Job Specification

Purpose :

To lead the provision of a full range of financial services and related reporting including financial planning, forecasting, and monitoring and controllership requirements.

To manage the development and implementation of operational processes and mechanisms for the timely and accurate reporting of the ministry's expenses and funding.

To lead the provision of expert advice regarding policies, best practices, resource management and the resolution of issues associated with the management of financial resources.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Leads the development and implementation of financial processes, reporting and tracking, business processes and procedures for organizational programs to ensure compliance with accounting principles, government/ministry financial controllership directives/policies and reporting requirements; ensures appropriate financial coordination and linkages with internal/external stakeholders (e.g., ministry branches/divisions, central agencies, other ministries) in support of consolidation and delivery of centralized services.
2. Leads the analysis of annual and multi-year expenditure tactical plans for the organization to ensure that funds are available to address commitments. Manages and coordinates ministry wide in-year financial and resources planning processes, including operating and capital planning budgets, and leads the full range of in-year financial planning.
3. Manages the review and analysis of the organization's financial management information, including proposed new/expanded programs; and leads the application of a corporate wide perspective in consolidating program forecasts.
4. Develops program monitoring tools and risk management approaches and manages and leads the analysis, consolidation, monitoring and strategic planning with respect to the program and direct operating expenses (DOE).
5. Provides strategic advice to senior ministry management/staff related to financial management processes, including proactive identification and resolution of spending and financial pressures/controls issues.
6. Leads the provision of financial advisory and support services in technically complex areas such as the analysis and identification of significant spending and cash management issues affecting transfer payments, and direct operating expenses (DOE) funding and expenditures for the organization and stakeholders.
7. Manages and supports program evaluation, and consults with ministry staff and external client groups to monitor and evaluate related programs, market conditions and/or emerging trends, developments and issues.
8. Contributes to the development, updating and refinement of program-related policies and related strategies; and ensures that Government/Ministry priorities and directions are reflected in new/revised programs or policies.
9. Develops and prepares analyses, briefing notes and ad hoc reports for the director and ministry executives related to the financial positions of the ministry. Leads/provides briefings and financial expertise and advice to the director and ministry executive regarding issues on corporate budget development, financial control, and financial reporting and recommends solutions.

Managerial Responsibilities
1. Develops and oversees ministry strategic plans in the program area and provides advice and expertise to executive levels on issues impacting the OPS and ministry service deliverables.
2. Controls financial resources and reporting, develops the multi-year budget and resource plans. Leads business, financial, and results-based planning processes for Ministry programs/operations and services.
3. Builds organizational capacity through effective human resources development by authorizing recruitment activities, labour relations management, talent management, organizational design and succession planning.
4. Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with key partners and stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate information flow and identification of issues; presents and advocates the ministry’s position at various forums.
5. Responsible for the overall compliance with legislative statutes, collective agreements, government and ministry policies, directives, guidelines and commitments related to programs and services.

Qualifications :

Not applicable.

Factors :

Knowledge :

Ministry strategic corporate directions, multi-year business and results based planning processes, and ministry service delivery models, to lead and manage a significant ministry program area, to determine program objectives and resource requirements and to ensure alignment of programs and projects with corporate strategic goals.

Government and ministry financial, administrative and procurement policies and directives to plan and manage fiscal and material resources. This includes reviewing and approving budgets, managing facilities, assets, and contract service providers, leading long range fiscal planning, providing regular financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial protocols, audit principles, directives and guidelines.

Human resources theories, principles, policies and collective agreements to develop organizational capacity which includes succession planning, talent management, organization and job design and labour relations management.

Project management principles and methodologies to oversee and guide the overall delivery of mandates and strategies.

Ministry strategic direction, business plans and service/program delivery models to ensure programs support ministry plans and directions.

Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and sound financial practices, including strategic financial planning, financial controllership and risk management principles; performance, financial and management processes and the OPS business and financial planning, reporting and strategic fiscal cycle, to manage and support financial controllership and reporting products for major province-wide programs. Professional accounting and financial management knowledge equivalent to the level of CPA designation.
Government financial planning policies, budgeting and applicable guidelines, directives and legislation, transfer payment agreements, funding policies/processes and central agency reporting requirements, to manage the delivery of related financial functions across the province; to provide strategic advice/information related to annual management processes.

Ministry and client programs, policies, strategic directions and key initiatives and services, including programs managed by the organization, to ensure that ministry branches maximize the utilization of available financial resources, and to ensure compliance with financial directives and policies..

Program Responsibility :

Responsible for the development, implementation and delivery of financial management services and reporting products to branches across the ministry; and leading the development and implementation of operational processes and mechanisms for the timely and accurate reporting of the ministry’s direct operating expenses and transfer funding to enhance financial controllership within the ministry.

Responsible for providing strategic advice and information to senior ministry management to identity options for improving the ministry’s overall financial management framework and the proactive identification/resolution of issues/risks.

Responsible for managing reviews of financial practices and procedures to assess compliance with OPS and ministry directives, policies, and procedures; and recommending changes/improvements.

Responsible for managing the identification, development and implementation of needed changes in program financial operating practices, systems and tracking mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of financial reporting and control or in response to funding policy changes/decisions, program restricting or audit reports.

Analytical Thinking :

Identifies and assesses significant spending and cash management issues and trends affecting funding, transfer payments and direct operating expenses for the organization and stakeholders; identifies the impact on program delivery; and develops appropriate recommendations.

Interprets a broad range of spending and cash flow issues and situations affecting the program to identify cross-program financial implications and other key issues; and develops appropriate solutions that take into account the impact on other programs and stakeholders.

Analyzes corporate financial reports and synthesizes complex financial information and provides briefings to ministry executives on the fiscal position of the ministry, with recommendations for best strategies to meet priorities and goals.

Anticipates and identifies business and financial related issues, performs risk assessments, and provides strategic and expert advice to senior executives on risks and mitigation, including strategies.

Anticipates client needs and prepares necessary reporting for senior management decision making.

Assesses accounting issues, trends, and requirements.

Planning / Coordinating :

Leads and manages multi-year strategic business /program/service plans including the deployment of resources (human and financial) to deliver programs and services.

Coordinates and leads the planning and implementation of organizational development and complex change initiatives for the program, service, project or initiative.

Plans and coordinates multiple deliverables with external and internal stakeholders, partners and consultants.

Plans, leads and coordinates controllership functions for the central monitoring and analysis of financial operations of major provincial programs, to ensure maximum utilization of financial resources by organization /ministry branches/divisions; and coordinates assessment of financial controllership processes/practices on behalf of the organization and across the ministry, to ensure adequacy.

Plans, designs, and provides project management and coordination throughout all phases of mid- to large-scale projects.

Provides day-to-day coordination and oversees the delivery of diversity of functions by unit staff. Manages business plan, budget, finances, staff team development and balancing work loads, quality control and improvements, and to strive for continuous improvements in Corporate performance measurements and standards.

Leadership/Guidance :

Develops, builds and leads organizational capacity through positive and values based leadership, inclusive and engaged teams, and partnerships. Frames program vision and strategy for services, programs or operations.

Determines human resources and organizational needs for optimal performance and delivery of results and alignment with ministry objectives; leads talent management and succession planning; mentors employees; sets goals and performance standards.

Exercises managerial and strategic leadership accountability and authority in the areas of organizational design, recruitment and retention, talent management, labour relations and compensation related matters.

Independence of Action :

Reports to a senior level, Director or higher and works within broad parameters and the strategic ministry/branch mandate, legislation, and strategic goals and directions.

Exercises considerable independence and judgment in the development of program/service plans including delivery/implementation to meet government and ministry strategic business objectives and priorities and in the provision of advice and recommendations to Senior Management, which is considered authoritative, and informs policy and program decisions.

Responsibilities are performed under general direction, within the mandate of the Financial Management Branch, generally accepted accounting principles, sound business practices, relevant legislation, corporate financial policies, guidelines, and directive and controllership practices.

Makes authoritative decisions and recommendations within the field of expertise.

Provides solutions to complex financial matters with limited input of multiple stakeholders and senior management.

Makes recommendations of needed changes in program financial operating practices, systems and tracking mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of financial reporting and control or in response to funding policy changes/decisions, program restricting or audit reports.

Ensures that monitoring and analysis of financial information is accurate, in ensuring the identification of significant trends (e.g. over/under spending, cash flow pressures, financial mismanagement) as well as the implications of these trends.

Interpersonal/Communication :

Consults with ministry senior management to provide strategic advice, to provide briefings and present reports, to seek guidance, and to address and resolve outstanding issues.

Communicates with divisional and branch managers and staff to provide strategic advice and tactical guidance, to obtain and provide information, to collaborate on initiatives, and to resolve issues.

Develops and maintains strong collaborative relationships and linkages with internal and external stakeholders to discuss and resolve a variety of issues associated with the management of program-managed financial resources.

Chairs or participates in task forces, committees and various work groups within the ministry, and with other ministries and stakeholders.

Physical Effort :

Most of the time is spent in an office environment with frequent opportunity to move about. Occasionally, moves/lifts light objects.

Sensory Effort :

Requires attention and concentration to review detailed financial data/information; to prepare and present comprehensive financial reports and recommendations; and identify and assess significant spending and cash management issues and trends.

Working Conditions :

Work is performed in a typical office environment.