The Financial Controls and Communications Analyst is accountable to the Associate Director, Audit and Communications for the execution of activities relating to the review of transactions and processes to ensure controls are adequate, effective, and in compliance with published guidelines and procedures. The role also assists in the development, documentation, testing and communication of financial policies and procedures to ensure they are well understood and followed.
Responsibilities
Execute a university-wide internal control review plan
- Document business processes and internal controls within financial business cycles, identifying control gaps, and working with the business cycle stream leads to address them
- Perform or assist in analysis of specific financial data to help identify trends or patterns that could be indicative of fraudulent activities
- Coordinate post reviews of financial transactions (i.e. bank deposits, P-Card, reimbursement claims, etc.) to ensure processes are followed, identify control improvements, and evaluate compliance with internal policies and procedures and with external statutes and regulations
- Prepare review findings and recommendations for communication to the University community
Provide guidance on developing appropriate financial policies and procedures
- Collaborate with other individuals within Finance and elsewhere to develop financial and business policies and procedures in a standard electronic format that provides accessibility, consistency and clarity to the University community
- Review financial business practices and processes, including segregation of duties and security access, recommending improvements, as required
- Communicate new and/or revised policies and procedures to the University community, including periodically acting as liaison between Finance and those with financial accountabilities and responsibilities across campus
Develop and deliver communication and training programs to the University community
- In collaboration with the functional areas within Finance, develop manuals and training materials for financial processes and systems
- Develop training sessions for University staff and faculty on financial and business practices, as required
- Assist in the preparation and distribution of various communications throughout the year, including drafting year-end memos and instructions, systems upgrade information, new initiatives and developments and other relevant information
Other
- Participate as a functional and controls expert representative in system upgrade and testing project teams
- Participate in other department projects as required
- Act as a member of the management team responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction of the Finance department
Qualifications
- University undergraduate degree
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in an accounting/finance-related environment
- Extensive experience in an enterprise wide computerized accounting environment is preferred
- Broad range of auditing experience, preferably in a not-for-profit environment
- Experience in developing/documenting/evaluating internal controls
- Experience in developing and/or presenting training material is considered an asset
- Experience in managing or mentoring and coaching staff is considered an asset
- Conceptual thinker with strategic planning skills and initiative
- Superior interpersonal, communication and listening skills
- Strong analytical, technical and problem solving skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong time management skills
- In depth understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and their application to not-for-profit organizations
- High degree of discretion, judgement, sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
- Works independently with a strong work ethic
