Financial Analyst, Tax

In the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. Guided by the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the role of Financial Analyst – Vacant Home Tax supports the development, implementation and administration of a comprehensive Vacant Home Tax program, ensuring compliance with by‑laws and mitigating risk.

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100% employer matching
• Extended health and dental benefits, including a Health Care Spending Account
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Parental leave top‑up program
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs

• Support the development of an annual VHT program, including audit campaigns, risk assessments, appeal process, resource planning and expected outcomes.
• Identify risk areas and help develop controls and audit strategies to detect fraudulent occupancy declarations and vacant homes.
• Contribute to creating policies, procedures, tools, training materials and documentation related to the VHT program and audit process.
• Coordinate property tax requirements for VHT billing in conjunction with property tax staff.
• Stay current with legislation, regulations and best practices, implementing changes as required.

• Participate in annual audit campaigns using best‑practice methodologies, ensuring evidence sufficiency and appropriateness.
• Utilize City resources, data sets and systems to maximize audit effectiveness.
• Gather and evaluate evidence through research of property owners and the public.
• Work with other staff to assist/support in the VHT program audit reviews.
• Provide clear rationale for audit determinations and communicate results to property owners.
• Communicate effectively with property owners and external agencies, providing timely and professional responses to inquiries both orally and in writing.
• Deliver operational updates and recommendations to management, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of audit program performance and impacts.
• Prepare annual reports summarizing VHT revenue, audit program performance, identifying trends, revenue impacts, challenges and opportunities for improvement.

• Explore a transparent appeal process as part of program implementation and by‑law development.
• Provide the first review and determination of all appeals based on relevant by‑laws and statutes.

• Support compliance with the Municipal Act, Planning Act and other applicable legislation.
• Provide input and analysis to management and the public on VHT and revenue related issues tied to housing.
• Reconcile all VHT revenue and receivables.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and identify operational efficiencies.
• Perform additional tasks or special projects as assigned to support departmental and corporate objectives.

• Completion of post‑secondary education in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or Public Administration.
• Professional designation in a related field is an asset (e.g., CPA, CIA, CISA, AMCTO Diploma in Municipal Administration, MTAP through Seneca).
• Considerable experience in municipal finance, auditing, consulting or financial analysis/reporting, with a track record of designing and executing audit programs, assessing risk and ensuring compliance with legislation and by‑laws.
• Demonstrated ability to develop policies and programs, design business processes and internal controls, draft by‑laws, prepare reports and communicate audit findings and recommendations to senior leadership, council and the public.
• Knowledge of municipal taxation, development/residential pro‑forma models and financial viability assessments for housing projects.
• In‑depth understanding of the Municipal Act, Assessment…