Primary Purpose
University Canada West is looking for a qualified candidate to join our Finance team. The Financial Analyst will be playing a critical role in bringing the Financial Planning and Analysis function to the next level by leading and developing new processes, building and automating management reporting, conducting comprehensive internal and external analysis, supporting the Finance team during the new CRM system implementation and actively co-piloting and navigating Senior Management with their SG&A spending. The role will partner with various stakeholders within the organization to identify inefficiencies in FP&A processes and analysis and lead continuous improvement initiatives. In addition, financial analysts will co-pilot functional heads in their ad-hoc analysis, acting as a thinking partner to help drive data-driven decisions, play an active role in the preparation of forecasting, conduct variance analysis of operating costs and revenue, and effectively communicate the results. This is a great opportunity to learn about various operations within the university, work on different projects like new CRM system implementation, see the big picture and develop business and finance acumen.
Specific Responsibilities
The Financial Analyst will, at various times, be responsible for the following as well as other related duties as assigned to support UCW's business objectives, mission, and purpose:
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Conduct comprehensive financial analysis, including variance analysis, trend analysis, cohort analysis and advanced financial modelling to support strategic decision-making.
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Lead automation and continuous optimization of regular financial reporting and models using advanced tools like Python, Power BI or others.
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Fully take ownership of conducting budget to actual variance analysis and effectively communicate the results to budget holders by proactively identifying and investigating opportunities for improvement and potential risks.
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Prepare a monthly Financial Committee package for AVP Finance that will be presented to higher management with variance analysis and commentary.
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Review the month-end results during the period close process and work closely with the financial operations team to initiate the posting of classes/adjustments and ensure revenue and cost postings are booked in line with financial policies.
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Build and maintain weekly cashflow forecasting model and provide short and long-term visibility of cash position. Improve cash flow accuracy.
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Support decision-making by providing stakeholders with timely, detailed and actionable insights and visibility on business performance.
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Develop and maintain effective relationships with business partners and cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization.
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Initiate continuous improvement activities to drive efficiency in reporting, FP&A processes and ways of working.
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Support and conduct various financial analysis activities during the implementation of the new CRM system.
Position Requirements
Competencies:
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Advanced financial modelling experience. Ability to model various financial models from scratch that have sufficient details and assumptions while also summarized in a more easy-to-read format
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Excellent technology skills with advanced knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook. The ability to bring new analytical solutions, i.e. Python or Power BI would be a huge asset
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Superior skills in working with numbers and data
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Ability to complete work in a timely manner, with strong attention to details
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Ability to think creatively, highly driven and self-motivated
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Analytic and critical thinking capability, with strong attention to detail; ability to tackle complex problems and break them down into simpler and easier to achieve targets
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Good judgment and ability to prioritize tasks/assignments
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Strong project management skills, manage competing priorities
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Ability to work under pressure and maintain a calm focus during high-volume periods
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Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate and interact with all individuals with integrity, empathy and sincerity
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Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to a change in a fast-paced environment
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Collaborative and open, partners effectively with others in the organization
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A positive attitude and customer-focused approach
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Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner
Education and Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field
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Minimum 3 years – 5 years of progressive finance, financial analysis, and reporting experience
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CPA/MBA or relevant accounting designation is an asset
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Strong financial background and expert knowledge of Excel are required
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Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including advanced knowledge of Excel
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Strong analytical, modelling, and problem-solving skills
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Financial modelling experience
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Superior written and oral communication skills
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Experience developing financial reports and metrics
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Excellent teamwork skills and collaborative nature
