Finance Lead

City of Coquitlam; Coquitlam; Hybrid; CAD 71,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Vacation & benefits package

Municipal Pension Plan

Job summary

City of Coquitlam is seeking a Finance Lead for regular full-time employment based in Coquitlam with flexible hybrid work options. The role focuses on city-wide financial planning, analysis, forecasting, annual budgeting and business case analysis.

The ideal candidate holds a university degree in Business with a Professional Accounting Designation and at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in municipal or public sector finance, and excels in Excel and stakeholder communication.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel with budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling experience.
• Completion of a university degree in Business with a Professional Accounting Designation and at least 5 years in a municipal or public sector setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of the City’s annual Five-Year Financial Plan.
• Advise client departments on budget submissions, funding sources and allocations.
• Develop and maintain financial models, reports, and working papers.
• Monitor variance analysis for budget vs. actuals and resolve discrepancies.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and project managers.
• Provide financial and business analyses to support city initiatives.
• Support the Manager and overall financial planning function as needed.
• Coach and supervise a Senior Financial Analyst and Budgeting Clerk.
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Tackle special projects as required.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial modelling

Education

University degree in Business

Professional Accounting Designation

Job description

City of Coquitlam

Finance Lead

Regular Full-Time

About Us

One of BC’s Top Employers, the City of Coquitlam offers meaningful career opportunities to make a difference within the local community. As the sixth largest city in BC, we are home to more than 150,000 residents. Our diverse municipality is a great place to work as it continues to grow through innovative urban design, inspiring arts, culture and recreation programs, and state-of-the-art transportation systems. Our brand is built on managing our resources in a responsible and sustainable manner, while supporting a vibrant, growing regional urban centre. We envision a bright future in Coquitlam that we hope includes you!

About You / What We Are Looking For

The City of Coquitlam is currently seeking a regular full-time Finance Lead to lead work associated with city-wide financial planning, analysis, forecasting, annual budgeting and business case analysis. Reporting to the Senior Manager Financial Planning, primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading and coordinating the preparation of the City’s annual Five-Year Financial Plan
• Assisting and advising client departments in preparing their annual budget submissions, including recommending funding sources and allocations
• Developing, implementing and maintaining a variety of financial models, reports, schedules and working papers
• Monitoring and maintaining variance analysis for budget vs. actuals reporting, with responsibility for investigating and resolving discrepancies
• Developing and maintaining working relationships with internal stakeholders and project managers
• Developing financial and business analysis to support decision making related to a variety of City initiatives
• Supporting the Manager and overall financial planning function as needed
• Leading, coaching and supporting a Senior Financial Analyst and Budgeting Clerk, focusing on high quality and well documented financial information
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and contributing to the development and implementation of processes, procedures, and systems to improve efficiency and service delivery
• Undertaking special projects and assignments as required

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, and provide informed financial advice. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, along with demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, and financial modelling, is essential. Excellent communication skills are required to interpret and present complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders, as well as to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts. Completion of a university degree in Business or a related discipline along with a Professional Accounting Designation, plus a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience (preferably in a municipal or public sector environment) is required. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

Applicants under consideration may be required to undergo and submit an acceptable police information check.

What We Offer

This CUPE position has an hourly rate range of $51.50 - $60.87 hourly (2026 rates). The rate of pay is based on a variety of factors including qualifications, knowledge, experience and skills.

You will have the chance to join a rapidly growing and diverse team dedicated to supporting the local community, and be able to engage in variety of learning and development opportunities. Additionally, there is an opportunity to participate in an earned day off/flex day program. This position is based in Coquitlam with some flexible, hybrid work options available. The City offers an attractive vacation and extended benefits package, including the ability to contribute to the Municipal Pension Plan.

Accessibility / Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Coquitlam is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer working towards enhancing equitable practices in our recruitment and retention processes. As an organization we are committed to creating an inclusive work environment to support our growing and diverse work force. To learn more about what equity, diversity, and inclusion means, and the City’s efforts in support of these principles, please visit coquitlam.ca/edi for more information.

If at any time during the application or recruitment process you require additional assistance or an accommodation, please contact our team for confidential support. Staff can also provide in-person support if required.

Applicants under consideration may be required to undergo and submit an acceptable police information check.