Economist

About the Role

Reporting to the Supervisor, Corporate Capital Budgeting, this role provides advanced financial, policy, and analytical support for the Region’s long‑term capital planning and budgeting.

This role supports 10‑year capital plan development and review, asset management alignment, and fiscal sustainability objectives. It delivers data‑driven insights, develops financial models, and supports corporate decision‑making through comprehensive analysis of financial risks, funding strategies, and economic conditions. It also contributes to the development of annual and multi‑year budgets, corporate financial reporting, and continuous improvement of budgeting processes across a complex, multi‑divisional municipal environment.

• Support coordination and delivery of the annual and multi‑year budget process, including support and guidance to client departments.
• Analyze capital program affordability, financing strategies, and lifecycle impacts to inform senior leadership decision‑making. Perform in‑year capital variance analysis, identifying risks, trends, and mitigation strategies.
• Conduct research on municipal finance best practices, economic indicators, and legislative frameworks affecting capital planning and budgeting.
• Assess financial implications of corporate initiatives, infrastructure investments, and growth‑related pressures and provide evidence‑based policy analysis, recommendations, and briefing materials for senior management and Council.
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, presentations, and Council‑facing materials with clear financial narratives and recommendations.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and visualizations to communicate complex financial data clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and best practices in budgeting and financial planning.
• Collaborate with line departments and within Finance to improve data integrity, forecasting accuracy, and integration across systems.
• Contribute to special projects, cross‑functional initiatives, and corporate financial strategy development.
• Ensure information is accurate and provided on a timely basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

• Successful completion of a Masters Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Mathematics, or a related discipline or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one (1) year experience in a large multi‑divisional organization including experience in research, analysis, budgets, economic indicators, and project management.
• Demonstrated understanding of computerized economic and financial forecasting models incorporating econometric analysis such as multiple and non‑linear regression methods or computer programming.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, guidelines, procedures, standards and legislation.
• Knowledge of financial and economic principles and practices.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications with advanced knowledge of spreadsheets, database, presentation and word processing software.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer services, communication, teamwork, initiative/self‑management, accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program – Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS).
• Employer of Choice – Recognized as the highest‑ranking government employer in Canada.
• Benefits and Wellness – Employee health care spending account, 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program, corporate discounts and purchase plans.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce – Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.