Senior Finance Business Partner

City of Welland; Welland; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Welland is seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner to support budgeting, financial reporting and governance across all city departments. Reporting to the Manager of Budgets and Financial Services/Deputy Treasurer, you will ensure deadlines are met and information aligns with CLT and Senior Management objectives.

You will lead quarterly variance analysis, FIR preparation, investment oversight, and annual rates/fees setting, while developing financial policies and staff education to

Qualifications

• University degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in accounting, financial reporting, analysis and budgeting within a municipality.
• CPA designation is required.
• Knowledge of external regulations such as the Municipal Act, Development Charges Act, CICA/PSAB Handbook, and related Ontario municipal reporting requirements.
• Completion of the Municipal Accounting and Finance Program (MAFP) through AMCTO is asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual operating and capital budgets with City Departments.
• Prepare budget and financial information, including materials for CLT, Senior Management, Council and public.
• Lead quarterly variance reporting and analysis across departments.
• Support training and coaching on financial reporting matters and tools.
• Lead annual rates and fees setting process.
• Monitor and implement accounting standard updates per PSAB.
• Oversee quarterly and year-end closes, financial statements, and audits.
• Prepare FIR and reporting to Government.
• Track and report the City’s investment portfolio.
• Review Grant applications and ensure reporting requirements are met.
• Participate in corporate working groups and project teams.
• Analyze financial data to support decision-making with clear reporting.
• Provide analytical support to Corporate Services.
• Mentor finance students.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

University degree in accounting/finance/business

CPA designation

MAFP completion (asset)

Tools

Financial software

Job description

Reporting to the Manager of Budgets and Financial Services/Deputy Treasurer, the Senior Finance Business Partner is responsible for providing support and guidance to all City Departments with budgeting and financial reporting ensuring that deadlines are met with information being reported in alignment with the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) and Senior Management objectives and best practices. This role is responsible for quarterly variance reporting, annual FIR preparation, investment administration, budget preparation, as well as the annual rates and fees setting. This role also supports the development of financial policies, procedures and education that align with the City’s strategic plan and best practices.

The duties listed are not meant to provide a description of each job performed but only those which represent the core functions of the job.

• Responsible for preparation and development of the annual operating and capital budgets working in partnership with all City Departments.
• Prepare budget and financial information, including presentation material, to support communication with CLT, Senior Management, Council, External stakeholders and the public.
• Lead the quarterly variance reporting and analysis with all City Departments and provide guidance, support, and education to ensure integrity, accuracy and completeness.
• Support training and coaching with all City Departments on various financial reporting matters and financial reporting tools.
• Lead the annual rates and fees setting process corporately.
• Research, monitor, and implement any applicable accounting standard updates as prescribed through Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB).
• Responsible for quarterly and year-end financial close procedures, financial statement preparation and coordination of annual audits.
• Prepare the annual Financial Information return (FIR) and annual required reporting to various levels of Government.
• Tracking and reporting of the City’s investment portfolio in alignment with the established policies.
• Review and provide advice on Grant Application submissions in partnership with City Departments and ensure reporting requirements are adhered and met.
• Participate in corporate working groups and project teams.
• Compile and analyze financial data that contributes to proactive and supportive decision making through effective communication and reporting using best financial practices.
• Provide analytical support to other areas of Corporate Services.
• Provide support and guidance to finance students.

Qualifications:

• University degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in accounting, financial reporting, analysis and budgeting within a municipality working with various municipal departments, consultants and government agencies.
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required.
• Knowledge of external regulations, such as the Municipal Act, the Development Charges Act, the CICA/PSAB Handbook, and all other regulations impacting the accounting and financial reporting of Ontario municipalities.
• Completion of the Municipal Accounting and Finance Program (MAFP) through AMCTO is considered an asset.
• Progressive leadership skills are considered an asset
• Ability to establish and maintain sound working and collaborative relationships with demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven analytical, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills; able to reconcile the competing interest and priorities of stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent time management skills, with results-oriented record of meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge of relevant computer software with the ability to learn and apply new technology as it is related to financial software and systems.

Duration:

This is a 24-month contract