Financial Controls and Communications Analyst

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 Requisition ID: 2026-01674 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Financial Planning and Reporting Employment Type: Temporary Department: Vice‑President, Administration and Finance
- Risk Management and Compliance Hiring Range: $80,248.28
- $100,310.35 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. Term: 18 months This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity. The internal posting deadline for this position is August 20th, 2026, at 11:59PM.

Job Description
Primary Purpose The Financial Controls and Communications Analyst is accountable for the execution of activities relating to the review of transactions and processes to ensure controls are adequate, effective, and in compliance with published guidelines and procedures. The role also assists in the documentation, testing and communication of financial policies and procedures to ensure they are well understood and followed. 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
- Other – 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
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Education:
University undergraduate degree preferably in Accounting, Business or Finance
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation from CPA Canada
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Experience:
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 othe