Financial Analyst

Wilfrid Laurier University • Waterloo, ON

17d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Analyst (FA) is the primary financial support and subject matter expert for their assigned client groups. This role provides accurate and timely financial support and analysis through reporting, information dissemination, and recommendations on budgeting and financial strategies. The FA also manages confidential financial information and acts as a liaison between client groups and Financial Resources to ensure adherence to financial management policies and procedures, and external Governance for best practices. Reporting to the Manager in the Budget & Planning unit, the FA is accountable to client group management and may support other administrative, faculty, or ancillary units, as well as university-wide special projects. This position has a university-wide mandate, is based at the Waterloo Campus, and requires regular interaction and collaboration with departments across all campuses (Waterloo, Brantford, Milton) and external partners, ensuring equitable service delivery.

Requirements

• A CPA designation is required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar role.
• Knowledge and experience in financial modelling and data analysis.
• Advanced spreadsheet skills (Excel), and knowledge of other MS office products (Word, PowerPoint) and ERP systems.
• Self-motivated, goal-orientated individual capable of working in a dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Excellent communication, problem solving, time management, and interpersonal skills with a focus on providing exceptional customer service in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Millennium, Banner, Cognos is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Creates, presents, and interprets financial reporting to client group Senior Leaders.
• Develops custom reporting and budget information for Faculty, Management, and Staff.
• Prepares mandatory external reporting for government funding agencies to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborates with various university units to support effective internal and external reporting and analysis.
• Analyzes year-over-year financial trends.
• Analyzes budget versus actual spending and forecasts year-end results.
• Coordinates and prepares multi-year financial forecasts.
• Analyzes the profitability of non-operating units.
• Analyzes and presents options to address financial challenges.
• Supports month-end/year-end completion and analysis.
• Leads the annual and multi-year strategic budget planning process with client group Senior Leaders.
• Creates, oversees, and maintains financial models for strategic planning.
• Completes budget planning documents for Central Financial and ensures accuracy of budget data in the financial ERP system.
• Attends budget planning meetings to review past challenges and future financial landscapes.
• Provides cost modeling information for operating and non-operating initiatives.
• Prepares business cases and cost analyses as needed.
• Attends Financial Resources and Budget & Planning meetings to share information and collaborate on projects.
• Attends client group meetings to ensure alignment between client groups and Financial Resources.
• Attends University Town Halls and information sessions on budgeting and financial matters.
• Provides current information to client groups on applicable financial policies, procedures, and collective agreements related to financial matters.
• Provides information on budget model allocations (e.g., Responsibility Centre Management (RCM)).
• Offers individual technical training as requested.
• Provides training on reviewing financial reports, accounting principles, and university financial policies.
• Leads or participates in financial working groups, committees, and project analyses.
• Leads or participates in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Advises client groups on the financial implications of budget targets, restructuring, and new operating initiatives.
• Advises on internal process implementation related to financial requirements and mandated financial objectives (e.g., cost containment).
• Advises on establishing reconciliation methods.
• Advises on cash handling procedures, registration for events, and conferences.
• Advises on budget and financial planning matters, policies/procedures, and accounting practices.

Benefits

• Flexible work policy
• Annual step progression in pay rate
• Consideration for new hire step placements based on qualifications, experience, market rates, internal equity, and learning curve.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed