Budget Advisor (Economist)

ABOUT US

Almost million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2051. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure, and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE Reporting to the Supervisor, Corporate Capital Budgeting, this role provides advanced financial, policy, and analytical support for the Region’s long-term capital planning and budgeting.
Plays a key role in supporting 10-year capital plan development and review, asset management alignment, and fiscal sustainability objectives. It delivers data-driven insights, develops financial models, and supports corporate decision-making through comprehensive analysis of financial risks, funding strategies, and economic conditions.
This role contributes to the development of annual and multi-year budgets, corporate financial reporting, and continuous improvement of budgeting processes across a complex, multi-divisional municipal environment.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Budgeting, Research and Policy Advice
• Support coordination and delivery of the annual and multi-year budget process, including support and guidance to client departments.
• Analyze capital program affordability, financing strategies, and lifecycle impacts to inform senior leadership decision-making. Perform in-year capital variance analysis, identifying risks, trends, and mitigation strategies.
• Conduct research on municipal finance best practices, economic indicators, and legislative frameworks affecting capital planning and budgeting.
• Assess financial implications of corporate initiatives, infrastructure investments, and growth-related pressures and provide evidence-based policy analysis, recommendations, and briefing materials for senior management and Council.

Communication and Customer Experience
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, presentations, and Council-facing materials with clear financial narratives and recommendations.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and visualizations to communicate complex financial data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and best practices in budgeting and financial planning.
• Collaborate with line departments and within Finance to improve data integrity, forecasting accuracy, and integration across systems.
• Contribute to special projects, cross-functional initiatives, and corporate financial strategy development.
• Ensure information is accurate and provided on a timely basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a Masters Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Mathematics, or a related discipline or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of computerized economic and financial forecasting models incorporating econometric analysis such as multiple and non-linear regression methods or computer programming.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, guidelines, procedures, standards and legislation.
• Knowledge of financial and economic principles and practices.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications with advanced knowledge of spreadsheets, database, presentation and word processing software.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer services, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management, accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.