General Manager Corporate Services

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Job Type Finance /Accounting / Economics
Organization Town of Drayton Valley
Closing date
Job Description

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), this position is a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and is primarily responsible for the overall strategic planning, leadership, and management with the Corporate Services Department which includes finances, accounting, and taxation and assessment. This position will support the organizational objectives of the Town and its residents. This position will exhibit a service-oriented approach when implementing the directions of Council and interacting with the public, municipal staff, government agencies, community organizations, boards, and contractors.

As an essential member of the Senior Leadership Team, the GM of Corporate Services plays a key strategic role as a steward of the Town’s public funds by ensuring that there is an effective and efficient financial plan in place to support the needs of the community through a range of robust programs and services across the organization. Oversight of the financial aspects of the business plan and key functions related to the administration of the operating and capital budgets, accounting, taxation, insurance, procurement and information technology.

The General Manager will perform a key role in providing leadership, innovative support and mentorship to the Finance, Information Technology and Asset Management . The General Manager reviews current initiatives and workloads of team members and provides recommendations on prioritizing projects including department budgeting, personnel and resource allocation. In particular, the General Manager will act as a dedicated mentor and coach to the Senior Finance Manager, working closely with them to strengthen their leadership capacity, decision-making confidence, and long-term success in the role.

In addition to those duties, the General Manager in efforts to provide excellent customer service to the Town of Drayton Valley should anticipate the needs in the short, medium and long term and plan, budget and supervise activities in a timely and efficient manner.

The GM of Corporate Services is to lead by example by adhering to and enforcing all responsibilities as outlined in the current Towns’ Policy and Procedures.

This position is an advocate for safety and directs the team as a proactive safety leader. The General Manager ensures that all Health & Safety policies, work procedures, rules and relevant directives are followed by all staff and safety is top of mind in all operations.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to: Chief Administrative Officer

This position directly supervises: Senior Finance Manager, Information Technology Manager, Asset Management

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Provides leadership and mentorship to the team by setting the team up for future success. Including, directing, evaluating the performance of the team. Establishing performance expectations, standards and personal development targets. This includes, conducting performance appraisals and provide measurable feedback.

  • Provide dedicated mentorship and coaching to the Senior Finance Manager, including regular one-on-one guidance, professional development planning, and modeling sound decision-making, to support his growth and long-term success as a leader within the organization.
  • Work collaboratively with Human Resources on budgeting, job descriptions, and letters of offer for positions reporting to this role, including signing off on letters of offer in the CAO's absence; conduct annual performance reviews for direct reports; and collaborate with Human Resources and the CAO throughout the termination process for direct reports.
  • Plan and oversee the Town’s overall financial management activities including budgeting, inventory control and reporting, accounting, insurance, and treasury support
  • Coordinate the municipal budget process (reporting, tax calculations, requisitions, etc.)
  • Plan and implement Department objectives to maximize service delivery
  • Responsible for the municipal taxation process and property assessment including ensuring that mill rates are set to ensure the Town receives the tax funding it requires.
  • Advise on appropriate reserve fund management to address and plan for future Capital requirements
  • Oversee, review, advise, and update CAO and Council on Town assets, debentures, and investments
  • Manage Town revenues and reserve funds through provision of banking, investment, and cash flow projection services
  • Compile, prepare and recommend (in discussion with SLT) the overall Town operating and capital budgets and associated tax rates. Collaborate with the CAO for final presentation to Council
  • Prepare financial reporting as required and ensure that financial management and reporting is carried out in a timely and effective manner
  • Prepare the necessary year-end working papers and applicable audited financial statements pursuant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and practices
  • Promote transparency and accountability by coordinating major tendering and purchasing processes in conjunction with auditors and staff, including establishing and overseeing contract terms, reviewing tendered and procurement documents to ensure compliance with policy and procurement law, and ensuring contract risks to the Town are appropriately mitigated
  • Accountable for the preparation and management of the Department’s capital and operating plans and budgets, ensuring the coordinated and efficient use of the workforce, assets, equipment, and resources

  • Reduce risk and liability by keeping abreast of new legislation/regulations and develop, and/or update strategies, policies and practices as necessary.

  • Monitor, manage, and report on any relevant grants
  • Manage short- and long-term investments
  • Project cash flow, borrowing, and reserve management
  • Manage the risk management and insurance functions
  • Responsible for the creation of and departmental compliance with relevant Policies, procedures, standards, specifications, regulations, Bylaws, relevant legislation, and technical initiatives
  • Develop and monitor the attainment of Department goals and objectives to support Council’s Strategic Plan and ensure they are accomplished
  • Attends Council meetings, public hearings, and other regional governance public meetings as a resource and/or representative of the Town as required
  • Work collaboratively with the CAO and Senior Leadership, managers, and teams in achieving goals and priorities in alignment with Council, municipal legislation, and governance requirements

  • Ensures that personnel are well informed of changes and expectations, through regular and open communication.

  • Review and approve timesheets, accounts, payable and accounts receivables, related to the division.

  • Provide signing authority and approval for Department expenditures, cheques, and purchase orders in accordance with the Town's Delegation of Authority and financial policies.

  • Advise Council and the CAO on matters relating to the Department
  • Undertake other duties as assigned by the CAO

 

MAJOR INTER-PERSONAL CONTACTS

Must be able to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, and ability to work within a team environment.

  • Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Leadership Team

  • Finance and Information Technology teams

  • Human Resources

  • Council

  • Customers and external stakeholders

  • Other internal municipal departments


DECISION MAKING ROLE

This position is responsible for the mentorship and leadership of Finance and Information Technology department management teams. This includes making recommendations for hiring, day-to-day oversight of employees and recommendations for dismissal decisions.

Identifies and analyze problems while evaluating alternate solutions and makes recommendations to the division’s management.

This is a strategic position responsible for forecasting long and short-term goals for the division and providing recommendations to Council that align with the strategic direction as approved by Council.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS & OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

  • Willingness to attend training sessions as required by the employer

  • Willingness to work weekends and unscheduled hours during major emergencies and or when strict deadlines are being faced.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Post-secondary degree or diploma in Accounting/Business Administration, Commerce, Public Administration or related discipline. A combination of education and/or experience related to this position may be considered.

  • Professional Accounting designation (CPA, CA, CMA, CGA) is preferred.

  • Minimum of 5 to 8 years responsible planning experience, with one year of management experience, preferably in a municipal environment

  • Experience working in municipal administration environment is preferred

  • High level of expertise with budget preparation and planning are required.

  • Experience in supervising and managing a diverse portfolio of services, as well as knowledge of municipal finance and legislation is preferred.

  • Satisfactory background screening is required for this position including a Bankruptcy and Insolvency Check, Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

  • Pragmatically make decisions aligned with the overall vision and values of the organization, able to recognize changing priorities and approaches.

  • Refined organizational, communication, interpersonal and leadership abilities in collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.

  • Able to facilitate a team environment through personal behaviour, work contributions and the sharing of expertise and knowledge.

  • Able to work co-operatively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, to influence other managers/supervisors, to assist and support other employees, Departments and Council.

  • Demonstrated leadership skills by encouraging employee participation and development; facilitating professional working standards and obtaining a high degree of customer satisfaction.

  • Has the ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations to meet goals of the department and organization.

  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work efficiently

  • Ability to work independently, self-starter and energetic

  • Ability to perform at high levels in a fast-paced ever-changing work environment with minimal direction.

  • Maintains a current working knowledge of professional accounting practices, related Federal and Provincial legislation, and local government

  • Demonstrated leadership skills in developing a culture of cooperation and teamwork while leading multi-disciplinary teams of Town staff and/or external consultants.

  • Must maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism

  • Must have the ability to act with discretion when working with sensitive issues or situations and maintain confidentiality.

  • Possesses the ability and desire to coach and develop others in interpersonal skills, processes, policies and procedures by providing ongoing feedback, coaching and opportunities to learn through a variety of methods.
  • Fosters a mentoring environment by actively engaging in identifying emerging leaders and is personally involved in their development.
  • Knowledge of emergency management
  • ICS 300 or willingness to attain
  • NACLAA Certificate would be an asset.

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND CAPABILITIES

  • This position works primarily indoors in an office setting, with regular attendance at Council chambers and other municipal facilities as required.
  • Work is of a moderate to high pace, with periods of increased time pressure related to budget cycles, audit deadlines, and Council reporting requirements.
  • Occasional evening attendance at Council or committee meetings is required; travel is generally limited to day trips for training or intermunicipal meetings.
Application Return

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