Financial Analyst (Development Charges and Asset Management)

Job Responsibility: Job Req ID: 1153 Department: Infrastructure Financing

Financial Analyst (Development Charges and Asset Management)

Job Number: 1153 Job Type: Full-Time Temp Contract Length: Location: 150 Frederick St - Regional Admin Headquarters Job Category: Financial Number of Positions: 1 Department: Infrastructure Financing Division: Corporate Services Hours of Work: 35 Union: Management/Management Support Grade: Management/Management Support Grade 06 Salary Range: $87,451.00 - $ 109,309.20 per year Our Story: Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation. This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen. The Role Provides/oversees the provision of budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis services and support for clients; and provides financial analysis and reports for senior staff, Council, and Committee. Supports the ongoing development of the Region's Asset Management Program. Administers the collection, appropriation, and reporting of regional Development Charges (DC) and assists in the coordination of DC By-law review. Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises an Accounting Coordinator. Provides training to clients who use accounting and/or budgeting systems, and on related policies and procedures.
• Supervises the collection, appropriation, and reporting of DCs. Oversees the preparation of DC related reports to Council, including annual Transaction and Sustainability reports. Assists the Manager/Director in the management of periodic and legislated reviews of the DC By-law. Performs analyses related to overall DC quantum and reserve fund projection, phase-ins and discounts, exemption funding, complaints, and other policy and calculation issues as required. Interprets related by-law(s) and reviews DC certifications to ensure compliance with the Region's by-law, the Act, and regulations. Supervises allocation of collections, exemptions, and discounts to appropriate reserve funds. Responds to inquiries from area municipalities and the development community regarding DCs. Maintains the information on the Region's Development Charge Web Page.
• In collaboration with the Asset Management Office (AMO), supports the ongoing advancement of the Region's Asset Management Program, including the development, implementation, and maintenance of asset management policies, plans, and procedures. Provides support for asset management related technology implementations, data analytics, and data management across functional areas.
• Prepares base operating and capital budgets for client review/approval. Prepares initial budgets, and reviews and makes changes per client/corporate/federal and provincial government decisions. Provides input into service expansion requests and service level adjustments, including projecting financial impacts.
• Analyzes, interprets, and communicates financial information, including developing forecasts, summaries, cost benefit analysis, fees and charges, and continuity schedules. Participates in planning, coordinating, and organizing the preparation and approval of the budget.
• Develops and administers capital financing plans for clients, including debentures, development charges, reserve funds, and other types of financing. Updates capital budgets based on Council approvals. Determines year-end carry forward budget amounts and financing requirements for capital projects.
• Administers reserve and reserve funds to ensure adequate funds are available to finance capital projects. Develops long term strategies, scenarios, and projections to fund capital budgets.
• Monitors actual expenditures and revenues monthly against approved budgets and implements financial control procedures. Works with clients for forecasting and planning purposes; identifies possible variances; investigates and develops strategies to mitigate variances; and reports to senior management and Council as appropriate. Ensures budget reports are available for clients, as requested.
• Administers/oversees the administration of financial accounts for clients, ensuring accurate financial reporting. Undertakes required analysis.
• Reviews and reconciles information to assist in the preparation of yearly financial statements, including trial balances, financial information returns, and financial statement notes. Records tangible capital asset accounting information in general ledger.
• Prepares detailed financial analyses to determine the impact of program changes as a result of policy/legislative changes, and makes financial policy recommendations to senior management.
• Provides financial information, analyses, recommendations, and advice to clients, senior management, and Council, through standing committee and procurement report development and review, and as part of project teams with senior management, area municipalities, and other stakeholders (e.g., the Province).

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepares budget submissions and financial reports/claims to the federal/provincial government for client programs receiving funding/subsidy, ensuring compliance with requirements. Prepares applications and claims submissions for funding provided through infrastructure programs from other levels of government. Participates in project specific meetings with Ministry staff and coordinates project audits as required. Reviews agreements to ensure compliance with terms/agreements.
• Participates on special project teams, as required.
• Participates as a financial representative on the management negotiating team for collective agreements to analyze financial impacts of proposals.
• Exchanges information with staff from area municipalities, federal/provincial government, and other municipalities. Responds to inquiries from external auditors.
• Authorizes purchase orders, invoices, and cheque requisitions. Reviews expenditures over $10,000 for compliance before payment. Reviews and makes recommendations on system needs.
• Backs up the Manager as required.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill in budgeting, management control systems, planning and accounting principles are normally acquired through a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (including but not limited to Business, Economics, Mathematics, Commerce), plus progressively responsible experience in the application of principles and techniques relating to cost/benefit analysis, present values, statistical analysis, and forecasting.
• Must have a professional accounting designation (CPA) at time of hire.
• Knowledge of legislation and policies and procedures related to Development Charges and Asset Management.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, related legislation (e.g., financial management, purchasing, municipal, development charges, public sector accounting board), and collective agreements.
• Analytical, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to plan and develop objectives; conduct analyses; provide input into new guidelines and procedures for financial issues without precedent; make recommendations and decisions on financial issues; use initiative to resolve problems and achieve objectives; and resolve unusual or complex issues without precedent in consultation with senior management.
• Human relations and communication skills to communicate often complex and politically sensitive information to senior management and clients; obtain and promote cooperation with clients when exercising financial control over assigned budget areas; assist clients in adapting and changing with new legislation and regulations; conduct presentations and training to clients on financial systems; respond regarding financial and budgetary concerns and special projects; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and interpret Council/Committee reports, legislation and guidelines, technical proposals, policies, by-laws, and legal/funding agreements. Ability to write letters and reports to management, Council, and external contacts regarding financial updates and budget information; and draft/provide input into by-laws and legal agreements as required.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, and financial information systems. Ability to develop financial models.
• Must provide an acceptable Police Information Check (Level 2) for bondability.
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
Ability to support and demonstrate the Region's values.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number View phone number on ca.edajobs.com, TTY number View phone number on ca.edajobs.com) to request an alternate format.