Financial Analyst, Business Operations in Saskatoon

In support of the university’s core mission of teaching, learning and research, the financial analyst is part of the business operations team and is responsible to advise and support a variety of stakeholders on tax, financial reporting, and payment matters to ensure that institutional systems and processes meet regulatory, internal control, and policy requirements. Acting in a consultative fashion as a subject matter expert, this role coordinates, promotes and monitors institutional-level accountabilities under the direction of Business Operations and university administration.

Reporting to the Senior Tax Specialist, the financial analyst is a member of a team of professionals that provides business operations and financial advisory services to stakeholders across campus. The financial analyst ensures the university adheres to all applicable rules, regulations, university policies, and procedures. This position analyzes and advises on operational processes to ensure they meet compliance and reporting requirements. The incumbent will apply strong research skills to translate regulatory requirements to processing units. This position is expected to use their expert knowledge in the areas of accounting and tax to transfer knowledge of applicable regulations to key partners and the campus community. This role will require collaboration with a variety of stakeholders; the ability to balance interests and to foster relationships will be a key component. This position will also support the accounts receivable management process in collaboration with the research accounting team. In addition, the position will undertake other responsibilities that support the team’s compliance and reporting requirements. This position has a high-volume workload, often with competing demands, that must be effectively prioritized. Activities may include:

• Financial analysis
• Tax-related reporting
• Policy and procedure analysis
• Policy drafting
• Financial statement preparation
• Accounting receivable reporting
• Accounting review, journal voucher review and approval
• Documentation and enhancement of controls and business processes
• Assisting with variance analysis and reconciliations
• Other projects or duties which may be identified

Business Operations is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth. It should be noted this position may require working hours outside the normal work week during peak financial reporting times (quarter end and year-end), which is balanced through flexible work.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Tax-Related Oversight

• Ensure payroll processes are meeting regulatory, policy, and compliance accountabilities in collaboration with ConnectionPoint shared services team that provides these services.
• Ensure payment processes are meeting tax regulatory, policy, and compliance accountabilities in collaboration with procurement and the ConnectionPoint shared services team that provides these services.
• Ensure that required tax reporting and remittances are issued, reported, and reconciled on a timely basis including non-resident withholding tax, T4, T4A, T4ANR, NR4, GST, and PST returns.
• Execute institutional strategies under the direction of Business Operations in collaboration with other university business units.
• Supporting the reconciliation of WCB insurable payroll and forecasts.
• Provide professional advice and guidance on tax related matters, particularly as it relates to payroll, payments, taxable benefits, and application on revenue sources.
• Serve as a contact with CRA and monitor online business accounts for items requiring action.

Financial Reporting

• Support accurate accounting within key payroll and payment processes to ensure consistency with university financial reporting.
• Ensure accurate reporting and monitoring processes are in place within processing units to ensure strong financial reporting.
• Support accounts receivable management to ensure proper tracking, reconciling, and collection in the research space.
• Support other compliance and reporting activities, such as review and approval of journal vouchers.

Relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues across the institution to support successful compliance activities.
• Develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with regulatory authorities, external advisors, and key campus stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with peers to facilitate knowledge transfer and understand appropriate department roles and responsibilities to support process improvement.

Process Skills

• Develop and maintain process documents for related compliance activities.

Education: A post-secondary degree in accounting, business, or a related discipline is required; however, an equivalent combination of relevant education and practical accounting experience will also be considered. A CPA designation is considered a strong asset.

Experience: Three to five years of related experience working in a team-oriented accounting and tax environment. Experience in a highly regulated industry is an asset. Experience interpreting and translating regulations into business processes.

Skills:

• Professional knowledge in the administration of payroll taxes, non-resident withholding taxes, GST, PST, and associated reporting.
• Demonstrated self-direction through an ability to work independently, with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability to take initiative and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaborative skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to solve complex problems.
• Strong research and networking skills with the ability to analyze complex technical situations and offer meaningful solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and understand financial systems.
• Knowledge of GAAP and particularly a good understanding of fund accounting.
• Professional communication skills, including ability to prepare materials to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management.
• Self-starter and demonstrated capability to gain the respect of others, influence people of varying levels of authority in multiple organizations and elicit cooperation without direct authority.
• High level of professional skills in handling sensitive and confidential situations and information with demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues, understanding system limits and confines and working to a practical resolution.
• Expert proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience in auditing and preparing related working papers is an asset; experience in providing internal audit services is an asset.

Department: Business Operations

Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines.

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.