asset.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize competing tasks and manage shifting priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages tailored to different audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, IF statements, and VLOOKUP functions).
• Proficient in GP Dynamics software or equivalent, and Power BI software or equivalent considered an asset.
• Valid G Class driver’s license, access to a reliable personal vehicle, and appropriate insurance.
• Embodies and promotes CMHA WW’s core values of Mutual Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Excellence, and Innovation in all professional interactions and decision-making.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume indicating how their skills and experience meet the position requirements.

CLASSIFICATION AND RATE OF PAY: Level 6 (Non-Union) $36.83 to $44.76 per hour

CMHA WW, as an equal opportunity employer, embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

We do not use AI in our screening process.

Qualifications

Skills

Required

Excel

Advanced

Education

Required

Bachelor's degree or better in Accounting or related field.