Financial Analyst

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

2d•CA$47 - CA$50•Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Analyst (FA) is the primary financial support and subject matter expert for the client groups they serve. This role provides accurate and timely financial support and analysis through reporting, information dissemination, and recommendations on budgeting and financial strategies. The FA manages confidential financial information and acts as the liaison between client groups and Financial Resources to ensure adherence to financial management policies and procedures, and external Governance to promote best practices in financial management. Reporting directly to the Manager in the Budget & Planning unit, with accountability to client group management, the position may also support other administrative, faculty, or ancillary units and contribute to university or departmental-wide special projects. This is a university-wide role based at the Waterloo Campus, requiring regular interaction and collaboration with departments across all campuses (Waterloo, Brantford, Milton) and external partners, with a focus on 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 senior leaders of client groups.
Develops custom reports and budget information to meet specific needs of Faculty, Management, and Staff.
Prepares mandatory external reports for government funding agencies to ensure regulatory compliance.
Collaborates with various university units and individuals to support effective reporting and analysis for both internal and external audiences.
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 closing processes and analysis as coordinated by Financial Services.
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 required by Central Financial and ensures accuracy of budget data in the financial ERP system.
Attends budget planning meetings to discuss prior year challenges and the upcoming financial landscape for incorporation into client group budget planning.
Provides cost modeling information for operating and non-operating initiatives.
Prepares business cases and cost analyses as needed.
Attends regular Financial Resources and Budget & Planning meetings to share information, collaborate on projects, and exchange best practices for continuous improvement.
Attends client group meetings to ensure alignment between client group priorities and Financial Resources.
Attends University Town Halls and information sessions related to budgeting and financial matters.
Provides current information to client groups on applicable financial policies and procedures, and collective agreements related to financial matters.
Provides information on budget model allocations (e.g., Responsibility Centre Management (RCM) budget model).
Offers individual technical training as requested.
Provides training on reviewing financial reports, accounting principles, and university financial policies.
Leads and/or participates in financial working groups, committees, and project analyses.
Leads and/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 meeting mandated financial objectives (e.g., cost containment initiatives).
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.