In the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. Guided by the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the role of Financial Analyst – Vacant Home Tax supports the development, implementation and administration of a comprehensive Vacant Home Tax program, ensuring compliance with by‑laws and mitigating risk.
What We Offer
- Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
- Paid personal days
- Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
- Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100% employer matching
- Extended health and dental benefits, including a Health Care Spending Account
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Parental leave top‑up program
- Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
- Employee recognition programs
Key Duties And Responsibilities
Vacant Home Tax Program
Support the development of an annual VHT program, including audit campaigns, risk assessments, appeal process, resource planning and expected outcomes.Identify risk areas and help develop controls and audit strategies to detect fraudulent occupancy declarations and vacant homes.Contribute to creating policies, procedures, tools, training materials and documentation related to the VHT program and audit process.Coordinate property tax requirements for VHT billing in conjunction with property tax staff.Stay current with legislation, regulations and best practices, implementing changes as required.Audit Execution
Participate in annual audit campaigns using best‑practice methodologies, ensuring evidence sufficiency and appropriateness.Utilize City resources, data sets and systems to maximize audit effectiveness.Gather and evaluate evidence through research of property owners and the public.Work with other staff to assist / support in the VHT program audit reviews.Provide clear rationale for audit determinations and communicate results to property owners.Communicate effectively with property owners and external agencies, providing timely and professional responses to inquiries both orally and in writing.Deliver operational updates and recommendations to management, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of audit program performance and impacts.Prepare annual reports summarizing VHT revenue, audit program performance, identifying trends, revenue impacts, challenges and opportunities for improvement.Appeal Management
Explore a transparent appeal process as part of program implementation and by‑law development.Provide the first review and determination of all appeals based on relevant by‑laws and statutes.Other Duties
Support compliance with the Municipal Act, Planning Act and other applicable legislation.Provide input and analysis to management and the public on VHT and revenue related issues tied to housing.Reconcile all VHT revenue and receivables.Support continuous improvement initiatives and identify operational efficiencies.Perform additional tasks or special projects as assigned to support departmental and corporate objectives.Qualifications And Requirements
Completion of post‑secondary education in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or Public Administration.Professional designation in a related field is an asset (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA, AMCTO Diploma in Municipal Administration, MTAP through Seneca).Considerable experience in municipal finance, auditing, consulting or financial analysis / reporting, with a track record of designing and executing audit programs, assessing risk and ensuring compliance with legislation and by‑laws.Demonstrated ability to develop policies and programs, design business processes and internal controls, draft by‑laws, prepare reports and communicate audit findings and recommendations to senior leadership, council and the public.Knowledge of municipal taxation, development / residential pro‑forma models and financial viability assessments for housing projects.In‑depth understanding of the Municipal Act, Assessment Act, Planning Act and other relevant legislation, policies and procedures.Excellent organizational and decision‑making skills, with a solution‑oriented and strategic approach.Skilled in conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement and facilitating effective community consultations.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings.Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, stakeholders, Council and the general public.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and ability to use systems such as Cognos, Office 365 and SharePoint.Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to develop, recommend and implement effective solutions.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with external agencies and other levels of government.Hours of work
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8 : 30 a.m. and 4 : 30 p.m. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).
Pay / Salary
Non‑union Grade 5 Rate $86,457 - $108,071
How To Apply
Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by January 8, 2026. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.
The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization’s needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
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