Director of Financial Services

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Financial Services is responsible for all legislated duties of the Treasurer and the financial management of the Municipality of Lambton Shores. The Director of Financial Services will manage the financial planning, management of municipal funds, trusts, asset management, and capital financing and the operations as they relate to information technology systems, purchasing, insurance and risk management. Responsible for management of the annual audit and preparation of financial statements and reports.

Primary Duties:

• Manages all direct reports in terms of strategic directions, department priorities, and ensuring effective staff planning and utilization.
• Performs the statutory duties of the Treasurer under the Municipal Act.
• Develops and prepares annual operating and capital budgets in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team and presents the overall budget to Council.
• Monitors the performance and administration of approved budgets.
• Assist the CAO in advising Council and Committees on financial matters including the feasibility, desirability and cost of proposed programs, policies and by-laws. Ensures that Council is provided with options on proposals to facilitate quality policy decision-making.
• Prepares reports to Council on various activities and financial matters, and reviews Department Head reports in relation to financial impact.
• Calculate and recommend the annual tax rate based on the approved budget.
• Develops and manages effective financial and cash management systems, protecting the Municipality’s financial liquidity and credit standing through correct accounting controls, investments and debt management procedures.
• Collaborate with the CAO and Human Resources on matters of recruitment, training, performance management and discipline of staff.
• Participates in the municipal health and safety programs, providing job specific training including awareness of job hazards and instructions on methods of control.
• Develops, recommends, coordinates and administers strategic department policies, procedures, and standards specific to the department.
• Develops and recommends short- and long-term financial strategies to address financial objectives of the Corporation; leading and participating in the update of financial bylaws, and the development and implementation of financial plans and regular monitoring and analysis of the same.
• Provide advice to CAO on the state of the Municipality’s finances and on actions required to meet the Municipality’s financial obligations and objectives.
• Prepares monthly financial statements including necessary journal entries for department heads, quarterly statements for Council reporting on operating performance noting variances and providing follow up as required.
• Prepare financial statements and reports, as required by provincial agencies including the Financial Information Return.
• Manage the administration of development charges and utility fees, while providing oversight of utility billing.
• Reconciles and maintains carry forward financial information – balance sheet accounts.
• Coordinates research and oversees the completion and submission of Federal and Provincial grant/funding opportunities that would benefit the Municipality.
• Ensures that cash, receipts, billings, grants etc. are collected/received and accounted for in accordance with procedures and controls.
• Directs staff on all accounting systems including preparation of the general ledger and receivables, payables and payroll/benefits.
• Invests municipal funds, based on Council policy and direction.
• Monitors the purchasing function; ensures that equitable and effective tendering procedures are observed.
• Exercise general direction over the Finance Department and collaborate with other Department Heads to ensure a high level of communication and coordination between departments on policy and operational issues.
• Manage all contracts which are the responsibility of the Finance Department.
• Actively participates and acts as a key resource at required Committee and Council meetings; addressing questions, concerns and support staff recommendations.
• Lead and manage strategic and capital projects and initiatives.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Corporate Information Technology Systems, overseeing the implementation of changes as appropriate.
• Ensures adequate resources, training and guidance are provided to system users.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight related to insurance and risk management.
• Acts as CAO, in the absence of the CAO, from time to time.
• Carries out other related duties as assigned by the CAO.

Education Requirements, Experience and Skills:

• Post secondary degree in Accounting or Finance Certification as a Chartered Professional Accountant - CPA Designation.
• A minimum of ten years in delivery of services relevant to the department, with a minimum of five years’ experience in a management capacity.
• Municipal Tax Administration Program or Municipal Accounting and Finance Program is an asset.
• AMCTO designation(s) or willingness to complete.
• Municipal Management Certification an asset.
• Strong ability to establish and assign priorities to staff.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Municipal Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, etc.
• Highly developed organizational and analytical skills
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and management skills
• Proficient use of computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, accounting software, etc.