Finance Manager

General

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position is responsible for the operational leadership of the Finance Department, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of financial processes, reporting, and compliance. This role provides direct supervision to finance staff and supports internal departments across the organization in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities. The Finance Manager leads quarterly financial reporting, oversees the audit preparation process, and ensures the maintenance of the general ledger and bank reconciliations. This position supports the CFO by providing or directing financial analysis and ensuring that financial practices align with municipal standards and legislative requirements.

All Managers are responsible for modeling, upholding, enforcing, and contributing to a workplace culture of honesty, integrity, and respect, and one that is premised on the Organization’s core purpose: providing meaningful, innovative, and efficient services to Edson residents.

Primary Responsibilities and Authority

• Support the oversight and administration of all financial services and functions including financial planning, analysis, accounting controls, taxation and assessment, budget development, investments, grant reporting, asset/inventory protection, and financial statements.
• Support the development of financial policy, controls, and systems, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Compare and analyze actual results with budgeted forecasts, monitor variances, identify trends, and recommend necessary actions.
• Lead the preparation and presentation of quarterly financial reports for Council.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing of transactions and reporting.
• Support the development and recommendation of a long-range organizational planning framework by means of 4-year operational plans, and 5-year capital plans.
• Oversee and lead the audit preparation, process and coordinate with external auditors.
• Ensure the maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger and bank accounts, with responsibilities shared between the Accounting Supervisor and Municipal Accountant.
• Lead the development and refinement of internal financial controls.
• Ensure accountability for the accuracy and integrity of departmental financial data and reporting.
• Update and maintain the Tangible Capital Assets (TCA) register and prepare TCA for the yearly audit.
• Serve as the Finance/Admin Section Chief backup in the Emergency Operations Centre during a disaster response.
• Maintain technical knowledge by attending educational workshops/webinars, and by reviewing relevant publications.
• Ensure compliance with municipal bylaws, provincial legislation, and Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) and best practices in municipal finance.
• Manage the grant agreements and deadlines to enable the preparation and submission of grant status reports.
• Assume the managerial responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in case of their absence.
• Perform tasks consistent with the position, including special projects and assignments as may be required on an ad hoc basis, and as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Human Resources, Team Management, and Leadership

• Provide outstanding leadership by modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, encouraging heart and enabling others to act.
• Create a team environment that inspires hard work, dedication, collaboration, and excellence.

• Cultivate a working environment that embodies integrity, trust, and respect.
• Train, mentor, and support staff to ensure their success and professional growth, while delegating sufficient authority to enable independent and creative completion of assignments.
• Demonstrate a commitment to building a high performing finance team while supporting a balanced lifestyle.
• Manage challenging personal and interpersonal dynamics sensitively and respectfully; respond appropriately to reports of disrespectful conduct.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, manage the hiring, terms of employment, evaluation, discipline, and termination of employees.
• Provide recommendations to the Chief Financial Officer regarding the organizational structure and staffing of the Department.

Financial and Budgetary

• Prepare and recommend annual departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Provide or direct financial analysis to support decision-making and strategic planning for the organization.
• Act as a financial liaison to other departments, providing guidance on budgeting, procurement, and financial reporting.
• Assist department managers in understanding and fulfilling their financial responsibilities.
• Support departments in adhering to procurement policies and financial compliance requirements.
• Review contracts and grant agreements for financial accuracy and reporting obligations
• Support and ensure in the development of training and documentation of financial procedures across departments
• Identify and resolve complex departmental and interdepartmental financial issues.
• Support oversight that all procurement is completed in accordance with the approved budget, the Purchasing Policy, and other legal or policy requirements.
• Support fiscal responsibility and pursue alternative funding sources (e.g. grants) wherever possible.

Health and Safety

• Model and foster a positive culture in which Health and Safety are highly valued and prioritized.
• Comply with all Town policies, work procedures, rules, safety instructions, and relevant directives in the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation, and Code.
• Promote health and safety initiatives within the department.
• Participate in workplace safety initiatives, including inspections and audits.
• Report all incidents, including near misses, to appropriate personnel.

Policy Development/Administration

• Assist and support in the development, implementation and review of financial policies and procedures.
• Recommend improvements to financial systems and workflows.
• Respect organizational and staff confidentiality.

Public Relations

• Foster positive and responsible working relationships with other government agencies, the private sector, community organizations, and residents.
• Identify and develop strategies and tangible engagement plans for building and enhancing effective relationships with stakeholders and public communication.
• Establish and maintain contacts with financial contractors or consultants.