Job ID #31554 – Director, Financial Services

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada's largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #31554 – Director, Financial Services
• Union: Non-Union
• Job Description ID #: 2400
  
• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at by 4:00 p.m. on December 17th 2025. 
• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
  

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the General Manager, Finance & Corporate Services provides strategic leadership, through subordinate management, to a multi-functional workforce engaged in delivery of services to the public and internal clients.  Recommends broad policies and long range strategies in the delivery of services to meet mandated goals and objectives.

Accountable for establishing and achieving departmental goals and objectives through the effective and efficient use of financial and staff resources. Uses a "best practices" approach in developing and delivering quality services in a timely and cost effective manner. Instills a customer service focus in the division. Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Accountable for corporate financial reporting and related audits of City of Hamilton financial statements. 

Evaluates and reports on the division's service, financial, administrative and staff performance against internal and external benchmarks.  Designs and implements strategies to improve effectiveness and efficiency.  Sets above average standards and leads by example.

Possess a demonstrated record of strong leadership and guidance, customer focus, innovation / creativity, team advocacy, staff delegation, empowerment and staff development, and are results orientated.

Possess a high level of personal integrity and are an excellent communicator.

RESPONSIBILITIES

You will assume lead accountability and responsibility for the Financial Services Division and delivery of the Financial Services Program and meet the growing needs of staff, the public, residents and businesses of the City of Hamilton.

The director is accountable to the General Manager, Finance & Corporate Services for ensuring the Financial Services Program is provided in accordance with city and provincial guidelines with minimal disruption to the public and in the most effective and efficient manner consistent with the City of Hamilton Mission, Vision & Values.

GENERAL DUTIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO)

Participate in strategic planning and direction of the Department as a member of the Department Leadership Team.

Develop, implement, maintain and monitor for compliance policies and procedures for accounts payable and payroll, pensions, accounts receivable, banking, investments and financial reporting

Responsible for technology systems and application for payroll, pensions, accounts payable, procurement/ purchasing, accounts receivable, inventory, where required, including online work flow approval.

Provide financial reporting and management reporting to regulatory agencies,  Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, Council and citizens of Hamilton, and, in particular, audited financial statements, where required.

Provide creative divisional leadership through consultation with an effective division management team.

Promote teamwork and integration between units within the division and with other parties participating in cross-functional and cross program initiatives.

Develop and empower staff through delegation of responsibilities and accountabilities, through regular feedback, and by providing development opportunities and technical direction.

Monitor the operations and projects within the Division to ensure safety, service quality, cost-effective and timely delivery of services, and environmental and legislative compliance.

Oversee the development and monitoring of operating and capital budgets for the Division.

Attend public meetings to present the City's position/actions to the public, media and outside government bodies.

Participate, and regularly act as main spokesperson, in discussions on Financial Services issues.

Respond to issues and queries raised by Council.

Ensure compliance with Provincial and Federal statutes and regulations and municipal by-laws and policies.

Monitor and examine market conditions and emerging trends that impact the Municipal sector.

Negotiate on certain projects the retainment of external consultants.

Respond to various corporate, community, provincial or federal proposals for service initiatives, changes or enhancements.

Provide professional consultation, including reports, to Council and its Committees.

Ensure that employees are provided with and use the appropriate equipment, material and/or procedures required to perform the assigned duties.  Ensures that all employees perform work in accordance with applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures.  Ensures that appropriate action is recommended for those employees who do not work in compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Post secondary education in a professional discipline pertinent to the job functions combined with relevant senior management training and business administration experience normally acquired through the completion of a University Degree in Business Administration, Commerce or Economics and/or a recognized professional accounting designation (Chartered Professional Accountant, CPA) or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
2. Detailed understanding of Public Sector/ municipal / trust fund accounting principles and standards, general accepted accounting principles (GAAP), municipal financing (lease,and debt financing), banking and investments.
3. Detailed understanding of financial software packages such as SAP, Oracle.
4. Demonstrated competency to manage a multi-disciplinary staff, preferable in a unionized environment, utilizing pro-active management skills.
5. Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big picture thinking.
6. Highly developed ability to articulate a vision, to lead and inspire others.
7. Highly effective leadership, facilitation, communication, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
8. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a large multi-disciplinary staff in a results oriented environment and in a predominantly unionized environment.
9. Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering customer focused programs and services.
10. Demonstrated financial management skills in developing, implementing and monitoring division budgets.
11. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with elected officials, representatives of other levels of government, management, peers, staff and the general public.
12. Thorough knowledge and understanding of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the department/section.
13. Demonstrated knowledge of the Health & Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.
14. Knowledge of collective bargaining process.
15. Working knowledge of computer software applications (i.e. Microsoft Office 365).

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.