Director, Treasury Services/Deputy Treasurer

The Role

Directs the provision of corporate accounting, procurement, inventory management, treasury, vendor payment and accounts receivable services for the Region. Administers the Region’s long-term borrowing and investment programs, and provides financial, budgeting, and accounting services to client programs. Is responsible for the development of corporate financial statements and facilitating the audit of those statements. Fulfills statutory role of Deputy Treasurer per the Municipal Act.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises a Manager of Procurement & Supply Services/Chief Purchasing Officer, and Manager of Treasury Services. Indirectly supervises unionized and non-unionized staff. 
• Directs procurement services for the corporation, including development of strategies and goals. Directs processes related to and compliance with the Purchasing By-law. Provides guidance and input to processes for tenders, proposals, and quotes. Develops policy and implements changes.
• Directs the implementation of accounting changes per the Public Sector Accounting Board and other requirements. Develops and directs project plans to achieve effective and efficient financial accounting policies, procedures, processes, and systems.
• Directs accounts payable and materials management services, construction payments, letters of credit, and related services to client departments. Ensures authorization of payments, security of projects undertaken on behalf of third parties, and that appropriate controls are in place. Directs the filing and collection of sales tax and other reimbursement claims.
• Directs the operations and maintenance of corporate stores and fuel distribution systems.
• Directs the design, selection, implementation, administration, and operation of the corporate financial information system (CFIS) with user departments and Finance staff. Directs the development and ongoing review of users’ business requirements and system functionality. Directs the ongoing expansion of corporate financial system functionality. 
• Directs process efficiency improvements, automation, and artificial intelligence in Finance Divisions’ business processes. 
• Directs the corporate year-end process, including preparation of financial information returns and audited financial statements. Plans annual audits with external auditors, staff, and audit committee.
• Directs the corporation’s banking and cash management programs, ensuring banking services and rates are competitive and fulfill specified requirements. Ensures short-term borrowing needs are assessed and managed; negotiates bank contract conditions (e.g., extensions, rates, fees) for new/changed contracts; reviews documentation; makes recommendations to the CFO.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Directs and plans the corporation’s investment requirements for operating funds, reserve funds, trust funds, and sinking funds, including development and monitoring of investment policies and strategies. Reviews and approves investment documents and contracts, as appropriate. Reviews reports related to the investment portfolio for completeness and policy compliance. Directs the sinking fund program, and related annual financial and external audits. Ensures contributions to the sinking fund and interest earned by fund investments achieve actuarial requirements and are sufficient to retire related debt at maturity.
• Directs the Region’s long-term borrowing program. Initiates debenture issues to finance regional and area municipal capital programs. Communicates and resolves debt issuance matters with fiscal agents, legal counsel, and area municipalities. Reviews and approves repayment schedules, by-laws, and reports for Council. Directs debenture administration. Directs preparation of economic profiles used to market the Region’s debentures, and meets with potential investors as required. 
• Participates in the planning and direction of the Region’s budget process. Directs budgeting, accounting, financing, and financial analysis services, and support for client departments. Oversees preparation of financial implications for Procurement Reports for client departments, Committees, and Council. Directs financing plans, budget control, financial analysis and services, and resolution of financial issues. 
• Provides guidance and direction with respect to the financial administration of various service and transfer payment agreements with the provincial and federal governments to maximize funding for the Region while ensuring compliance with agreement terms. 
• Directs annual credit rating reviews, including preparation of agenda materials, resources, conducting meetings, following up on outstanding issues, and reporting results to senior staff and Council.
• Directs staff in the development and reporting of performance measures and best practices. Reviews annual calculations, provides support, and provides information at Committee meetings. 
• Ensures financial transactions conform to generally accepted accounting principles, and that financial control systems and policies are established and effective. Ensures control and security systems are in place to protect regional funds.
• Directs the accounts receivable function, including policy development (e.g., terms and conditions, special terms negotiated with problem accounts), and internal/external reporting.
• Directs travel, conference, and staff training reimbursement programs, and develops and recommends policy changes. 
• Participates in the updating, development, and implementation of the Region’s corporate financial information system. 
• Oversees and directs the corporate accounts payable process (approx. $400M annual). 
• Organizes the Division’s resources for maximum efficiency. Prepares, administers, authorizes expenditures, and monitors the Division’s budget. Has signing authority up to $500,000; and unlimited signoff for employee expenses and debenture payments. 
• Represents the Region and Division on major projects and studies. Provides expertise, advice, and assistance to all levels of staff, committees, Council, project teams, area municipalities, and interest groups. Ensures availability of financial reports, presents materials, and responds to questions at Council and committee meetings.  
• Backs up the CFO as required.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of management and financial accounting acquired through a Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., business, commerce, economics, mathematics), plus progressively responsible related management experience. 
• Must have a professional accounting designation (CPA).
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, generally accepted accounting principles, related legislation/requirements (e.g., property tax, tax ratios and capping, Public Sector Accounting Board standards, procurement by-law, provincial funding agreements, Municipal Act, Assessment Act, Canada Revenue Agency directives).   
• Ability to make decisions involving significant financial matters, property taxes, debenture issues and investments in a changing financial market. Knowledge of current issues and trends in capital markets to provide sound debt issuance and investment decisions. 
• Leadership skills to direct, develop, motivate, and support staff, and direct consultants.
• Communication, human relations, continuous improvement, facilitation, negotiation, and public relations skills to present issues and reports to Committee/Council and varied audiences, and explain complex topics so they are easily understood; and participate as an effective team member.
• Political sensitivity to work with the Regional Chair and members of Council to anticipate and understand issues of interest or concern to Council. Ability to advance priorities and balance objectives in a political environment, and obtain agreement and buy-in from Council and leaders.
• Ability to read and interpret letters and memos, financial information, Committee and Council reports, capital funding proposals, policies, procedures, case histories, legislation and regulations, tax policy studies, and professional journals. Ability to write letters, memos, and reports to committees, Council, and Area Treasurers Group regarding financial and administrative matters.
• Demonstrated commitment and understanding of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Experience, knowledge, and skill using equitable approaches to developing operational plans, service development, and delivery. Ability to apply an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and decolonization lens to identify best practice in municipal service and community engagement.
• Ability to lead transformative change in line with the vision and values of senior leadership while delivering on the expectations of an evolving workforce and regional residents. Is able to discern when to inquire, advocate, drive or resolve more decisively.
• Must provide an acceptable Police Information Check (Level 2) for bondability.
• Ability to adjust schedule or work additional hours on weekends and evenings to respond to emergencies and Councillors.
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities