Corporate Financial Advisor

City of Kitchener; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kitchener is seeking a Corporate Financial Advisor to provide advanced financial analysis, modeling, and advisory support for strategic initiatives.

Reporting to the Manager of Budgets, the role focuses on developing complex models, evaluating compensation-related costs, monitoring reserves, and communicating financial implications to senior leadership and Council.

Qualifications

• 4-year honours degree in a related field (e.g. Business Administration).
• Minimum 4 years of related experience in advanced financial modelling & analysis.
• CPA designation (Canadian CPA) required.
• Advanced Excel and data modelling skills are essential.
• Knowledge of GAAP and budgeting software systems (SAP, Questica, Cityworks, PeopleSoft).

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the corporate internal charge framework and cost recovery methodologies.
• Monitor fleet charge-out processes and funding strategies for long-term vehicle maintenance.
• Perform variance analyses, forecasting, and financial reporting for operating areas and corporate accounts.
• Lead initiatives for corporate projects and long-term financial planning.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for senior leadership and Council.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Data modelling

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Confidentiality

GAAP knowledge

Education

4-Year Honours Degree in a related field

Tools

SAP

Questica

Cityworks

PeopleSoft

Job description

The Corporate Financial Advisor role serves as a key strategic finance resource, providing advanced financial analysis, modeling, and advisory support. Reporting to the Manager of Budgets, the position is responsible for developing complex financial models, evaluating compensation-related costs, monitoring corporate reserves, and supporting major organizational initiatives.

This role requires the ability to translate sophisticated financial analysis into clear, actionable recommendations that support informed decision-making across the organization. The successful candidate will operate both independently and collaboratively, contributing expertise to high-profile and often confidential corporate projects.

Responsibilities

Financial Management and Analysis

• Developing and maintaining the corporate internal charge framework, including periodic reviews of cost recovery methodologies and reconciliation of interdepartmental charges.
• Monitoring fleet charge-out processes to ensure accurate cost allocation and support long-term vehicle maintenance and replacement funding strategies.
• Performing ongoing variance analysis, forecasting, and financial reporting for assigned operating areas and corporate accounts.
• Leading special initiatives for corporate projects including the implementation of actions identified in the Long-Term Financial Plan
• Assisting with the research, development, and review of financial policies.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership and Council, which clearly communicate financial implications, risks, opportunities, and strategic considerations as required.
• Reviewing the financial implications of organizational initiatives and presenting findings to senior leadership and Council as required.
• Developing complex financial models and scenario analyses to support long-term fiscal planning and strategic decision-making.
• Serving as the primary resource and subject matter expert for updates and changes to reporting within the City’s budget software.

Labour Cost Modelling and Budgeting

• Serving as a financial resource and participating member of management negotiating teams by preparing costing analyses and financial models to support collective bargaining initiatives.
• Evaluating and quantifying the financial impact of proposed compensation adjustments, including market salary reviews and organizational restructuring initiatives.
• Developing and maintaining the master salary module in the budget software system used during the annual budget process.
• Providing strategic advice and recommendations regarding compensation and benefit cost trends, labour-related financial pressures, and funding requirements.
• Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive labour relations and compensation information while exercising sound professional judgment in all analyses and recommendations.
• Conducting monthly salary gapping and benefits cost analyses and preparing corresponding accounting entries.
• Reviewing and assessing the adequacy of WSIB and Sick Leave reserves to ensure appropriate funding levels.
• Perform comprehensive benefit cost analyses and annual rate reviews to ensure benefit allocations are accurate and appropriately reflect organizational funding requirements; develop recommendations for rate adjustments as required.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Education

• Minimum 4-Year Honours Degree in a related field (e.g. Business Administration).

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of related experience (e.g. advanced financial modelling & analysis).

Additional Requirements

• Canadian Certified Professional Accounting (CPA) Designation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced Excel and data modelling skills.
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral to support communication of complex financial information to non-financial management staff in a way that permits informed decision making.
• Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills including the ability to think broadly, plan and develop objectives, conduct analyses, resolve issues, and make significant recommendations and decisions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise judgement in handling sensitive information (e.g. collective bargaining analyses).
• Ability to support and demonstrate values compatible with the organization and participate as an effective team member.
• Knowledge of SAP, EUNA Questica, Cityworks, PeopleSoft systems.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

Division: FIN-Financial Planning and Asset Management Division