Commissioner, Corporate Services/Chief Financial Officer

The Role

Provides senior-level leadership and direction for the development and implementation of strategic priorities, policies, and objectives for the Department, with overall responsibility for Divisions including: Financial Services & Development Financing; Treasury Services; Information Technology Services; as well as the Insurance & Risk Management Office. 

Makes recommendations, and provides information and advice to the Chief Administrative Officer, Regional Council, and other Regional agencies to enable timely and informed decision-making. Builds relationships within and outside the Department, and with elected officials, community stakeholders, area municipalities, and other government agencies. Models and champions the Region’s values, with a focus on understanding and meeting citizen and client needs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the Director of Financial Services & Development Financing; Director of Treasury Services; Director of Information Technology Services; Manager of Risk Management Services; and an administrative assistant. Indirectly supervises approximately 150 additional staff. 
• Directs the development and management of the Region’s financial management processes including financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring, and the development of effective control measures to protect the Region’s assets and resources. 
• Provides leadership and expertise in the development of financial and fiscal management policies that underpin sustainable long-term financial health in the areas of taxation and assessment, revenues and recoveries, accounting, budget, financial reporting, procurement, and risk management, and reviews performance against same. 
• Ensures accounting transactions are conducted with appropriate internal financial controls and are undertaken in a timely manner. 
• Oversees the control and custody of all financial records and the development and implementation of reporting processes for financial measurement purposes, including regular and internal reporting and timely preparation of periodic and year-end reports to management, Regional Council, and other stakeholders.  
• Ensures sound medium and long-term financial and information technology related plans are in place to support the development and implementation of the Region’s strategic objectives.
• As Treasurer of the Region, is responsible for applying professional good practice and for complying with all statutory and legislative requirements. Has overall responsibility to Council for the administration and monitoring of Regional expenditures and revenues. Ensures control and security systems are in place to protect Regional funds and funds held “in trust” by the Region.  
• Works with departments to provide strategic advice and assistance relating to budget and financing, and information technology requirements, in order to determine optimal strategies and also works with various stakeholders on special initiatives. 
• Serves as a member of the Waterloo Region Municipalities Insurance Pool.  
• Oversees analysis of financial implications of proposals affecting the Region emanating from other departments, Provincial and Federal governments, and other agencies; makes recommendations to Council.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Advises the Chief Administrative Officer, other department heads, and Regional Council on matters pertaining to the department’s portfolio of services.
• Participates as a member of the Corporate Leadership Team in developing and monitoring progress on the Region’s strategic priorities and initiatives, developing corporate policies, and identifying and developing responses to current and emerging needs.
• Provides senior-level leadership to the organization in areas involving vision, strategic alignment, employee engagement, change and service improvement, and leadership capacity building. 
• Directs all operations of the Department, ensuring the efficient utilization of its human, physical, and financial resources while meeting management performance standards. 
• Ensures the effective and efficient delivery of programs and services consistent with the objectives of Regional Council. Ensures effective customer service is achieved through the development and implementation of sound business plans. Initiates procedural and operational changes.
• Provides leadership in developing and monitoring progress on departmental strategic plans and major initiatives to ensure they are implemented in accordance with the Department's standards and mandates. Identifies and resolves obstacles. Guides, coaches, and mentors direct reports in same. 
• Oversees short and long range planning to effectively identify community needs and ensure sound strategies are developed to meet same. Ensures appropriate involvement of staff and the community in the development of departmental programs and policies.
• Directs the Department's administrative and financial planning, including budget recommendations to senior administration and Regional Council in accordance with departmental and Regional financial objectives. Ensures materials and equipment for the Department are purchased in accordance with budget and Regional purchasing policies, and are appropriately maintained. Has signing authority for cheque and purchase requisitions.
• Maintains contact with Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments on policy, procedures, and legislation. Represents the Region on external committees or associations as required. Mediates and negotiates conflicting interests between the Region and other parties for complex and precedent setting issues.
• Liaises with and responds to inquiries from other departments, other municipalities and levels of government/agencies, community and user groups, developers, banks, auditors, the media, and the public.
• Performs related duties, as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of management and financial accounting, including legislative processes, normally acquired through a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Commerce, or related discipline, plus significant senior management-level finance experience in a large public sector organization. A professional accounting designation (CPA) is required.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant Federal and Provincial legislation and regulations, and municipal policies, procedures, practices, and services as they pertain to local government responsibilities and interests. 
• Analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and business and financial management acumen, in order to set objectives, balance priorities, develop policy, standards, and strategies, and direct the development of financial initiatives to achieve key results, while providing oversight to the department, and its diverse businesses, services, and interests. 
• Superior public relations, negotiation, and presentation skills in order to advance priorities and balance objectives in a political environment and represent the Department as required. Ability to present issues and reports to Council and Committee, represent the organization on committees, and mediate and negotiate between conflicting interests on complex and precedent setting issues.
• Ability to plan in the short and long term effectively, and take a strategic approach to identifying and managing complex or emerging issues. Ability to monitor and improve program efficiency and effectiveness through strategic thinking, planning, priority setting, and using performance indicators. 
• Ability to support and model the Region’s values and ensure policy and standards are applied consistently. Ability to model and champion the department and corporation’s commitment to inclusion, human resources related legislation (e.g., labour relations, health and safety, pay equity, human rights code), and sound fiscal practices.
• Human relations and communication skills in order to manage, develop, and motivate staff; develop strong and constructive working relationships and participate as an effective team member; conduct presentations to a variety of audiences and respond effectively to questions from members of Regional Council, special interest groups, staff, and the media; and represent the Department in planning, economic development, and policy matters.
• Ability to write reports and recommendations on a variety of complex issues for senior management and Regional Council. Ability to develop policies, procedures, and strategic objectives to ensure compliance with legislation and meet the strategic goals of the Region. 
• Ability to keep current on emerging issues and trends, innovations, technologies, and professional leadership skills. 
• Computer skills to use software such as Microsoft Office. 
• Must provide an acceptable Police Information Check (Level 2) for bondability.
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.

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Make an impact in a thriving and dynamic community. To apply for this position, please visit: boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/2349. For more information, please email jfinless@boyden.com and state the position title in the subject line of your email.