Manager of Finance

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Manager of Finance leads the City’s core financial operations and supports sound, transparent and sustainable municipal decision-making. The position is accountable for budget coordination, accounting and external financial reporting, annual audit support, grants administration, financial controls, treasury activities and the leadership of assigned finance staff.
The Manager provides practical financial advice to City departments, senior leadership and Council; ensures compliance with applicable legislation, Public Sector Accounting Standards and City policy; and advances process, system and service improvements across the finance function.

Key Accountabilities

Financial Planning and Budgeting
•    Lead and coordinate the annual operating, utility and capital budget processes, including budget instructions, departmental submissions, consolidation, analysis and presentation materials.
•    Develop multi-year forecasts, reserve projections and long-term financial planning models that align financial capacity with Council priorities and service requirements.
•    Monitor budget performance and provide timely variance reporting, forecasts, risk analysis and corrective recommendations to the CFO and leadership team.
•    Prepare financial analysis and business cases for service changes, capital investments, fees and charges, and policy initiatives.
Accounting and External Financial Reporting
•    Oversee general ledger integrity, month-end and year-end close, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash and bank reconciliations, and related accounting processes.
•    Lead the preparation of annual financial statements, financial information returns, working papers and other external financial reports in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Standards and legislative requirements.
•    Ensure timely, accurate and useful monthly, quarterly and annual internal financial reporting.
•    Maintain effective internal controls, account reconciliations and documented financial procedures that safeguard public assets and support reliable reporting.
Audit and Compliance
•    Coordinate the annual external audit, serve as the primary operational contact for auditors, manage information requests and support timely resolution of audit findings.
•    Monitor compliance with the Municipal Government Act, applicable regulations, City bylaws, policies, funding agreements and accounting standards.
•    Support updates to financial policies, procedures and controls, and provide implementation guidance across the organization.
Grants and Funding
•    Oversee grant accounting, claims, reporting, receivables, deferred revenue and compliance requirements for operating and capital funding agreements.
•    Maintain a corporate grants schedule and work with departments to support complete, accurate and timely grant submissions and reporting.
•    Assess financial and compliance implications of funding opportunities and agreements and provide recommendations to the CFO.
Treasury, Taxation and Financial Systems
•    Manage cash flow forecasting, banking administration, investments and reserve activity within approved policies and legislative requirements.
•    Provide financial oversight and support for property taxation, assessment-related financial processes, utility billing and other municipal revenues.
•    Ensure the integrity of financial data and champion effective use, improvement and implementation of ERP, reporting and business intelligence systems.
Leadership and Organizational Support
•    Lead, coach and develop assigned finance staff, establish clear accountabilities and foster a collaborative, service-focused and high-performing work environment.
•    Provide clear financial advice and presentations to the CFO, senior leadership, departments and Council, translating complex information for varied audiences.
•    Build effective relationships across City departments and with auditors, financial institutions, provincial representatives, vendors and other external partners.
•    Lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen controls, reduce risk, improve efficiency and enhance customer service.

Required Education and Work Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, commerce, business administration or a related discipline.
•    Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, audit or financial management.
•    Three or more years of direct supervisory or management experience.
•    Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing.

Expected Skills and Attributes:

•    Demonstrated experience leading budgets, year-end financial reporting, external audits, grants compliance and financial analysis.
•    Municipal government or broader public-sector finance experience is strongly preferred.
•    Thorough knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards and sound financial control practices.
•    Strong understanding of Alberta municipal finance and the Municipal Government Act, including budgeting, financial reporting, taxation and municipal revenues.
•    Advanced analytical, forecasting and financial modelling skills, with strong attention to accuracy and detail.
•    Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly in reports, presentations and discussions with financial and non-financial audiences.
•    Strong leadership, coaching, project management, judgement and problem-solving skills.
•    Advanced proficiency with ERP financial systems, Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
•    Demonstrated integrity, political acumen, confidentiality and commitment to accountable public service.
•    Ability to maintain professional confidentiality and comply with applicable information and privacy requirements.

Required Certifications and/or Documentation:
•    Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and Drive’s Abstract deemed satisfactory by the City.
•    Criminal Record Check deemed satisfactory by the City.

Working Conditions

•    Primarily office-based, with sustained computer and analytical work.
•    May require attendance at Council or committee meetings and occasional work outside regular hours.
•    Additional hours may be required during budget preparation, year-end close and audit periods.

Compensation

•    Salary ranges from $125,000.00 to $135,000.00

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.