Financial Controls and Communication Analyst

University of Waterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Waterloo in Canada is seeking a temporary Financial Controls Analyst to design and execute internal control reviews and document business processes within financial cycles. The role involves analyzing financial data to identify trends or potential fraud, developing testing templates, and ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

The successful candidate will prepare findings, communicate recommendations to the university community, and contribute to

Qualifications

• CPA designation from CPA Canada is an asset
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in an accounting/finance environment
• Experience with a significant financial ERP system is preferred
• Experience in not-for-profit or higher education auditing is preferred
• Experience in developing/training materials is an asset

Responsibilities

• Design and execute internal control reviews
• Document business processes and internal controls across financial cycles
• Analyze financial data to identify fraudulent patterns
• Develop test plans and templates for new items
• Post-review financial activity to ensure compliance and improvements
• Prepare findings and communicate to the University community
• Support development and delivery of training and communications
• Update finance content on WCMS and Confluence

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Discretion and tact

Teamwork

Excel

Education

Undergraduate degree in Accounting/Business/Finance

Tools

Unit4 Business World

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Details

• Term: 12 months
• Employment Type: Temporary (Secondment or contract opportunity)
• Time Type: Full time
• Hiring Range: $73,695.42 - $92,119.28

Key Accountabilities

• Design and execute internal control reviews
• Document business processes and internal controls within financial business cycles, identifying control gaps, and working with the financial/business cycle stream leads (or their delegates) to address them
• Analyze specific financial data to help identify trends or patterns that could be indicative of fraudulent activities
• Participate in designing a review plan and testing templates for new test items identified
• Conduct post-reviews of financial transactions (i.e., bank deposits, P-Card, reimbursement claims, etc.) to ensure processes are followed, identify control improvements, and evaluate compliance with internal policies and procedures and with external statutes and regulations
• Produce accurate, timely, and complete analysis and reports related to the results of internal control reviews completed
• Assist in the preparation of review findings and recommendations for communication to the University community
• Support the development and delivery of communications and training
• Assist in preparation and distribution of various communications throughout the year, including year-end memos and instructions, systems upgrade information, new initiatives and developments and other relevant information
• Update and develop content for the Finance WCMS website(s) and Confluence wiki
• Assess inventory of financial information currently available to the University community (website/SharePoint/Confluence/other), develop a schedule for refreshing such guidance on a periodic basis, and assist in updating Finance-related materials according to the schedule
• In collaboration with the functional areas within Finance, participate in developing manuals and training materials for financial processes and systems
• Provide advice, training and direction on policies, controls, and best practices
• Keep current on changes in accounting, best business practices, as well as government and University policies and procedures, to apply sound professional judgment and recommend improvements
• Participate in evaluating business and accounting issues which requires identifying problems, researching alternatives, preparing analysis, and making recommendations
• Review financial business practices and processes, including segregation of duties and security access, recommending improvements, as required
• Assist in development and/or delivery of training sessions for University staff and faculty on financial and business practices
• In collaboration with the functional areas within Finance, assist in developing or updating manuals and training materials for financial processes and systems
• Participate in system upgrade and testing project teams
• Participate in and support other department projects and complete other assignments as required
• Provide backup to other Finance functions as required
• Develop productive, collaborative working relationships with colleagues
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement in terms of efficiencies and leveraging financial systems capabilities and new technologies

Required Qualifications

• University undergraduate degree preferably in Accounting, Business or Finance
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation from CPA Canada is an asset
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in an accounting/finance-related environment
• Previous experience with a significant financial system/ERP system is preferred
• Broad range of auditing experience, with preference for experience in higher education, public sector, or other not-for-profit environments
• Experience in developing/documenting/evaluating internal controls preferred
• Experience in developing and/or presenting training material is considered an asset

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage concurrent deadlines accurately and efficiently
• Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills
• Advanced interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
• Comfortable explaining accounting information, policies and procedures to different client groups
• In-depth understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and their application to not-for profit organizations
• Works independently with a strong work ethic
• Works well in team settings
• Strong computer skills including advanced Microsoft tools (i.e., Excel, Teams, and SharePoint)
• Working knowledge of Unit4 Business World would be an asset
• High degree of discretion, judgement, sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations. The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

At the University of Waterloo, we think differently, we act with purpose, and we work together. We advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and enquiry. We are a leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing co-op and work-integrated learning at scale with impact. Learn more about Waterloo.