Financial Services Officer

Purpose of the Role

The Financial Services Officer is responsible for the administration of utility billing, property taxation, and a variety of municipal financial services, including assisting with budget preparation, and the municipal yearly audit. The position supports the Town's financial operations by ensuring accurate financial records, delivering excellent customer service, and maintaining compliance with applicable legislation, municipal bylaws, policies, and accounting standards.

Reports to: Director of Corporate Services

Key Responsibilities

Financial Administration

• Administer utility billing and taxation functions, ensuring accurate account maintenance, billing, adjustments, reconciliations, and customer account management.
• Monitor, investigate, and resolve discrepancies related to utility, tax, and customer accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with municipal policies and procedures.
• Prepare and process journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial adjustments as required.
• Assist with accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipting, business licensing, animal licensing, and facility rental administration as required.
• Provide payroll processing support and backup coverage.
• Support the Director of Corporate Services in the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets.
• Assist with year-end working papers, financial reporting, and audit requirements, including responding to auditor requests and preparing supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with municipal policies, accounting standards, and legislative requirements.
   

Customer Service & Public Assistance

• Serve as a primary point of contact for inquiries related to utility billing, taxation, licensing, and other municipal accounts.
• Respond to customer inquiries professionally and accurately, providing clear explanations and resolving concerns where appropriate.
• Assist with front counter operations, including receiving and processing payments and providing general customer service.
• Assist with answering incoming telephone calls, responding to inquiries, and directing calls to the appropriate department.
   

Process Improvement & Administrative Support
 

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, internal controls, and service delivery, and provide recommendations to the Director of Corporate Services.
• Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures related to assigned responsibilities.
• Acquire and maintain proficiency in the Town’s financial, records management, and software systems to support operational continuity and departmental effectiveness.
• Assist with records management activities, including filing, retention, and records disposition in accordance with municipal policies and legislation.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and supporting documentation as required.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and training as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Corporate Services.

Required Qualifications
 

• Completion of a post-secondary diploma/degree accounting, business management, office administration, or other related discipline.
• Experience and proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software i.e. Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• High level of initiative and independent ownership of areas of responsibility.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• High attention to detail, numerical accuracy, and data entry skills.
• Aptitude for, and willingness to learn, municipal accounting fundamentals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post secondary degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field.
• Experience working for a Municipal Government.
• Previous payroll processing experience.
• Previous experience with Catalis (Muniware) software.
   

Working Conditions

• In-office presence is required.
• Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals.
• Evening and weekend event obligations when required.
• Lifting or moving 10lbs or more may be required.
• Occasional overtime may be required to attend meetings, events or functions as necessary.

Benefits

The Town of Coalhurst offers a competitive compensation package designed to support your professional growth and personal well-being. This includes:

• Enrollment in the Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP).
• Group benefits with access to a Health Spending Account.
• An annual salary range of $71,900 to $81,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.