Financial Analyst - Capital

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Corporate Services
Reports to: Manager of Capital Planning
Effective Date: 2004
Revised Date: N/A

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for administration, calculation, tracking, reconciliation and reporting of development related financial activities including Development Charges (DCs) and other financial obligations and development agreements and projects, assisting with the preparation and monitoring of the County’s operating and capital budgets and forecasts and completing year-end processes. This position also provides guidance and advice to the public and other internal and area municipal staff.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provides the following services:
  • Understands and interprets the County’s Development Charges By-laws and provides guidance and advice to the public, internal and area municipal staff, as required.
  • Calculates applicable development charges and development charge exemptions and coordinates collection of County DC’s with the area municipalities.
  • Assist with preparing development charge deferral agreements, annual billings and early payment agreements. 
  • Participates in the County’s DC background study and supports the preparation of the annual DC statement as per the DC Act. 
  • Collaborate with department directors/managers to prepare and consolidate the annual budget, as related to the responsibilities of this position.
  • Provides support to internal departments with respect to securities submitted to the County as required through various agreements or permits, including tracking, recording, and returning securities.
  • Reviews and provides comment on applications for Connection of Water and Sanitary Sewer to ensure that applicants are made aware of financial obligations.
  • Liase with County departments and area municipalities on development related processes, applications and agreements as applicable. 
  • Assist with capital billing projects in accordance with the County’s Water and Sewer Services Financing Policy and related procedures, including communication with impacted property owners and attending public information sessions. 
  • Work in partnership with staff to record and report tangible capital assets, including sales, additions, disposals including asset retirement obligations, replacements, donated assets and other changes. Provide direction where required to meet PSAB requirements. 
  • Supports the year-end process by gathering relevant documentation, preparing year-end working papers, working with external auditors, and completion of annual Financial Information Return (FIR) schedules.
  • Allocate, recommend and record funding for capital projects. Monitor budgeted and actual capital revenues and expenditures on an ongoing basis. Ensure capital project funding is in compliance with the Development Charges By-Law.
  • Prepares monthly reconciliation and analysis of accounts including any journal entries required. Manage reserves and reserve funds. Includes monthly and quarterly balance sheet account reconciliations. Investigate discrepancies in accounts and prepare correcting entries as needed.
  • Develops internal financial reports to assist departments in managing their business on an on-going basis as well as to help them forecast projections of revenue and expenses.
  • Prepare and analyze debenture payments and schedules. Ensure debenture payments are made in a timely manner, as well as invoiced to the area municipalities. 
  • Reviews property assessment notices received from MPAC. Prepares information pertaining to the annual property tax budget and records in the County’s budgeting software.
• Participate in the development of corporate accounting policies and procedures related to the responsibilities of this position, collaborating with County staff as appropriate. 
• Preparation of grant application submissions and grant reporting submissions, collaborating with County staff as required. Liaises with agencies such as Federal and Provincial Ministries and Authorities as needed to clarify and provide information. 
• Research best practices and emerging trends related to the responsibilities of this position. 
• Read and interpret Council reports, by-laws, legislation and guidelines, policies, legal and funding 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. 
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, Area Municipalities, and members of the public as necessary and appropriate. 
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:

• University degree in business, finance or accounting and enrolled in the Chartered Professional Accountant program (CPA) or has three years’ experience in a similar position. 
• Demonstrated experience working within the public sector or municipal environment is an asset. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint at an intermediate level and Excel at an advanced level.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 
• Knowledge of relevant trends and legislation, municipal financial reporting requirements, and best practices.
• Sound understanding of the Canadian public sector accounting standards establish by the Public Sector Accounting Board (“PSAB”).
• Demonstrated ability to deal with multiple deadlines and changing priorities while taking direction from multiple individuals.
• Ability to demonstrate the required competencies for this position in alignment with Oxford County’s competency framework.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• 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.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS

• Individual Contributor

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in an office or hybrid environment.
• Work involves interaction with computer systems requiring considerable attention to detail. 
• Occasional driving to other County worksites.