FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this function is to coordinate the planning, implementation, and ongoing use of various financial and management information systems that support the business and reporting needs of the Ministry.  This includes the Ministry’s use of the government-wide IMAGIS system and well as legacy systems unique to the Ministry.

Typical activities include:

System Development/Enhancement – identify and prioritize business requirements and/or operational improvements; establish data management controls and procedures; test system and reporting features; develop procedural and training manuals; and train system users.   This includes supporting cross-government best practice initiatives and systems to manage Federal-Provincial Agreements.

System Administration – create and maintain various system tables, chartfields, and interfaces to support the operation of financial systems; maintain user security; troubleshoot operational problems; and communicate production information to users; maintain desktop changes.

System Control – evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls relating to financial transactions; perform risk assessments; review security access for functional responsibilities; and recommend/coordinate improvements.

Reporting – generate regular financial reports for users and program managers; assist users in creating and generating customized reports; and troubleshoot problems.

POSITIONS

CLIENTS

• Users of Ministry and government wide financial information systems

EXPERTISE REQUIRED

Manager / Senior Manager:

• Strong technical knowledge of financial systems policies and legislation.
  
   
• Strong understanding of organizational programs and issues and can provide advice and direction on financial issues and program development.
  
  
• Strategic thinker that aligns actions with the organizational goals and strategies.  Makes decisions, sets priorities and develops goals on the basis of future impact on organization.
  
  
• Strong, effective communicator and can foster effective communication with others.
  
  
• Good team work and collaborative skills.  Able to facilitate and influence positive outcomes to meet organizational goals.
  
  
• Possesses strong leadership and coaching skills that can positively influence and develop people.
  
  
• Project planning skills with innovative solutions to develop win/win relationships with clients, stakeholders and organization.
  
  
• Able to optimize resources to achieve required results for the success of the organization.
  
  
• Requires professional accounting designation or equivalencies in formal education and work experience in a financial systems environment.

Finance Level 1 - 4:  (was "Financial Analyst")

• Working knowledge and experience in information processing and methodologies and techniques for system development and maintenance.  This includes requirements definition and system testing.
  
  
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary financial systems and processes.
  
  
• Strong analytical skills.
  
  
• Ability to apply knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and the Government's financial policies and controls to financial activities, particularly those that relate to revenue, receivables and financial reporting.
  
  
• Working knowledge of all IMAGIS modules with expertise in using reporting tools such as Query, nVision and Crystal.
  
  
• General knowledge of Ministry programs and services.
  
  
• Working knowledge of Ministry financial systems (e.g. land titles, motor vehicles, personal property registry, corporate registry).
  
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for consulting with clients, colleagues and management, preparing discussion and policy papers, procedure manuals and training staff.
  
  
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills for establishing effective relationships and working cooperatively with others to achieve results.
  
  
• Independent and creative problem solving and change leadership skills for planning, prioritizing and coordinating projects and activities.
  
  
• Proficient computer skills including the use of Excel, Word, PowerPoint and flowcharting software.
  
  
• A degree or diploma in business or accounting is required.  A professional accounting designation (CMA, CGA, CA) is desirable.

• Extensive knowledge of IMAGIS modules and system administrator functions.
  
  
• Experience in working with large financial systems and system development and maintenance methodologies.
  
  
• Working knowledge of Ministry's financial business processes and legacy systems.
  
  
• Knowledge of Government's financial accounting policies and procedures.
  
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for troubleshooting problems and training staff.
  
  
• Strong project and time management skills.
  
  
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and demonstrate good judgement and creative problem solving abilities.
  
  
• Proficient in use of Query, nVision and Crystal reporting as well as Word and Excel.
  
  
• Diploma or degree in business administration.  Recent coursework towards a professional accounting designation is desirable.

• Thorough knowledge of Ministry-specific and IMAGIS financial systems.
  
  
• Ability to design and utilize computer based spreadsheets to produce reports.  Must possess a strong working knowledge of Excel, nVision, Crystal and Query.
  
  
• Must be able to interpret and apply government financial policies. 
  
  
• Effective communication skills, oral and written.
  
  
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
  
  
• Strong supervisory skills, can make operational decisions as required in the day to day supervision of support staff and performance of their duties. 
  
  
• Client focused.  Meets client needs and can anticipate future needs of existing and potential clients.
  
  
• Team worker that can positively influence the way the team works together. Demonstrates good judgement by making decisions and taking actions that are beneficial to the organization, team or client.
  
  
• Effectively manages resources to achieve organizational goals. 

• Thorough knowledge of Ministry-specific and IMAGIS financial systems.
  
  
• Must have a good understanding of policies and procedures related to financial activities (accounts payable, revenue management, financial reporting).  Must be able to interpret and apply government financial policies.
  
  
• Effective communication skills, oral and written.
  
  
• Client focused, aims to meet client needs and develop an effective working relationship built on trust.
  
  
• Team worker that contributes positively by listening and accepting others’ points of view and maintains a positive outlook for the team and the organization.

UNIQUE FEATURES

• Ability to lead and/or work in an environment where change and project management activities are the norm.
  
  

• Must have a strong technical and business aptitude to identify and document program needs in order to develop system applications that result in efficiencies in meeting business needs.