Operational Financial Data Lead

Role Responsibilities

If you are a data-driven leader who thrives in complex operational environments, this role offers the opportunity to lead financial data work that informs strategic decision-making across Alberta’s post-secondary system.

The Data Management and Governance (DMG) unit is responsible for the collection, stewardship, and governance of the Department’s major administrative datasets. The unit develops and delivers high-quality data and data products to government, stakeholders, and the public, while advancing enterprise-wide data management and governance practices.

As Operational Financial Data Lead, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of assigned data from design to use including metadata and quality standards, security and privacy, collection, validation, reporting, and analysis. As the subject matter expert, you will provide authoritative guidance on all aspects of their data, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and addressing data-related issues in collaboration with colleagues and clients.

Working closely with policy and research professionals, you will support accountability, post-secondary research, and the development of performance metrics across institutional, provincial, national, and international levels. You will also provide advice on data design, collection, and stewardship practices across government, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and policy development.

A strong understanding of the Tuition and Fees Regulation, the Protection of Privacy Act, and the Post-Secondary Learning Act is required.

As Operational Financial Data Lead, you will be accountable for, but not limited to:

• Ensure operational financial data and tuition data are relevant, standardized, accessible, and usable
• Provide expert advice
• Guide data system development, enhancement, and maintenance
• Build strong stakeholder relationships
• Support the Department's data management and governance efforts

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

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 - Demonstrates strong awareness of diverse stakeholder needs in data management, integrating business, technical, and enterprise perspectives while anticipating the broader impacts of data-related changes.

Creative Problem Solving - Asks insightful questions to deepen understanding of human, business, and IT contexts, while driving innovation by identifying opportunities to improve processes and automate where appropriate.

Drive for Results - Focuses on delivering outcomes from data work by planning for key deliverables and identifying opportunities to add value.

Develop Networks - Builds strong partnerships with business and IT stakeholders to understand needs and constraints, ensuring a focus on meaningful data outcomes.

Qualifications

University graduation in Accounting, Finance or in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education

Assets:

Preference will be given to applicants possessing or pursuing an accounting designation.

Experience with the following will be considered assets:

Working with:

• AI tools for financial analysis
• Power BI dashboards
• Developers to build or fix data systems
• Regulatory compliance
• Alberta’s adult learning system

The position requires strong knowledge in the following areas: 

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Strong knowledge of data analysis, reporting, and trend identification.
• Experience using analytical and reporting tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power Query, and Power BI.
• Ability to interpret complex data, identify trends and anomalies, and provide meaningful insights to support decision-making.
• Ability to communicate analytical findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Data management

• Understanding of data management and governance principles and best practices.
• Experience working with large datasets, reporting systems, and information management tools.
• Knowledge of data documentation practices, including business definitions, data dictionaries, and reporting standards.
• Strong knowledge of data validation and data quality assurance.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

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

Notes

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

The position location is Edmonton.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required.

As part of the selection process, shortlisted applicants may be required to complete a written assignment as part of the interview process.

The final candidate may undergo pre-employment checks and reference checks.

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.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.