Department: Student and Ancillary Services
Job Type: Continuing
Full time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year)
Campus: Waterloo
Reports to: The respective Manager in Budget & Planning (Faculty, Shared Service or Ancillary)
Employee Group: WLUSA

Requisition ID: 11656

Position Summary

The Financial Analyst’s (FA) primary responsibility is to provide lead financial support and subject matter expertise for the client groups they support. The FA delivers accurate and timely financial support and analysis to client units through reporting, information dissemination, and recommendations on budgeting and financial strategies.

The FA acts as the liaison between client groups and Financial Resources to ensure compliance with financial management policies, procedures, and external governance, and provides financial support on university‑wide special projects or initiatives.

Accountabilities

- Creates, presents and interprets financial reporting to client group senior leaders on a regular basis
- Develops custom reporting and budget information to support faculty, management and staff’s specific requirements
- Prepares mandatory external reporting to government funding agencies to ensure regulatory compliance
- Collaborates with various units and individuals across the university to support effective reporting and analysis for internal and external audiences

Forecasting & Analysis

- Analyzes year‑over‑year trends
- Compares budgets to actual spending and forecasts year‑end results
- Coordinates and prepares multi‑year forecasts
- Analyzes non‑operating units for profitability
- Analyses and presents options to meet financial challenges
- Supports month‑end/year‑end completion 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 purposes
- Completes budget planning documents required by Central Financial and ensures accuracy of budget data in the ERP system
- Attends budget planning meetings to review prior year challenges and the upcoming financial landscape
- Provides cost modelling information for operating and non‑operating initiatives




- Prepares business cases and cost analysis as required

Information Dissemination and Training

- Attends Financial Resources and Budget & Planning meetings to exchange information and collaborate on projects and initiatives
- Attends client group meetings to align priorities between client group 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, collective agreements and budget model allocations (e.g., RCM budget model)
- Provides technical training on an individual basis 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 analysis as required
- Leads and/or participates in continuous improvement initiatives

Advising

- Provides advice to client groups on financial implications of budget targets, restructuring and new operating initiatives
- Assists with internal process implementation related to financial requirements and mandated financial objectives (e.g., cost containment initiatives)
- Supports the establishment of reconciliation methods
- Guides cash handling procedures, registration for events and conferences
- Advises on budget and financial planning matters, policies, procedures and accounting practices

Qualifications

- 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, Power Point) and ERP systems
- Knowledge of Millennium, Banner, Cognos is an asset
- Self‑motivated, goal‑oriented individual capable of working in a dynamic and challenging environment
- Excellent communication, problem‑solving,



time management and interpersonal skills with a focus on exceptional customer service in a team environment

This position has not been deemed eligible for educational equivalencies.

Hours of Work

This is a full‑time, continuing position. Normal hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours, including evening and/or weekend work, may be required. The manager will adjust the schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week if possible.

The position is eligible for a adaptable work arrangement, and all arrangements must be approved by the direct manager. In‑person attendance for events, as required to meet operational needs, is expected.

Compensation

Level: F

Hiring salary range posted: $47.26 to $49.97 per hour with an annual step progression on the anniversary date up to $54.01 per hour.

Considerations for new‑hire step placements include qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, have disabilities, or belong to any minority sexual and gender identities.
Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity‑deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility.

We have strived to make our application process accessible; if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources.

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📌 Financial Analyst (Ottawa)
🏢 Wilfrid Laurier University
📍 Ottawa