The Opportunity:
The Operations Financial Analyst provides analytical, systems, business process and financial support to the organization through Corporate Performance & Supports supporting Utility Services.
This position requires the ability to utilize past exposure to business environments to successfully manage multiple priorities, including the review, research and analysis of existing processes, systems and procedures, the development and implementation of new initiatives and business processes, the evaluation and development of internal controls and corporate policy and procedure and the ability to interpret, apply and draft complex bylaw/legislation. Reconciliation, analysis and decision making based on complex financial data is necessary. Project development and leadership, reporting and presentations to senior management, committees and City Council are required. An analytical nature, exceptional communication skills, proven leadership, superior critical thinking, demonstrated project management, strong problem solving and effective persuasion skills are essential in this role. This is largely a self-directed position and requires the incumbent to take initiative, seek opportunities, exercise a high degree of professional judgment, develop strong working relationships and work independently. Decisions made in this role have impact across the department, organization, on City Council and the public.
Top Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Leadership, Analysis & Reporting - Provide expert financial management through forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, reconciliations, and preparation of complex accounting entries. Develop and present high ‑ quality management reports, business cases, and financial recommendations to senior leadership and Council.
- Strategic Advisory & Decision Support - Deliver strategic financial and business advice by analyzing KPIs, assumptions, contracts, agreements, feasibility studies, and business plans. Recommend courses of action, policy changes, and process improvements to support departmental, divisional, and corporate objectives.
- Project & Systems Leadership - Lead and participate in cross ‑ departmental and corporate projects, including needs analysis, project planning, resource coordination, and progress monitoring. Research, evaluate, and implement system, software, and process enhancements, including RFP development and contract oversight.
- Process Improvement, Internal Controls & Compliance - Design, document, and improve business processes to strengthen internal controls, audit trails, and financial integrity. Ensure compliance with legislation, accounting standards (GAAP, PSAS), and municipal policy, including review and approval of accounting transactions and exception reporting.
- Stakeholder Engagement, Coaching & Governance Support - Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, resolve complex and escalated issues, and provide guidance, training, and mentorship to staff. Support policy interpretation, governance requirements, and effective communication across the organization.
As our preferred candidate, you will have:
- Chartered Professional accounting designation (CPA) and a university degree with a focus in business, accounting or project management. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
- Five years’ progressively related experience in a sophisticated and integrated system environment preferably in a large organization, with a strong knowledge of business models, decision making tools, accounting principles, financial and management systems and business processes.
- Demonstrated experience in the following areas:
- Project management including coordination and leadership of multi-disciplinary teams
- Business process development and documentation
- Development and monitoring of internal controls
- Risk and gap analysis, critical thinking and evaluation of complex concepts
- Formal report preparation, including financial impact analysis and evaluation and recommendation of alternatives
- Proficiency in MS Excel and MS Word. Familiarity with MS Access, MS PowerPoint and MS Outlook
- Proven aptitude for understanding software system configurations and operations.
- The following experience would be considered an asset:
- Experience with internal or external auditing
- Experience working in the utility sector
- Implementation experience for systems including setup and testing
- Experience in municipal fund accounting including the requirements of the MGA (Municipal Government Act) and PSAS (Public Sector Accounting Standards)
- Experience with forecasting and variance analysis
- Exposure to interpreting and applying complex legislation
- Exposure to financial accounting and other software including JD Edwards, EPM Cloud & Tempest.
- Ability to listen effectively to understand the needs of a wide range of users, synthesize information and prepare and present analyses and business cases to support recommendations
- Superior demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail.
- Apply advanced accounting and business management principles, knowledge and skills to the maintenance of a multifaceted set of accounting, budgeting and management records.
- Perform financial and budgetary analyses, prepare complete financial reports and complex account reconciliation.
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the public, other City departments and agencies, including during situations of conflict. Must regularly communicate with customers, contractors, suppliers and other organizations such as the City’s external auditors, legal providers, etc.
- Ability to work with considerable independence and to demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness in establishing and achieving business objectives.
- Handle sensitive and confidential subject matter, which, if improperly handled, could have a significant negative impact on the City.
- Prioritize, plan, organize and react in situations of competing activities to ensure deadlines and goals are achieved efficiently and effectively.
- Display strong interpersonal, teamwork and flexibility skills.
- Create and maintain a safe workplace, adhering to the policies and procedures outlined by the City.
- Demonstrate leadership and actively participate in building a respectful workplace environment.
Affiliation:
Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 417
Remuneration:
$51.72 to $54.44 per hour.
Hours of Work:
75 hours biweekly, Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
The City of Red Deer does not permit the use of unauthorized internet resources or Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (for example, Copilot, ChatGPT or any other form of AI) during interviews or any supervised or timed assessments. Any violation may be investigated and result in serious consequences, including the rejection of your application.
We thank you for your application. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
