Senior Manager, Budget, Business services and Financial strategies

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Budgets, Business Planning & Financial Strategy leads a high-performing team providing strategic financial support across all City divisions. This role reports to the Director, Finance and Deputy Treasurer and leads the development and execution of business planning, operating and capital budgeting, reserves and reserve fund management, financial systems optimization, and grants administration. The incumbent serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, driving financial sustainability, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enabling informed decision-making aligned with the City’s long-term strategic goals. Through proactive leadership and collaboration, this role enhances operational efficiency, strengthens financial governance, and advances the City's commitment to fiscal responsibility and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Business Planning & Budget Management

• Direct the development and coordination of the City’s 4-year operating and 10-year capital budgets.
• Provide strategic guidance on business planning processes and budget directions.
• Lead budget monitoring, variance analysis, and capital funding adjustments.
• Ensure alignment with Council priorities and corporate financial strategies.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to three direct reports: Manager, Business Services; Manager, Business Planning and Budget; and Manager, Financial Strategies.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide mentorship, and support professional development for direct reports.
• Ensure alignment of departmental goals and initiatives with the City's financial strategy and corporate objectives.
• Foster collaboration among managers to ensure integrated financial planning and seamless service delivery across divisions.

Reserves & Reserve Fund Strategy

• Develop and implement strategies for the effective management of reserves and reserve funds.
• Collaborate with Treasury Services to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Provide analysis and recommendations on reserve utilization and replenishment.

Grants Administration & External Funding

• Oversee identification, application, and reporting for federal, provincial, and other external funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and optimize funding opportunities for City initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Finance, Commerce, Business Administration or Economics and a professional accounting designation (CPA - CMA, CGA or CA).
• 7+ years of related experience in business planning and budgeting, with advanced knowledge of municipal budgeting, accounting standards, and financial systems. Government or municipal experience is considered an asset.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years experience in a supervisory or managerial position.
• Excellent strategic, analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional communication (verbal and written), negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with people and motivate and direct staff in a team environment.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Political acuity and understanding of municipal governance and policy frameworks.