Manager of Finance

Competition # HW24-147E Department Corporate Services Primary Function

Reporting to the Director, the Manager of Finance is responsible for the funding plans for capital budgets, development of operating budgets, rate applications and financial modeling for business plans.

Assist Engineering in preparing of capital budgets. Responsible for forecasting revenues and expenditures, including associated trend analysis.

Responsible for administering the pension plans.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the annual operating budget cycle, including development of the operating budgets and cash flow schedules. Review, analyze, provide and receive feedback on budget issues with department heads.

Effectively develop strategies and recommend options to deal with risks and challenges identified in preparing the operating budget.

Provide advice and training on the techniques, processes and tools of budgeting and cost centre management to departments.

Develop, distribute and explain budget documents and guidelines to Halifax Water staff. Provide explanations and advice on the budget guidelines and be the primary contact during the budget cycle, to ensure the budget is completed in a timely,, efficient and accurate manner.

• Assist all managers with information to assist in the preparation of annual budgets, including necessary reports and related information to assist with decision-making.
• Use judgement, diplomacy and confidentiality with respect to budget information. Implement procedures to ensure integrity of information and processes.
• Perform analytical review of the capital budgets, including funding sources, and ensure the operating budget reflects the implications of the new capital projects.

Work with Corporate Services and Engineering and Technology Services staff to devise funding strategies for capital projects.

Adhere to reporting and / or audit requirements associated with special funding (such as Federal / Provincial infrastructure grants), and in accordance with any other regulatory compliance requirements.

Analyze and monitor corporate budget projections, investigate discrepancies, and develop strategies and recommend options to deal with risks and challenges identified in preparing the operating projections.

Develop forecasting techniques and reports to identify variances that will assist with decision making.

• Lead the development of financial models for rate applications and business plans to support the long-term financial sustainability, including addressing issues of affordability, debt levels, and causality.
• Provide support for rate applications submitted for approval to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB), and other regulatory matters, including supporting and participating in strategy development and as a member of panels before the NSUARB.
• Responsible for pension plan accounting and administration, managing internal staff members, and working in conjunction with the trustee, actuaries and plan members, in accordance with regulatory compliance requirements and the pension plan text.
• Oversee the preparation of member communications, forms and statements.
• Manage the annual year-end data processes.
• Accountable for the integrity of the annual pension plan financial statements, ensuring accurate and timely information and reporting for internal and external stakeholders and presenting financial statements and other reports to Halifax Water committees and the Board.
• Oversee the approval of the retirees’ payroll, including the verification of data, and resolving any errors. Implement and maintain internal controls ensuring the integrity of the retirees’ payroll process.
• Maintain current knowledge and awareness of pension administration best practices, technology and industry developments.
• Perform costing and analysis of collective agreements and assess financial impacts, considering multiple scenarios and providing recommendations.
• Financial quality control of Board reports, including in-camera reports which may include legal contracts or personnel issues.
• Assist in research and development of financial strategies for corporate budgeting, internal control, and process improvements.

Manage projects and significant initiatives, and coordinate resources as required.

• Act as an accounting and management resource to other departments and assist in the decision-making process relating to matters of an accounting financial analysis or internal control nature.
• Participate as a representative on committees as required, including but not limited to, the Pension and Benefit and Audit Committees.
• Represent Corporate Services at meetings, both internal and external to Halifax Water, and prepare reports as required.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to : Director of Corporate Services / CFO

Supervises : Pension and Quality Assurance Officer Accountant (Capital)

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Education :

Post-secondary degree in business, public administration, or related field, as well as a professional accounting designation (CPA / ,CA, CMA, CGA) or a suitable combination of formal education and experience may be considered.

Experience :

Five years of broad and progressively more senior experience in financial management and general office administration, preferably in a utility or customer-oriented operation preferrable at a Supervisory level

Other Requirements

Certificates / Licenses / Registrations :

Accounting Designation (CPA) is required within 2 years of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of controllership, treasury, procurement, budgeting and related activities and future trends.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting theory, principles, audit theory and practices, internal control procedures, and accounting procedures and integrated systems in a computerized environment maintaining knowledge of the current trends in technology.
• Thorough knowledge of Provincial Acts and Standards, Federal Legislation, NSUARB Accounting Manual, utility regulations, policies and procedures and other requirements and legislation such as IFRS, WCB, HST Legislation, Public Utilities Act, and the Privacy Act.
• Ability to work within a team environment (internally and externally) with proven ability to lead, motivate and inspire others.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, and that of others, with demonstrated ability to manage change and adapt to the situation.
• Excellent leadership, motivational and interpersonal skills and the ability to hold people accountable.
• A forward-thinking professional, recognizing the value of diversity in the operation of a financial department in the public sector.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong research, analysis, and policy development skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) and work effectively with a broad range of business partners including representatives from all levels of government.
• Demonstrated supervisory and labour relations skills with a unionized workforce.
• Knowledge and experience in pension plan administration would be considered an asset
18 days ago