Financial Analyst

Date Posted: 10/08/2024
Req ID: 40060
Faculty/Division: VP - Division of University Advancement
Department: Advancement Services
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00037356

Description:

About us:

The Division of University Advancement (DUA) aims to sustain and enhance the University of Toronto’s academic mission, leadership, and worldwide impact, by engaging alumni and private sector constituentsmeaningfully in the mission of the University, building mutually beneficial relationships of increasing value and satisfaction over time.

Through our current Defy Gravity campaign, the team supports U of T’s commitment to inclusive excellence – the idea that every member of our community should thrive in an environment of belonging – and helps the University bring together top minds from every conceivable background to create a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world. In this ecosystem, there is an emphasis on collaboration, diplomacy, teamwork and mission focus as the Division of University Advancement supports our Faculties, Campuses and Divisions as a shared service.

The Division of University Advancement at the University of Toronto is committed to a transformative agenda deeply rooted in the University’s vision for growth and innovation. We are focused on growing fundraising efforts; doubling the number of newly engaged alumni; achieving Advancement goals through the foundational integration of Alumni Relations and Development both centrally and through collaborations with divisional colleagues; creating an organization and culture that fosters diversity and inclusiveness.

Your opportunity:

The Financial Analyst will be supporting the Associate Director, Budget & Forecasting with all aspects of Financial Planning & Analysis including financial management and forecasting and planning financial activities, while incorporating budgets with multiple sources of expenditures and revenues. As part of this, the Financial Analyst will be responsible for developing and reporting on the annual budget cycle including the budget, forecast and 5 year plan. In this role, the Financial Analyst will assist in the preparation of the Division’s annual budget (gross annual budget of approximately $40 million), distributing funds among 87 individual budgetary units. The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring department budget to ensure expenditures remain within budgeted allocations, while providing key variance analysis, recommendations and insights. As part of this, they will work to identify savings opportunities and provide advice to financial unit heads. The Financial Analyst will also liaise with internal and external clients to resolve accounting issues and provide sound financial advice.

The incumbent will prepare key financial reports and analysis throughout the year for key deliverables and to drive greater informed decision making. The Financial Analyst will record detailed transactions for many accounts, including payroll and generate various monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. The incumbent will also verify that HRIS transactionsare processed according to applicable policies, procedures, collective agreements, and applicable legislated requirements. They will be responsible for liaising with internal and external contacts to resolve financial, payroll, and/or HRIS processing issues.

A key component of this role is to advance processes and deliverables through efficiencies, improvements and automation. The incumbent will bring a strong understanding of financial management, will be a self-starter with an entrepreneurialmindset and a problem solver to achieve Divisional goals.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Forecasting and planning financial activities incorporating budgets with multiple sources of revenue and/orrecoveries
• Making recommendations on budget allocations involving multiple sources of revenue and/or recoveries
• Planning and administering expenditures for operating budget
• Applying the University Guide to Financial Management andother applicable policies, agency and regulatory requirements
• Analyzing complex statistical reports and/or financial information for management decision-making
• Providing advice and data to support the development of business cases and analytics for departmental initiatives
• Identifying and analyzing data discrepancies and taking necessary actions to correct errors
• Advising staff on accounting practices and University financial policies and procedures

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. Accounting or Business) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Enrolment in, or completion of an accounting designation preferred.
• Minimum four years’ experience in financial management and accounting
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with payroll, account reconciliation and financial statement preparation.
• Experience preparing and presenting financial reporting, analysis and forecasting.
• Experience interpreting and applying financial policies.
• Demonstrated experience with MS Office, including Word, Access, PowerPoint and advanced experience with Excel.
• Experience preparing reports from multiple data sources.
• Demonstrated ability to apply accounting and budgeting knowledge to effectively resolve financial matters
• Ability to analyze complex financial information and make recommendations based on analysis
• Ability to determine financial impact of both financial and non-financial information
• Advanced computer skills required, including experience with the University of Toronto’s financial (FIS, HRIS) or comparable accounting systems.
• Demonstrated high degree of aptitude for critical thinking coupled with strong analytical, problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to professionally communicate complex financial procedures to individuals with non-financial expertise.
• Ability to look for process improvement, efficiencies and automation through thorough review of current practices and status.
• Ability to work under pressure and set priorities andtargets and to meet deadlines in relation to frequently changing demands.
• Strong customer service orientation, organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and conflicting deadlines.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Communicator
• Cooperative
• Diligent
• Motivated self-learner
• Multi-tasker
• Organized

Closing Date: 10/23/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $84,813. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $108,463. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
Recruiter: Fiona Chan

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.