Business Analyst, Strategic Finance Office

Business Analyst, Strategic Finance Office

Summary:

The Business Analyst supports a strategic, institution-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) initiative, with a primary focus on financial readiness activities prior to implementation within the department. This role leads and contributes to the design and rationalization of the Chart of Accounts (CoA), including improving account structures, aligning financial data, and supporting future-state reporting needs. This position collaborates with finance, centres of expertise, and project teams to document current financial processes and develop standardized frameworks aligned with ERP capabilities. The Business Analyst also supports data governance, reporting readiness, and financial operations continuity during the transition period. Additionally, they contribute to analytical and advisory support across budgeting, planning, and financial management functions to build internal capacity. This role works closely with diverse stakeholders across academic and administrative areas to advance coordinated financial practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads analysis, design, and restructuring of the institutional CoAs, including segments, hierarchies, and reporting structures.
• Defines future-state CoA requirements aligned with reporting and regulatory needs in collaboration with finance and business units.
• Identifies, documents, and rationalizes existing accounts to reduce complexity, duplication, and inefficiencies.
• Maps current CoA structures to future ERP requirements and supports data transformation and migration strategies.
• Leads documentation of current-state financial reporting and general ledger processes and identifies gaps.
• Supports development of standardized financial structures and governance practices for CoA maintenance.
• Provides financial and operational support to the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) senior leadership, including guidance on policies and financial approvals.
• Assists with ERP readiness requirements, including data quality, cleanup activities, integration points, and compliance needs.
• Aligns CoA design with cross-functional processes such as procurement, budgeting, and reporting in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Provides financial analysis and advisory support for budgeting, planning, and strategic financial management processes.
• Develops and updates one-year and multi-year financial plans in consultation with leadership.
• Supports initiatives that enhance financial tools, reporting structures, and processes aligned with future-state CoA.
• Supports process improvements across financial functions, including general ledger management and financial controls
• Monitors adherence to financial policies, legislation, and reporting standards and supports risk mitigation activities.
• Prepares forecasts, analysis, and reports for leadership to support operational and ERP-related decision-making.
• Communicates financial information clearly to varied audiences across the institution.
• Contributes to a collaborative and inclusive work environment and participates in ongoing learning and institutional initiatives.
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
• Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in commerce, business, accounting, or a related field.
• A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation
• Minimum of five years of experience in general accounting, financial management, budgeting, and financial planning and analysis.
• Experience supporting ERP readiness or implementation activities, including financial data transformation and data governance is preferred.
• Experience within a multi-reporting organizational structure is preferred.
• Knowledge of issues affecting Indigenous peoples, including socio-economic factors.
• Strong understanding of general ledger structures and Chart of Accounts design principles.
• Ability to influence outcomes and provide guidance on operational and strategic decisions.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and detail-oriented skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and process mapping tools, such as Visio.