Financial Coordinator, Collaborative Planning & Projects

JOB SUMMARY

The Collaborative Planning & Projects team works collaboratively with all teams across Housing & Homelessness Services and other City departments to encourage integration, engagement, and alignment. The team leads and supports various projects, initiatives, and monitoring activities related to the City’s 10-Year Housing & Homelessness Strategic Plan. 

You are responsible for facilitating the implementation of financial policies, procedures and best practices related to housing & homelessness projects & programs. You: monitor financial performance and compliance with financial and service level guidelines and procedures; perform financial audits/reviews;liaise with community partners, 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 needs.

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

2-3 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 and Homelessness Service'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.