The strength in Middlesex Centre lies with its people. Located just west of the City of London, Middlesex Centre’s rural communities and small towns make it a great place to live, work and play.

Municipality of Middlesex Centre
Employment Opportunity

Manager of Finance (Parental Leave Contract)

18-month Contract, Full-Time Position, Non-Union

Department: Corporate Services

The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is a thriving, progressive, and welcoming community. Located just west of the City of London, Middlesex Centre’s rural charm and vibrant small towns make it a great place to live, work, and play.

What makes us special? Our team!

We are supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace. We take pride in delivering the highest standard of municipal services to our community. We embrace our values of respect, cooperation, innovation, and integrity.

If you are a team player who is passionate about your work and are always looking for ways to improve and grow, then we want to hear from you.

We can offer you:

• Competitive compensation
• Optional participation in OMERS, one of the best defined-benefit pension plans in Canada
• An employee and family assistance program
• A culture that supports ongoing training and professional development.

Position Summary

The Manager of Finance oversees the day-to-day operations of property taxes, accounting, and payroll functions and assists the Treasurer in the performance of the statutory responsibilities of the Treasurer in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Municipal Act. This position plays a leadership role in the organization, overseeing the finance and customer service team members. This position and their team provide excellent financial and customer service to internal and external clients.

Property Taxes

• Performs the statutory duties of Tax Collector under the provisions of Provincial and Federal statutes and municipal by-laws by directing and overseeing the collection of current and arrears of taxes in accordance with the Municipal Act and municipal collection policies.
• Forecasts and provides financial estimates on tax related items such as assessment growth, supplementary revenue, assessment appeals, rebates and tax write offs.
• Responsible for analyzing the assessment roll to ensure protection, enhancement, consistency, and accuracy of the assessment base and take appropriate action.  Utilizes analysis tools to capture assessment growth and maximize tax levy opportunities and identifying assessments at risk and potential revenue losses due to assessment reductions and class changes.
• Develops procedures and programs relating to the taxation and assessment function.
• Processes and approves applications under the appropriate section of the Municipal Act when a ratepayer requests a reduction in taxes, prepares and mails Notice of Hearing and Notices of Decision as well as coordinates with the Assessment Review Board.
• Completes budget preparations of tax information including breakdown of assessment and calculation of tax rate and preparing associated analyses.
• Acts as a resource on tax matters for Council, other staff and the public on tax and related matters.
• Identifies properties subject to tax registration and manages the tax registration process.  Prepares and coordinates all required documentation and notification for tax registration in accordance with applicable legislation. Coordinates tax sale by public tender for properties that are not paid in full by the required deadline.

Deputy Treasurer

• To act in place of the Treasurer in their absence ensuring that all the statutory requirements in the Municipal Act are met. As appointed by bylaw, in accordance with the Ontario Municipal Act.
• Leads the annual audit, including preparation of requested documentation and assist with audit inquiries from various government departments and agencies, under the direction of the Director of Corporate Services.
• Prepares year end closing entries, preparing required statements, reports, and statistics.
• Oversees corporate wide accounts receivable and accounts payable. Oversees water, wastewater and stormwater revenue and collection and budgeting of these accounts.
• Coordinates, develops, and analyzes municipal fees and charges. Collaborate with all departments to update fees and charges schedules as required.
• Performs various analysis and ensures all reconciliations of sub-ledgers are completed.
• In collaboration with the Drainage Superintendent, manages the drainage general ledger balances and ensure that affected properties are invoiced in a timely manner, reviewing and signing off on drainage grants and calculating drainage interest as required.
• Prepares debenture applications and co-ordinates the processing of debenture payments.
• Develops, maintains, and monitors all investments and report thereon.
• Leads the development and enforcement of internal controls relating to approval, authorization, and accountability to properly adhere to accounting standards.

Payroll and Benefits

• Manages the entire payroll and benefits administration process including the review of biweekly payroll, OMERS, source deductions, WSIB premiums, and employee benefits premiums.
• Responsible for monthly and annually reporting requirements for payroll and pension.
• Liaises with external auditors, CRA, the external payroll service provider and others to ensure satisfactory response to queries and completion of various payroll related audits.

People Leadership

• Provides leadership and direction to the Finance department including customer service.
• Supervises assigned staff, conducts performance reviews, supports, motivates, and trains staff.
• Supervises day-to-day financial operations of the municipality.
• Develops, manages, and maintains customer service coverage.

Other Responsibilities

• Liaises with Members of Council, staff, other municipal and governmental organizations, local businesses, and the public providing advice and information on matters related to finance as required. 
• Reviews and authorizes purchases and expenditures. 
• Develops, reviews, implements, and revises as necessary divisional policies, procedures, administrative processes, divisional service levels performance measures and statistical information requirements.
• Acts as an alternate for the Emergency Control Group in the absence of the Director of Corporate Services.
• Undertakes special projects and performs other duties as assigned in accordance with departmental or corporate objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• University degree in a relevant field of study, such as Business, Accounting, or equivalent post-secondary education and/or experience.
• Completion or willingness to obtain the Municipal Tax Administration Certificate Program of the Ontario Municipal Tax and Revenue Association (OMTRA).

Experience

• 7-10 years of progressive experience working in an office environment, ideally in a municipal tax collection or finance role.

Specialized Training & Licences

• CPA designation.

Skills & Abilities

• Thorough working knowledge of municipal financial legislation and regulations including the Municipal Act, Assessment Act, or contemporary financial and taxation issues facing local government in Ontario and municipal financial operations and administration in general, professional accounting principles and practices and the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) standards.
• Demonstrated ability to use computer systems, financial/taxation software and process to perform duties (e.g. accounting software, Microsoft Office Products, online services, etc.).
• Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with demonstrated interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• An aptitude for managing multiple priorities, the ability to communicate with competing audiences as well as great management skills.

Other Requirements

• Minimum of a valid Ontario class G driver’s license in good standing.
• Criminal Records Check (all positions)

Hours & Conditions of Work

Normal work hours are 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday. Occasional work outside of normal business hours will be required to attended evening or weekend meetings or events, or to accommodate deadlines and work projects.

This position primarily works in the main Municipal office and is temporarily located out of the Komoka Wellness Centre during office renovations.

Middlesex Centre offers a competitive salary and optional participation in the OMERS pension plan for this position. Compensation for this position is currently $110,019.00 to $130,962.00 per year.

Job Posting #: 2024-023

Closing Date: September 25, 2024

Start Date: November 1, 2024

Middlesex Centre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive recruitment and selection processes. Please advise us in confidence of any accommodations needed to ensure your access to a fair and equitable process.