Strategic Financial Analyst

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Finance, the Strategic Financial Analyst:

• Supports the Council’s investment portfolio by performing monthly reconciliations, managing documentation, analyzing and executing transactions with investment managers, paying invoices and preparing information for the financial statements.
• Is responsible for monitoring public sector accounting standards applicable to endowment and restricted funds, as they relate to the Council’s investment portfolio and financial reporting requirements.
• Acts as a key liaison between the Canada Council and its investment managers and the investment custodian and investment advisor, and serves as the primary point of contact for auditors where portfolio investments are involved.
• Coordinates Investment Committee meetings, including preparing documentation, taking minutes and coordinating requests between the Investment Committee and the investment advisor.
• Assists in the preparation, control and monitoring of the budget for net realized investment income, plays a key challenge function throughout the budget process, analyzes and investigates budget variances to ensure appropriate action is taken and provides financial advice to budget managers.
• Other related duties may be required and include reconciliation and analysis of various accounts required for the preparation of the financial statements.

• An undergraduate degree in commerce, accounting or finance
• A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, or progress toward obtaining a CPA designation, would be considered an asset.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in accounting or finance in government, the public sector or the private sector
• Experience in financial data analysis, investment analysis and budgeting

• Strong knowledge of accounting, budgetary control, and financial management principles, practices and analysis
• Strong knowledge of public sector accounting standards applicable to restricted funds
• Strong knowledge of financial and cost management theories, principles and general management theories and principles
• Knowledge of the budgeting and financial reporting cycle of the government of Canada
• Strong knowledge of computerized management information systems

• Excellent analytical, planning and budgeting skills
• Excellent judgement, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with various technologies
• Ability to work in and adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment

• An advanced level in reading comprehension (C)
• An intermediate level in writing (B)
• An advanced level in oral (C)