Financial Analyst

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Financial Services
Reports to: Manager of Financial Services/Manager of Capital Planning
Effective Date: January 4, 1999
Positions Supervised: 0
Revised Date: January 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

Oversees the accounting system, produces reports for both internal and external users, completes analysis of data in the system, provides training and support relating to various financial systems, provides assistance to department directors, managers and supervisors, and carries out required duties from the yearly departmental budgets to the year-end process.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

In collaboration with their supervisor, acts as the primary finance lead for departments in:
- Year End:
  - Reconcile Ministry funding in adherence to funding guidelines.
  - Prepares year-end working papers. Works with external auditors.
  - Assists in the preparation of the Annual Financial Reports and related Financial Information Return.
- Reporting:
  - Prepares complex program specific external reporting.
  - Collaborates and provides direction to departments to ensure complete and accurate submissions.
  - Preparation of grant application submissions and grant reporting submissions, collaborating with County staff as required. Liaises with program specific agencies such as Federal and Provincial Ministries and Authorities as needed to clarify and provide information.
  - Develops internal financial reports to assist departments in managing their business on an on-going basis as well as to support them forecast projections of revenue and expenses.
- Analysis:
  - Perform regular and special request financial analysis in alignment with the County’s financial policies.
  - Prepares monthly reconciliation and analysis of accounts including any journal entries required. Includes monthly and quarterly balance sheet account reconciliations.
  - Investigate discrepancies in accounts and prepare correcting entries as needed.
  - Analyze and maintain regular forecasts, explaining variances, in preparation for quarterly Council reports.
  - Identify risks and opportunities for improvement to maximize use of resources.
- Budget:
  - Collaborate with department directors/managers to prepare and consolidate the annual budget, including maintenance of budget software.
  - Prepares financial schedules for budget package.
  - Assist in the preparation of the final budget package including the detailed review of financial schedules.
- General:
  - Maintains the chart of accounts and General Ledger system.
  - Researches issues and best practices to develop, document and implement effective systems to be applied in both financial reporting and business processes.
  - Provides support to Finance staff on all aspects of their accounting duties.
  - Build in-depth knowledge of program guidelines of federal and provincial funding sources and provide recommendations on appropriate program funding and reporting models.
  - Support the organization’s programs and services by promoting the County’s Strategic Plan, best practices, internal policies, and applicable legislation, to meet service excellence standards and uphold Oxford’s vision, mission and values.
  - Act as primary liaison to division in providing guidance on corporate budget development, ministry funding and compliance with finance policies and procedures.
  - Plans, develops, recommends and implements corporate finance policies, procedures, manuals, and forms as required.
  - Act as Finance lead for special projects including cross-departmental teams.
  - Read and interpret Council reports, by-laws, legislation and guidelines, policies, legal/funding agreements and collective bargaining agreements.
  - Receives and attempts to resolve related complaints, concerns and questions in a timely and responsive manner. Refers and escalates to the appropriate individual as necessary.
  - Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-secondary education in business, finance, accounting or related field.
Enrolment in or completion of the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) program is an asset.
Accounting experience in a progressive municipal and unionized environment is an asset.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of all accounting procedures from basic journal entries to year end closing activity and financial statement preparation.
Sound understanding of the Canadian public sector accounting standards establish by the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB).
Knowledge of relevant trends and legislation, municipal financial reporting requirements, and best practices.
Ability to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint at an intermediate level and Excel at an advanced level.
Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Experience working independently and collaboratively as a team while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
Excellent organizational, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
Flexible and adaptable to cope with changing priorities and tight deadlines, while taking direction from multiple individuals.
Understanding of role specific health and safety responsibilities and ensured compliance with internal and external safety policies, procedures, and legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Valid Ontario drivers’ licence is an asset.
An acceptable Criminal Record Check will be required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS:

Ability to demonstrate the required core and leadership competencies for this position in alignment with Oxford County’s competency framework.
Core competencies include teamwork, communication, innovation, service excellence, accountability and integrity, and inclusivity.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in an office or hybrid environment.
Work involves interaction with computer systems requiring considerable attention to detail.
Travel within Oxford County to attend meetings will be required on occasion.