Assistant Comptroller

Toronto District School Board; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 140,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

The Toronto District School Board is seeking an Assistant Comptroller to manage the Budget Department. This role involves overseeing budget preparation, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with policies. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Finance or Commerce and significant experience in public sector finance management.

Qualifications

• 6 years of experience in finance management in a public sector environment.
• Experience with large budgets and financial systems.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and public sector standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Budget Department and support budget preparation.
• Ensure adherence to Board policies and internal controls.
• Provide guidance to senior management and manage staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Project management

Education

University degree in Commerce, Finance or Business Administration

Professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA)

Tools

SAP ERP system

Job description

Our staff members are the backbone of our system. Becoming a part of the TDSB team means joining a talented community of educators and support staff dedicated to enriching the lives of all students and helping them to achieve success.

The TDSB is one of the largest and most culturally diverse school boards in Canada, with approximately 246,000 students in 584 schools and approximately 40,000 employees. We offer a dynamic, challenging work environment and unmatched career opportunities for our staff.

Please review the information provided and explore the exciting career possibilities the TDSB has to offer as we continue to establish ourselves as the leading school board of the new millennium.

The Toronto District School Board adheres to equitable hiring and employment practices. We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the application process.

Job Description

SCH II-2009NE

1 - Permanent Position

Business Services

Non-Union - 12 Months)

140,619 - $168,742

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Comptroller, the Assistant Comptroller will manage the Budget Department. Responsibilities include supporting budget preparation and control, maintenance of accurate accounting records, financial reporting, and development of financial procedures, internal controls, and financial systems.

The Assistant Comptroller (Budget) will also have the following job specific responsibilities :

• Ensure that Board policies, procedures and internal controls are adhered to.
• Provide advice and guidance to senior management, managers, and staff.
• Manage staff including planning, staffing, training, and performance.
• Assist with the development and implementation of streamlined business processes, procedures and training to meet the changing financial needs.
• Provide business user support and direction on financial system applications (e.g., SAP ERP system).
• Work with Comptroller to coordinate staffing and inter-department information to ensure timely completion of monthly financial close, Ministry reporting, annual Board budget, school / department budgets, financial reports and statements.
• Provide support to the Comptroller to ensure the Board meets the Ministry reporting cycles and submissions including estimates, revised estimates, consolidation reporting and financial statements.
• Provide in-depth analyses on the Board’s financials (both revenues and expenditures) and prepare board reports based on operational needs and requirements.

Summary of Duties

• Work closely with the Comptroller, staff and appropriate departments in the preparation and development of Ministry reports, annual Board budget, school / department budgets, financial reports and statements.
• Ensure that Board policies, procedures and internal controls are adhered to as they relate to the finance / budgeting functions.
• Manage continuous improvement initiatives, streamlining processes, procedures, and training to meet TDSB's financial needs.
• Work with Comptroller and Information Technology staff to identify and recommend upgrades to financial systems (e.g., SAP and other systems) and assist in the implementation and maintenance upgrades and modifications.
• Provide advice and guidance to senior management, managers, school and department staff.
• Develop and make recommendations to the Comptroller to support strategic planning, department goals, objectives, processes and operating procedures.
• Responsible for management and direction of staff, including planning, staffing, training, and performance reviews.
• Provide leadership to motivate staff and facilitate team building, review and recommend hiring of staff.
• Manage, review and monitor department budgets, including expenditure review, authorization and analysis of transactions, projections, and forecasts.
• Communicate and liaise with staff on sensitive financial / budget issues and to ensure that operational procedures and practices are followed.
• Ensure efficient and accurate recording of Board revenues and disbursements.
• Maintain financial records to support and account for the Board’s financial position.
• Ensure that all financial transactions and statements conform to generally accepted accounting principles and are accepted by the Ministry of Education.
• Act as lead resource with the Board's external auditors.
• Liaise with Ministry of Education staff, as required.
• Lead or participate in special projects related to program, budgeting and / or finance.
• Attend Board, department and committee meetings and participate as a member of Ministry work groups and task forces, as required.
• Assist the Comptroller with the preparation of reports pertaining to finance, budget and financial reporting for presentation to the Senior Staff, Board of Trustees and Committees.
• Provide back up support to designated function area (i.e. Budget or Finance) as required.
• Provide leadership in fostering equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• University degree in Commerce, Finance or Business Administration or related discipline and a professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA) with six years progressively responsible experience in the management of finance in a public sector environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in accounting, managing large budgets and developing and implementing best practices for improvement efficiencies.
• Excellent understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures along with Public Sector Accounting Standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Ministry funding model, funding requirements and the various reporting requirements.
• Understanding of budget development issues and how school boards operate both centrally and at the school level.
• Experience and knowledge with large accounting and budgeting / financial systems such as SAP; knowledge of related TDSB policies, procedures and collective agreement provisions, Ministry regulations and familiarity relevant government legislation and regulation in the area budgeting and financial reporting.
• Proven supervisory and management experience with strong leadership, mentoring and team building skills in a unionized environment.
• Ability to handle matters of a confidential and sensitive nature as they relate to budget and financial planning.
• Highly developed communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders including effective facilitation and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, planning, organizational and project management skills.
• Proficient computer skills including databases, spreadsheets, financial management systems; word processing and email.
• Proven ability in promoting equitable practices which value inclusiveness and diversity.

Additional Information

Work Year : 12 months

Location : 5050 Yonge Street (Hybrid Work Eligible) (Wheelchair Accessible)

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will not be acknowledged in writing.

The Toronto District School Board is deeply committed to promoting Truth, Reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous peoples, Human Rights, Equity and Anti-Racism, and the elimination of Oppressive Practices, in our schools, our workplace and in the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including those with varied lived experiences that can contribute to the diversification of the workforce at TDSB.

We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the application process.

The TDSB follows a hybrid work structure where some employees may be able to work remotely at times, based on operational requirements. Please refer to Policy P103 , Flexible Working Arrangements for more information.