Senior Financial Analyst, Capital Reporting, Finance Services

Description

The Facilities Development is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Senior Financial Analyst, Capital Reporting, Finance Services.

The Capital Reporting teams, within Finance Services, play an important role in the delivery of financial services to support the execution of the University's Capital Programs, comprising over $700 million in projects in the construction phase, more than $300 million in various stages of planning. The Senior Financial Analyst, Capital Reporting (Finance Services), is a senior position that reports to the Manager, Finance Services providing high-level capital reporting, budgeting, strategic planning and leadership. This position works with the Manager to ensure the overall effectiveness and ongoing training and development of the Capital Reporting Teams, including oversight of the day-to-day flow of activities and transactions performed by team members. The position is responsible for providing expertise for funding, reporting and resolving project issues to aid in Capital project decision-making at the University. The Senior Financial Analyst is required to have expertise in highly complex and technical financial concepts, and is expected to work with complex accounting, budgeting, forecasting and data warehousing systems and processes. There is a high impact of error as inaccurate advice or information could have serious consequences to stakeholders and/or the reputation of the University. Professional judgment in reviewing own work and the work of team members (Analysts and Project Accountants) is required. The Senior Financial Analyst, Capital Reporting (Finance Services) is required to possess strong communication and client relation skills as the position deals with multiple and competing deadlines and acts as a resource to all areas of the University. The incumbent must perform in an environment where there is ambiguity and continuous change (constantly changing technology, systems, processes) and shifting priorities and is required to deal with constant high volumes of work.

The Senior Financial Analyst is a key position in Finance Services, responsible for providing decision support to varied stakeholder groups in both Finance, and Facilities Development. The incumbent will review and analyze capital project budgets, funds and transactions to ensure proper accounting and reporting, and compliance with funding agency and University guidelines and policies. The incumbent will work with the Finance Services management team to ensure the overall effectiveness and ongoing development of the Capital Reporting team. This will involve supporting and reinforcing the principles of continuous improvement, Integrated Service Delivery (ISD), researching, coordinating, and/or developing training for staff and stakeholders. The incumbent will work in partnership with process owners to continuously evaluate financial processes and procedures, making recommendations for improvements and implement University processes and policy changes where necessary.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide strategic decision support for capital projects. Develop proposals, business cases and analysis for new initiatives, analyze current operations/processes, and provide recommendations to enable the identification of opportunities and challenges to ensure future success.
• Manage the financial approval process for capital projects and related transactions processed by the Capital Reporting teams including project setup, purchase requisitions, journals, accruals, project transfers, and project closeouts. Ensure financial transactions are valid, accurate, and complete.
• Provide oversight and manage month-end and year-end working papers, schedules, reconciliations and required statements, including reconciliation of general ledger and projects.
• Work with Project Accountants, Analysts, Project Managers and Directors on analyzing financial results, completing accurate and insightful budgets, forecasts, variances and scenario analysis for capital projects.
• Develop documentation and financial reports for various government agencies, audits, reconciliations and special projects (working papers, activity summaries, project testing, variance and comparative analysis).
• Provide accurate and timely completion of special assignments and projects, including reports on findings, financial analysis and reporting, including recommendations and outcomes.
• Remain current on factors that would initiate change, such as University policies and procedures, granting agency regulations, capital project administration practices and technology changes.
• Promote a strong financial control environment at the University.
• Provide team members with advice and training on financial policies and procedures, technical problems, priorities and methods. Provide guidance to team members to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of financial transactions. Coach and mentor junior team members.
• Ensure systems and analysis/reporting tools, processes and policies are supporting reporting team operations, and any information requests or special projects that may be requested.
• Act as a mentor and provide advice to the Capital Reporting Team, Project Managers,
• Project Coordinators, etc. on internal control, financial and accounting issues.
• Assess current business systems and internal controls for continuous improvement opportunities; show an awareness of key drivers for decision-making in the University and attain 'buy-in' of key stakeholders to change initiatives.
• Proactively develop and maintain trustworthy, productive, problem-solving working relationships with colleagues and staff, across the University community and external agencies.
• Create an environment where knowledge sharing, support, training tools, coaching and staff development ensure service levels meet or exceed client expectations.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Canada designation (CPA, CA, CMA or CGA) and a related University degree in business, finance, accounting or related field.
• Extensive work experience in various accounting and finance functions including budgeting and financial analysis (7 + years).
• Supervisory experience and the proven ability to manage small teams and provide direction and leadership to staff.
• Proficient user of computer software applications, including large integrated enterprise resource planning systems, data warehousing and business intelligence tools.
• Consistent demonstration of the following skills:
  • o Ability to coach and support others
  • o Innovative and creative thinking
  • o Effective communication
  • o Strong presentation and facilitation skills
  • o Strategic and critical thinking
  • o Sound judgment and decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to exercise influence and support change.

Application Deadline: May 27, 2024.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level P3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ( ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.