Job Description

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Position Summary:
Reporting to the Associate Director of Budget Efficiencies, the Finance Officer plays a key role in providing expert financial guidance and support to all James Shared Services Team (JSST) clients. This position is integral to ensuring sound financial management across multiple units, delivering insightful analysis and recommendations that align with the University's mission, priorities, and long-term goals.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide key financial analysis, advice and recommendations that support the University's strategic priorities, including but not limited to budget analysis, financial analysis, preparation of financial reports and statements, and historic spending analysis.
Identify opportunities for improvement and lead projects or initiatives to enhance existing processes, while contributing to the development of new processes and guidelines aligned with the University's objectives.
Verify and ensure all operations are executed efficiently and in compliance with University's regulations.
Advise and work closely with all stakeholders to forecast multi-year spending plans, develop departmental budgets and monitor expenditures. Conduct regular variance analyses, prepare financial reports and budget updates, and provide ongoing guidance on financial matters through regular meetings.
Act as an active financial partner in annual budget development and forecasting exercises, ensuring proper financial maintenance of funds for all clients. Advise on optimal allocation of funds and assist in the yearly forecasting exercise in consultation with the Budget Office.
Analyse and reconcile funds and payroll transactions to ensure compliance, fund availability and data accuracy.
Organize and deliver training and assistance to departments on budgeting, financial procedures, and financial policies with respect to financial systems.
Approve transactions when required. (McGill Market Place, Advances & Expense Reimbursements, Workday, etc.)
Serve as a backup to the Financial Administrator.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of accounting and financial management principles with the ability to administer funds and prepare detailed budgets.

• Excellent customer service skills with an ability to establish productive working relationships.

• Ability to train and coach supporting staff with a view to accomplishing joint initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and take initiative with a high degree of flexibility in managing multiple assignments.

• Experience in preparing comprehensive financial statements, preparing reports for auditors, working with complex formulas, and preparing detailed professional reports.

• Advanced proficiency in a computerized environment, in particular applications such as spreadsheets, databases, word processing software, Banner FIS, Crystal reports and Workday.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proven organizational skills, ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.

• Proven success in facilitating and maintaining strong, consistent, and positive communications with a diverse audience. Strong written and verbal communication skills in both French and English.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click .
Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience with Bachelor's Degree /
Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 05) $71,890.00 - $89,860.00 - $107,830.00
Job Profile: MPEX-FIN2B - Accounting - Professional 2
Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor: Associate Director, Budget Efficiencies
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply: 2025-12-01
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, .

Skills Required