Data analyst Jobs in Burnaby, BC

Job Summary

The Financial Analyst role is responsible for providing financial analysis for Mastercard Foundation (MCF) Scholarship Program. With the general direction from Associated Director, Student Financial Support (SFS) and Program Director, Mastercard Foundation (MCF), the role is responsible for budget preparation, reporting, business process implementation, financial analysis and modelling, and financial management of the MCF.

Organizational Status

Reports directly to the Associate Director, Student Financial Support. This position performs work independently under general direction from the Associate Director, and interacts with members of the MCF Scholarship program including the Program Director and Program manager. This position will be required to collaborate with other University departments and organizations including Treasury Office, Integrated Service Center, Enrollment Services advising team, Housing, and other stakeholders.

The incumbent manages the work of and provides guidance to the Financial Processing Specialist as relates to student financial support administration.

Work Performed

1. Develops budgets and financial forecasting on quarterly, semi-annually and annual basis to help the leadership team and Foundation to understand their resources, manages within their financial means and makes informed strategic decisions. Prepares the annual interest income report. Develops techniques to improve forecasts.

2. Develops the 10-year rolling financial budget and provides recommendations to support program sustainability, prepares variance analysis reports explaining differences between the original and revised 10-year rolling financial budgets, and recommends investment strategies for idle cash and appropriate expense levels across budget lines.

3. Analyzes actual, budgeted, and forecasted information and completes the variance analysis report required by the Foundation to ensure transparent financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.

4. Develops ad hoc budgets and forecasts based on organizational needs and prepares high-level summaries and reports for the leadership team to make informed strategic decision.

5. Reconciles, reviews, and approves on awards/stipends for completeness and correctness, and resolve disbursement issues.

6. Prepares adjusting and year-end journal entries, performs spot audits, and designs and implements appropriate internal control and budgetary systems.

7. Prepares trend, vertical, and horizontal analyses and recommends expense projections to the Program Director.

8. Maintains the knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP) and tax regulations. Advises Enrolment Services Advisors (ESAs), and other stakeholders on complex budgeting, accounting, award eligibility, policy compliance, internal control and operational efficiency and performance issues.

9. Monitors complex financial processes and automated systems to ensure the accurate assessment and disbursement of student financial assistance and compliance with GAAP and applicable tax regulations. Designs, develops, enhances, and implements financial operations in areas requiring improvement, and recommends practical solutions to the leadership team to reduce operational risk and improve operational efficiency and performance.

10. Designs, develops, and delivers specialized training and workshops for staff and advising teams to facilitate understanding of financial procedures, policies, and systems.

11. Provides insights into significant financial risks and makes practical recommendation to reduce risks, improve operational performance and increase management confidence.

12. Works with all levels (leaders, managers, and clerical staffs) of assigned areas to identify opportunities for improvement related to University student financial support, and liaises with relevant parties to establish measures and achieve targeted results.

13. In cases when established policies and procedures are insufficient, reviews particularly complex queries brought forward from ES Advisors, faculties and staff members; Undertakes detailed reviews of student academic and award records and liaises with relevant UBC staff as necessary to determine student eligibility for student financial support.

14. Develops and maintains relationships throughout business units to enable business objective and issue resolutions.

15. Establishes priorities of the Financial Processing Specialist to ensure efficient, timely, and accurate payment of funding to students.

16. Performs other related duties as required or necessary in keeping with the qualification and requirements for the job.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent has responsibility to maintain a detailed understanding of student financial support policies and regulations, and requires a comprehensive understanding of UBC’s Endowment Management Policy (113) and Access to the University of British Columbia Policy (LR10) in order to provide accurate information to UBC staff, faculty and students. Failure to observe carefully internal and external policies and regulations and to adhere to the stated terms of award eligibility can have significant financial impact, and may also impact the relationship of the University with donors. Failure to meet the conditions of an award established through a bequest could place the University in violation of the agreement established by the donor and error could result in the withdrawal of funding. If award set-up and assignment is not accurate and consistent with the guidelines established by the University and/or the award establishment form or terms of reference, students, staff and faculty may be misinformed and the award policies will be seen as unfair and inconsistent. Any errors and/or omissions in judgment could seriously undermine the roles, responsibilities and effectiveness of the University in student financial support administration and may also incur reputation risk.

Supervision Received

Reports to and works independently under the direction of the Associate Director, SFS. Receives direction from Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Exercises initiative and sound judgment in making decisions. The individual is responsible for the smooth operations and accurate financial reporting of the portfolio and assignments, and would only refer to Associate Director on issues that require a change in overall policy. Work is reviewed in terms of achievements and of specific goals.

Supervision Given

Monitors the work of and provides guidance to the Student Financial Processing Specialist. Provides input in making decisions regarding financial management information systems and business process improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Enrolled in the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) modules. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in managing general ledger activity, including but not limited to Accounts Payable, Cash Management, Reconciliations, and Financial Reporting.

Experience in financial control and policy interpretation.

Experience working with complex finance and budget systems, including ERPs.

Demonstrated financial, analytical and budgetary skills.

Ability to interpret data at a high level and to present findings developed from compilation of complex and possibly disparate financial data.

Ability to consolidate financial data from various sources into financial statements and reports that are useful for management decision making.

Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues and effectively resolve them.

Ability to analyze and reconcile accounts and to resolve discrepancies.

Ability to maintain accuracy and integrity of accounting transactions and financial reporting.

Ability to perform complex analysis.

Ability to manage changes in day-to-day responsibilities and prioritize tasks.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with a diverse group of people to collaborate on improving process, practice and systems.

Ability to perform workflow analysis and process improvements.

Ability to exercise judgement, discretion and diplomacy.

Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

Ability to work effectively independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment.

Ability to exercise judgement, tact discretion, and confidentiality in all matters and to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.

Comfortable working with senior management. Able to communicate financial concepts to financial and non-financial managers and staff.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced multicultural environment.