Senior Budget Analyst

About Us

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

Financial Services is part of a vibrant and expanding campus where diversity fuels innovation. It consists of a team of professionals who provide accounting, budgeting and procurement services to UTSC. As a centralized department, it is responsible for safeguarding university assets, ensuring compliance, developing financial models and conducting analysis in support of the University’s academic mission.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your Opportunity

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Operating Budget, the Senior Budget Analyst serves the primary role in the development, analysis and execution of budgets which are used to allocate current resources and estimate future financial requirements for operating departments at UTSC. The incumbent manages monitors and forecasts budget and financial operations; monitors financial performance; ensures financial controls are maintained; reviews funding requests; and performs year-end reporting. The incumbent will examine budget estimates or proposals for completeness, accuracy and conformance to established procedures and policies; will employ cost-benefit analysis to review financial requests, assess program tradeoffs and explore alternative funding methods; examine past and current budgets and research economic and financial developments that affect spending. The incumbent will consolidate individual department budget requests and present the analysis and recommendation to senior management to aid them in decision-making. 

The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of preparing, implementing and providing oversight to the annual operating budget processes for departments which include: ensuring budget timelines are met; determining and updating key budget assumptions and preparing financial impact analysis of policy decisions and expense/revenue forecasts that will affect the development of the annual budget development process; providing input into approaches to be used for budget development that derive from current circumstances; updating the budget management system in preparation for the budget development cycle, with a focus on continuous improvement based on changing requirements; receiving proposed budgets and following up on problems arising from budgets that have been prepared contrary to guidelines; and preparing budget documentation for review and decision-making by senior management.

In performing these responsibilities, the incumbent performs a broad range of extensive analyses and prepares a wide range of financial models and reports using complex spreadsheets and formulae. The incumbent prepares and presents proposals, business plans and budget models to central budgeting committees and senior management for review and decision-making. The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of university policy and practices and the diverse activities and underlying financial structure of UTSC.

The incumbent also serves as a consultant to departmental Business Officers and Administrative Assistants in performing budgeting, accounting, and reporting functions. Cost plans, forecasts, and spending plans submitted by departments are reviewed and summarized by the incumbent for submission to the Central Planning and Budget. The incumbent plays a key role in the performance of operational audits of UTSC departments and works on a variety of business assessments and projects requiring the preparation of complex budgetary models, detailed reports and recommendations. This requires the incumbent to review existing UTSC services, perform complex cost/benefit analysis, prepare various business plans/recommendations and present such results to senior administrators for decision-making.

Qualifications:

I. EDUCATION:

University degree, preferably in a commerce or business administration program, and successful completion or in the final stages of completion of a recognized professional accounting program such as CPA and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

II. EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of five years’ experience in an intermediate/senior accounting and financial management position. Several years’ experience in budgeting and fund accounting, preferably in a university environment. Experience analyzing complex financial information and cost allocation models. Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

III. SKILLS:

Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet applications (Excel), good knowledge of word processing software, preferably Microsoft Word, and knowledge of PowerPoint. Experience with computerized financia information systems are required. Working knowledge of the University's Financial Information System (FIS), Human Resources Information System (HRIS)

IV. OTHER:

Incumbent must have superior analytical ability, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative, and knowledge of the University’s budgeting and financial policies and procedures. Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills and demonstrated commitment to service excellence. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

NOTE: A copy of the full job description is available upon request from the UTSC HR Office.