Director, Financial Services

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

23h•CA$134,135 - CA$170,332•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service (APS) is taking a One Finance approach to the delivery of financial services. Financial services include the delivery of financial planning, reporting, and operations, as well as ongoing engagement with policy and program areas to provide strategic decision-making support. There are three top leadership priorities that support this One Finance approach: proactively supporting our talent across the finance community; providing collaborative and responsive services to our business partners; and actively engaging in continuous improvement of the way we support each other and do business within our teams and across the entire finance community. The Ministry of Affordability and Utilities has a unique opportunity for an experienced Financial Services Director. Reporting to the Executive Director/Senior Financial Officer for the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities, this position is responsible for providing a full suite of financial services to the Ministry and assists the SFO in the development and implementation of financial strategies, policies, and practices that enable the business areas to achieve their objectives while adhering to legislative requirements and Treasury Board and Finance Directives. The Director provides leadership to a team of professionals and assists in the preparation of financial reports required by the Executive Committee and the Provincial Controller, oversees the effectiveness of internal controls and compensating controls of the financial systems, and is the main conduit to related parties of the Ministry (e.g., Alberta Utilities Commission and the Balancing Pool).

Requirements

A University Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or Administration supplemented by 7 years of related experience.
Professional accounting designation (CPA).
Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.
Management level experience supporting and dealing with executive management concerning strategy, financial operations, internal controls and policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience and in-depth knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standard (PSAS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Strong leadership skills to build and lead an effective team.
Strong facilitation and consensus building skills.
Creativity and innovation.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
Project management and evaluation.
Very strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound judgment and decision making.
Knowledge of relevant accounting standards and Government of Alberta legislation, regulations and policies including, but not limited to, the Financial Administration Act and the Government Accountability Act..
Experience with using a large complex accounting financial system.
Knowledge of Government strategic and policy directions as they relate to the Ministry's mandate and initiatives as well as the ministry business plans, programs, deliverables and initiatives.

Responsibilities

Minister briefing documents and responses to action requests are complete, accurate and timely meeting the needs of the Minister, DM, ADM, SFO, Executive Team and other Ministry officials.
Manage and assist in the preparation of quarterly and year-end consolidation financial statements including all notes and schedules, including the development of electronic layouts and systems to produce financial statements quickly and efficiently.
Oversee the development of training and awareness activities for all expenditure officers, procurement cardholders, management and staff in all matters relating to their responsibilities for expending budgeted funds.
Work closely with the Executive Director/SFO on the development of the Ministry's overall audit strategies and responses to the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), ensuring that system audits and financial audit questions are addressed by coordinating the activities of the Branch and the respective business areas.
Liaise with Corporate Internal Audit Services (CIAS) on government-wide and Ministry specific internal audits. Responds to queries, provides necessary information and resolves all concerns raised.
Provide financial policy, analysis, advice and guidance to all levels of line management throughout the Ministry, assisting them to resolve complex management issues and ensuring that they comply with Treasury Board and Finance Directives and internal financial policies.
Develop financial policy papers for senior management review and guidance on all matters relating to financial processes and the delegation of financial authorities.
Provide financial policy, analysis, advice and guidance to all levels of line management throughout the Ministry, assisting them to resolve complex management issues and ensuring that they comply with Treasury Board and Finance Directives and internal financial policies.
Oversea the effective management of the Ministry's financial operations, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash handling, electronic payments, banking activities, etc.