Financial Analyst

Overview

Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, a non-profit corporation is comprised of over nineteen different funds/companies that vary in size, activity, and financial complexity. The Financial Analyst is accountable to provide financial management, accounting and advisory services to the funds and companies assigned to them. From various student services such as a million-dollar orientation effort, numerous commercial operations in food/beverage & retail, capital programs, reserve funds, Societies, e-commerce, rental programs to multi-million-dollar insurance plans, the role is responsible to provide accounting services to a variety of operations and should be ready and well skilled for any business scenario.

Reporting to the Financial Officer, the Financial Analyst will ensure accounting activity is captured on time and accurately. The role ensures compliance with GAAP, contracts and agreements, WUSA & University of Waterloo financial policies, procedures, and various tax laws and regulations (nonprofit, retail sales tax etc..). The role is responsible to oversee the full cycle accounting for the funds assigned, and ready to prepare all companies for annual audit.

Responsibilities

Provide accurate, timely and compliant financial accounting & management services and advisory:

• Administer major financial processes to ensure the efficient, accurate and timely recording and reporting of all revenues and expenses related to the funds assigned
• Ensure accounting processes are providing accurate and well-timed reporting
• Collaborate with fund administrators to assist in establishing appropriate controls, policies, and procedures to strengthen financial integrity
• Design and conduct periodic internal review of financial activities, including petty cash and safe audits
• Responsible for the timely delivery of various period end actives such as reconciliation, remittances, and filings
• Working closely with the Financial Officer, coordinate and organize annual audit requirements and submissions
• Responsible to make necessary journal entries as directed by senior management

Management and tracking of various revenue and payments:

• Manage termly student fee revenue allocation tracking, recording, and associated inter-company transfers
• Monitor bank balances and transfer between accounts as required
• Responsible for all EFT vendor payments

Oversight and reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts:

• Ensure financial balance sheet accounts and bank reconciliations are accurate, timely and GAAP-compliant, researching/resolving any issues identified
• Reconcile general ledger and sub ledger accounts to source data and systems to ensure all transactions have been accurately recorded
• Prepare monthly reports to support analysis and reconciliation of complex accounts on a timely basis
• Identify and report upon control/process deficiencies, suggesting appropriate methods to correct
• Initiate journal entries to correct noted inaccuracies
• Prepare all reconciliations and supporting documents for audit requirements in a timely manner

Aged accounts payable and receivable:

• Oversee aged accounts payable report to ensure that liabilities are properly recorded and reconciled
• Generate monthly reporting on overdue receivables and following up in a timely manner
• Reconcile vendor and customer statements against financial system records
• Contribute to organizational policies and procedures that ensure timely and accurate payments

Collaboration and People Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day activity and assignments of the assigned staff member(s)
• Manage the hiring, development and performance of staff and provide strategic direction to the team member(s)
• Promote opportunities for training and professional development, through goal setting and support
• Hold employees accountable for performance through informal methods, such as regular feedback and coaching, as well as the formal performance appraisal process

Professional Development:

• Maintain a current awareness of developments in accounting, best business practices, as well as government and University policies and procedures, to apply sound professional judgement and recommend improvements
• Participates in WUSA and campus committees or special events as opportunities present

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in commerce, economics, accounting required
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation (Canada) is preferred
• Minimum 5 years’ progressive experience in an accounting/finance related role managing diverse and complex operating portfolio preferably in institutional, educational, or healthcare setting
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience
• Not for profit experience and/or post-secondary experience an asset
• Experience within an enterprise-wide computerized accounting environment
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Using and maintaining complex ERP systems
• Superior skills in Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and supporting wide range of users and clients
• Ability to work independently with exceptional attention to detail and strong work ethic
• Individual must be able to manage concurrent assignments and prioritize workload to meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to exercise prudent judgement, make decisions, and maintain high level of confidentiality
• Sound knowledge in controlling/monitoring expenditures and revenue
• Proven financial management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizations skills
• Knowledge of Not-for-profit corporate tax/accounting laws would be an asset

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources athrhelp@uwaterloo.caor 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.