Manager, Financial Planning and Operations

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Financial Planning - Department Unit, the Manager, Financial Planning and Operations is accountable for overseeing the provision of budget management and financial services provided by the Divisional Budget Analysts (DBAs) to the department. This position provides supports and guidance to the DBA's, providing financial expertise in the management and administration of the department/entities' finances.

This position was newly created as part of the Health System Refocusing priority and the Health re-structuring. Four additional divisions and two new entities have/will be created where financial support is required for these new expanded areas. In order to adequately support the extension of work, this reclassification is required for effective leadership, management and coordination of the Divisional Budget Analysts (DBA) to ensure a consistent approach in how budgeting and forecasting is supported across the Ministry and the new entities. With this position, it will help to ensure the three-year budget is published with accuracy, forecasting and financial analytics is provided and the financial results can be accurately aligned/measured against actuals as identified in the department business plan.

Role Responsibilities Continued

The Manager, Financial Planning and Operations will be accountable for the following key activities:

• Budgeting and Fiscal Planning- Provide leadership and direction to the team of Divisional Budget Analysts for the development and preparation of the annual budget to ensure resources are best aligned and appropriately managed. Ensure divisions have the appropriate financial information to address priorities identified in the Ministry's business plan.
• Forecasting- Lead and assist Financial planning staff with the preparation of forecasts documents and processes. Respond to questions and follow-up on forecast inquiries from DBA’s, program staff and the corporate financial planning area. Develop and maintain processes and systems to track division spending and vacancy management (including reporting on filled positions and status of vacancy recruitment) to ensure targets are meet.
• Financial and Grant Administration- Provide advice in the interpretation of financial and accounting policies, legislation, guidelines, and directives. Ensure compliance and uniform application of accounting principles and practices. Develop procedures in order to collect financial information as required. Ensure grants are administered according to department policies and procedures. Work with the Financial Policy and Operations Unit on any ad-hoc grant information requests.
• Communications- This position interacts with staff throughout the Department, with an emphasis on providing advice and guidance to forecast preparers, program managers, and senior and executive managers to support decisions relating to financial and budget matters. Effectively communicate with branch management, budget analysts, and program area contacts. Provide advice and input on budget financial administration matters. Assist with the development and interpretation of financial reports and briefing materials submitted to senior and executive managers as a basis for making informed decisions. Ensure all briefing notes and other materials are complete and accurate.
• Leadership- Oversees the consistent provision of high-quality financial services to the division/entity by supervising and coaching the DBA's who provide budgeting, forecasting and financial planning services to the department. Establish a working environment that is motivating and conductive to learning, creativity, and supportive of individual career paths by: Ensuring performance agreements are in place for all staff. Providing regular feedback and coaching to staff. Building and maintaining staff morale. Develop others by ensuring growth opportunities are provided to all staff including projects, cover-off, and training and development. Support staff dealing with complex issues to ensure the best outcome for the department as well as growth for staff.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf 

Systems Thinking - Understands the big picture and the impacts of Financial decisions related to funding pressures, budget decisions and the three• year fiscal plan.
Creative Problem Solving - Breaks down problems, undertakes appropriate research and investigation and draws on experience to solve problems. For example, suggesting changes to budget and forecasting processes to be more efficient and effective.
Agility - Willingness and ab1\fly to effectively work in and adapt to change. Able to modify approach to situations, encourage new ideas and solutions. Quickly adapt to changing priorities and provide Innovative solutions.
Develop Networks- Fosters positive and effective relat1OnShips with a range of stakeholders and staff internal to the Ministry and across the Government of Alberta. Able to connect and build trust, diplomatically managing relationships to bring differing perspectives together.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field and four years related experience. CPA CA CMA CGA designation

Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Assets

• Budgeting, financial administration, and financial forecasting and costing theories, techniques, and processes, including the preparation of complex financial reports.
• Experience in coordinating projects or programs, including consultation and working in teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of management principles, especially related to human resources, financial planning, information technology, and communications.
• Relevant Acts and manuals relating to budgeting and financial administration (i.e. Financial Administration Act, Government Accounting and Organization Acts, Grants Regulations, Treasury Board Minutes and Directives).

Notes

This is a full-time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Working location is ATB Place, 10025 Jasper Avenue.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications outlined in this job ad. 

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening. Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

• Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Leadership and mentorship programs.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-human-resource-directives
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreements.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca