Financial Analyst

Role overview

The City of Guelph is seeking a Financial Analyst to join the Budget Services team in the Finance department, reporting to the Manager, Budget Services. In this role, you will support an assigned portfolio of work by providing financial analysis, guidance, and operational support. The portfolio may involve partnering with specific departments on all finance-related matters, contributing to corporate finance functions, or a mix of both. Responsibilities may evolve as organizational priorities change, giving you exposure to a wider range of municipal finance work.

This opportunity is part of a larger municipal organization of more than 2,000 employees committed to an inclusive, connected, and sustainable community. The City values integrity, service, inclusion, wellness, and learning, and the role supports those priorities through strong financial stewardship and collaboration.

Work location and schedule

The position is based at City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario. The work arrangement is hybrid. Standard hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Evening meetings and other scheduling flexibility may be required to support departmental needs. Off-site meeting attendance may also be necessary.

Key duties

The Financial Analyst will contribute across budgeting, forecasting, reporting, advisory support, system improvement, and corporate finance activities.

• Support operating and capital budget preparation in line with financial policies, reserve strategies, and accounting structures.
• Draft budget materials and financial presentations when needed.
• Assist with multi-year forecasts connected to the Strategic Plan and department business plans.
• Analyze and advise on items such as user fees, revenues, growth funding, grants, reserves, and reserve funds.
• Monitor financial performance through variance analysis, capital spending reviews, and interim reporting.
• Prepare and record journal entries, including accruals, reserve funding, and reallocations.
• Evaluate the financial impact of legislative changes and suggest operational or financial enhancements.
• Support grant applications and prepare financial claim submissions.
• Represent Finance on development-related projects, studies, master plans, business cases, and costing initiatives.
• Serve as the main finance contact for assigned departments and maintain regular communication on financial matters.
• Build a strong understanding of departmental operations, strategic priorities, and evolving financial requirements.
• Attend departmental management meetings and provide ongoing guidance on financial issues.
• Review the financial effects of legislation, Council reports, and Committee reports, and escalate unusual impacts to the Manager.
• Recommend improvements to financial systems, revenue collection processes, and related policies.
• Help document processes and use technology to improve efficiency.
• Contribute to financial policy work and assess implications of legislative updates.
• Deliver training to departments on financial, asset maintenance, and budgeting systems.
• Take part in Finance team meetings and stay informed about corporate and departmental finance initiatives.
• Assist with special projects, corporate finance duties, and other related work as assigned.

Qualifications and experience

The preferred background includes post-secondary study in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline, or a professional accounting designation, along with substantial experience in a financial planning role, ideally in the public sector. A comparable mix of education and experience may also be accepted.

Applicants should bring strong analytical, organizational, project management, and report-writing capabilities, along with the ability to build effective working relationships across a diverse stakeholder group. Experience with financial reporting systems such as JD Edwards or FMW is important, as are advanced Microsoft Office skills, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency with data querying and analysis tools is also expected. The role requires the ability to work independently, manage priorities under strict deadlines, and attend meetings at off-site locations when needed.

Compensation and employment details

This is a permanent position with one current vacancy. The salary range is $86,457.28 to $108,071.60. The role is non-union.

Benefits and workplace support

The City offers competitive pay and a broad benefits package for eligible employees. Available benefits may include paid vacation that increases with service, paid personal days, hybrid and flexible work options, a defined benefit pension plan through OMERS with full employer matching, extended health and dental coverage with a Health Care Spending Account, an Employee and Family Assistance Program, parental leave top-up, learning and development support including tuition assistance, and employee recognition programs.

Hiring process and policy notices

Applications are accepted through the City’s online application system. The posting remains open until the role is filled. Candidates who interview for this position will be informed of the hiring outcome within 45 days of the interview, and notices may be delivered in writing or by technology.

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation under applicable Ontario laws, including the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Personal information gathered during recruitment will be used only to assess employment eligibility. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.