Financial Coordinator, Child Care Unit

JOB SUMMARY

Social Housing is responsible for the administration of the City's social housing and affordable housing post-development programs and services including the Centralized Waitlist, Asset Management and Capital Planning to assess the social and affordable housing portfolio and develop initiatives to support long term asset viability, Rent Supplement programs with private landlords to provide affordable accommodation to eligible low and moderate-income households, Housing Allowance program to qualifying low income households, as well as developing, implementing and evaluating housing policy to address municipal requirements.

You are responsible for facilitating the implementation of financial policies, procedures and best practices related to social housing programs. You: monitor financial performance and compliance with financial and service level guidelines and procedures; perform financial audits/reviews; reconcile Annual Information Returns; liaise with housing provider staff, housing boards, auditors and other government agencies; conduct business case, consolidation and portfolio analysis; prepare Capital and Operating Budgets; administer and monitor financial reporting requirements and related systems capabilities; improve internal controls; and provide input regarding upgrades/modifications to existing systems to meet evolving need.

You also coordinate the activities of assigned staff, and provide day-to-day financial management support to program administrators, city management and staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in Business, Commerce, or a related field with demonstrated abilities in financial management

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, budgets or accounting

Experience in administering financial component of social housing programs

Two to three years of supervisory experience is an asset

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• City of Ottawa organization, financial policies and procedures (i.e. Corporate Policy Manual)
• Generally accepted accounting  and auditing standards
• Housing policy guidelines and relevant legislation, e.g. Housing Services Act,  Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
• Understanding of legislated funding rules applicable to various Social Housing programs
• Current Social Housing Issues
• Knowledge of the Social Housing providers’ business line(s)/client base, operational priorities and direction
• Housing Branch’s inter-relationship with the City in order to participate in operating and capital budgets/works, contracting, financial analyses and reporting activities;
• Understanding of corporate information management systems including financial budgeting, tracking, accounting and reporting; SAP-HR; SHAMIS; departmental project, assets, and maintenance management systems and their interfaces Internal financial controls and processes;
• Contracting processes
• Funding programs available to the City from other levels of government
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Able to work independently, with minimum supervision, and collaboratively with all staff as part of a team
• Provide functional supervision to other assigned employees, schedule and coordinate work activities and provide instructions/guidance
• Analyze financial statements and Annual Information Returns
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with housing providers and auditors
• Provide advice, guidance, direction and effective leadership
• Interpret relevant legislation and policies
• Write clearly, concisely and accurately
• Communicate effectively with others, clarifying ideas and ensuring they are understood
• Counsel and resolve problems/issues
• Conduct financial compliance audits/reviews
• Respond to multiple and often conflicting requests from staff and clients, including providing on-the-spot reports and explanations to management in preparation for urgent/ad hoc meetings;
• Identify financial tracking reporting requirements and provide user input to systems enhancements, as required;
• Use corporate financial systems (SAP, SHAMIS) and a variety of software applications (spreadsheets, databases, word processing, etc).
• Attention to detail;
• Excellent time management, organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Flexible and adaptable to change;
• Possess strong client service capabilities;
• Able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy;
• Able to exercise discretion and confidentiality.