General Manager, Finance - City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Why Guelph:

As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What we offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

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

Position Overview:

This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking individual who thrives in a collaborative, innovative, and community-focused environment.

Key duties and responsibilities

Financial Oversight:

• Develop, implement, manage, and monitor the City’s financial strategies, policies, and procedures to support organizational goals.
• Oversee the preparation and administration of the City’s multi-year budget process, ensuring alignment with Mayoral direction, legislative requirements, and the strategic plan.
• Oversee the City's financial reporting and internal control environment, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal regulations.
• Ensure effective treasury and cash management practices to optimize the City's financial resources, inclusive of investment, debt, and reserve management strategies.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote accountability and fiscal stewardship.
• Review and approve financial implication language in all staff reports to Council.

Strategic Leadership:

• Act to advance public trust in government through responsive and clearly communicated financial strategy and process to Council and the community.
• Develop and nurture a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and motivating for staff, where engaged employees are enabled to deliver high quality public service and grow their careers with the City.
• Provide financial guidance and advice to Council, the CAO and Executive Team on all financial related issues.
• Monitor and respond to externalities impacting the City’s financial position from both an opportunities and risk management perspective, providing advice and leadership through necessary change.
• Strategically lead and represent the City in financial negotiations with partners, developers, other levels of government and any other organization or group that is warranted.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders including members of council, senior management, staff, external agencies, and the public.
• Cultivate a culture of performance, accountability, and innovation to empower staff to deliver excellent service to internal customers, and the City’s residents and businesses.
• Elevate internal communication and awareness of corporate finance process and strategy, creating common understanding and improved customer experience.

Department Management, Performance Monitoring and Measurement:

• Establish the long-term strategic direction for the department consistent with the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and the service area business direction.
• Establish the annual work plan and business plans for the department and for staff and evaluate performance; monitor results and provide coaching, training and development opportunities as needed.
• Consolidate and review departmental annual work plans and capital and operating budgets for the department with recommendations to the CAO.
• Monitor the department’s metrics against established departmental key performance indicators and industry best practices and initiate corrective action as required.
• Act as the primary liaison, responding verbally and in writing regarding questions and issue management related to the department’s service delivery from members of Council, media, other staff, departments, and customers.
• Recommend staff reports and presentations to the CAO, communicating information and recommending program changes.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the Finance department.
• Ensure the effective and efficient operation of the department and explore opportunities to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
• Provide leadership to staff within the department by fostering positive relationships; establish objectives and evaluate performance of department managers; measure and monitor results, develop realistic workplans and provide coaching, training and development opportunities as needed.
• Collaborate with other leaders in the organization to ensure that the activities and programs of the department align with corporate priorities and interdepartmental staff capacity to deliver.

• A University Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CPA designation (Chartered Professional Accountant) is required.
• 6-8 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance, public administration, or a similar setting, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Excellent knowledge of municipal finance legislation, policies, and procedures, including the Municipal Act and other relevant regulations.
• Experience leading highly engaged, diverse, and innovative teams focused on achieving strategic business objectives through collaboration, learning, continuous improvement, change management and technology.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including employees, leaders, Council, external partners/stakeholders, and the general public.
• Highly developed analytical, business planning, and project management skills, with a proven track record for long-term visioning, strategic planning and ability to execute business plans.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and service delivery.
• Demonstrated political acumen, professionalism, and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Effective problem-solving abilities along with negotiation, mediation and dispute resolution skills.
• Proficiency in financial management systems and software.
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, credentials, and experience may be considered.

Hours of work

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).

Pay/Salary

Non-Union Grade 11: $166,129.60 to $207,662.00

How to apply

Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by February 3, 2025. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.

If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.