Financial Analyst

Job Summary

The Financial Analyst is responsible for performing senior level financial management and accounting functions in VP FRO for the unit of Energy and Water Services. This position is primarily responsible for providing financial guidance, advice, tools and reports to management to help them develop, manage, and monitor their individual budgets; assessing existing financial systems and recommending changes; conducting broad financial analyses and performing complex reconciliations; and developing policies and procedures to support financial processes. This position plays a significant role in supporting the Associate Director, Finance as well as supporting other finance managers in providing strategic financial management and guidance to the unit.

Organizational Status

The Financial Analyst reports to the Associate Director, Finance of Energy and Water Services.

Work is done in collaboration with the Board of Governors, VPs, Treasury Office, Budget and Planning Office, Payment and Procurement Services, IT Services, Internal Audit, Directors and external customers and agencies including GVRD, provincial and federal governments, municipalities and external auditors.

Work Performed

1. Supports the submission and review of the quarterly forecasts and annual budgets of the portfolio, a combined operating budget of over $ 60 million.

2. Provides support to unit leaders by assisting in the development of unit budgets, assessing the impact and implementation of new funding initiatives and other budget adjustments, and providing training in the use of Workday A da ptive budgeting and other financial management and reporting systems.

3. Analyze variances and develop financial forecasts and complex models and reports from various systems (i.e. Workday, Adaptive, Hyperion 2.0, Utilities Management System (UMS), Planon and NAV) on an annual, quarterly basis to help the senior management teams and Portfolio Finance Director to understand their resources, manage within their financial means and make informed decisions on hiring and new program development.

4. Participate in year-end processes (i.e. compilation to ensure the appropriate compliance to accounting and internal controls, maintenance of all transaction documents files for audit and reference purposes, assist in the year-end general ledger and accounts payable processes including accruals and preparing proper documentation for external auditors, and develop procedures, systems and training etc.).

5. Develops and prepares financial reports for individual units and provides unit leaders with high level variance analysis of actual operating results in relation to forecast and planned activities to support decision-making.

6. Performs comparative funding reviews and collaborates with managers in resolving financial and business - related issues including those involving deficits in operating and capital accounts.

7. Monitors units in day-to-day financial operations (i.e. investigating billing discrepancies and engaging with customers and stakeholders on effective solutions, facilitating resolution for financial issues between units and Central UBC, and third parties, implementing the rollout of new policies and procedures, and providing training relating to financial policies, internal controls, expenditure reimbursements and related areas).

8 . Updates Workday Adaptive as required to ensure that forecasts and budgets are as intended and resolves any discrepancies between workforce in Adaptive and position management in the Human Resources Management System (HRMS).

9 . Prepares complex reconciliation of capital and operating accounts, adhoc reports, reconciliation s and analyses for senior management.

10 . Interprets accounting procedures and reporting guidelines, and provides financial advice to directors, managers, and staff.

11. Develops, recommends and implements policies and procedures, and designs and conducts training on financial forecasting and budgeting techniques, accounting procedures, policies, and systems.

12. Maintains current knowledge of and ensures compliance to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, University policies and procedures, Canada Revenue Agency regulations and other relevant federal and provincial legislation.

13. Provides insight into significant financial risks and makes practical recommendations to reduce risk, improve operational performance and increase management confidence.

14. Provides support to complete year-end activities and internal cost recoveries with other University departments based on established agreements.

15. Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error / Judgement

The Financial Analyst is expected to work independently at a professional accountant level to produce a product that requires little detailed review.

This position is key to maintaining the structure and data integrity, which supports all financial reporting. Errors and poor decisions by this position could result in unreliable information or missed information to effectively manage the finances of a large and very complex organization.

The accountability of this position requires the incumbent to deal effectively with appropriate personnel, both professional and non-professional, at all such levels of involvement and responsibility, both within and outside the University.

Supervision Received

Report directly to the Associate Director, Finance, Energy and Water Services

Supervision Given

None.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Enrolled in the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) modules . Minimum of five 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

CPA designation.

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

Experience in fund accounting, 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. 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 analyses.

Strong oral and written 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 judgment, 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 apply generally accepted accounting principles in an appropriate manner.

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

Knowledge of contracts, procurement and UBC policies and regulations, and procedures related to

finance, payroll and audit.

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.