People, Place, Prosperity

Working within our Strategic Plan, Cambridge Connected, and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity.

Formed in 1973 from the former communities of Galt, Preston, Hespeler and Blair, Cambridge is a modern city with a rich architectural heritage and a population of 137,000. Cambridge maintains three unique downtown cores, and a variety of financial incentives have driven the revitalization of the city’s downtown and waterfront areas that have preserved the past while driving innovative architecture, urban planning, development, construction and attracting new businesses. Our strategic plan that provides a foundation for decision making, priority setting, and ongoing performance management to deliver high-quality public service that meets the needs of the community. Cambridge's thriving business climate is why many businesses are choosing to locate and expand here, and Cambridge will continue to expand and diversify.

Job Profile

The City of Cambridge is seeking an exceptional and visionary financial leader to join our team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is an opportunity to shape the financial landscape of a growing and thriving community while making a tangible impact on the lives of community members. As CFO, you will be a strategic partner to the City’s leadership, providing critical financial oversight and guidance that drives operational success and long-term sustainability.

Reporting to the City Manager, the CFO, you will oversee all aspects of the City’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, taxation, water billing, procurement, and investments. You will lead the Financial Services Division in fostering a culture of financial accountability, innovation, and excellence while aligning the activities to the City’s strategic plan, Cambridge Connected, and vision – A place for people to proper – alive with opportunity.

What you will be doing

The CFO is a strategic partner to Council, the City Manager and the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), informing decisions and providing financial guidance and advice on a broad range of financial issues and their operational implications, such as financial strategies for major projects, and financial modelling
An innovative professional who enjoys finding alternative solutions to complex problems and works with City staff to leverage alternative funding sources to meet City priorities. Demonstrates leadership, an enterprise mindset and expertise to implement leading-edge financial reporting systems and financial controls and structure to ensure City assets are protected
Leads the preparation and control of City’s Operating, Capital, Water and Sewer, and Equipment budgets. Recommends budget guidelines and policies as well as changes to the budget process. Conducts long-term financial planning and develops long term funding strategies
prepares Budget Reports for Council for the Operating and Capital Budgets. Attends all Council meetings
Provides guidelines and technical assistance to all City departments in the preparing Operating and Capital budgets and participates in the Budget Task Force meetings
Approves monthly financial reports for the Operating Fund, Capital Fund, Water and Waste Water Fund and Reserve and Reserve funds prior to distribution to departments. Participates in monthly budget control meetings
Coordinates preparation of Monthly Budget Control Reports
Develops and monitors division budget, sets strategies and priorities within Corporate and departmental goals
Develops and oversees the year- end audit procedure and process. Reviews working statements, consolidated financial statements, Financial Information Return, and performance measures. Liaises with auditors and addresses audit findings
Oversees development and implementation of reporting tools for year-end and daily financial reporting
Responsible and accountable for salary planning in partnership with payroll
Responsible for assisting all the ongoing implementation, training, security and support of the financial systems in partnership with Technology Services
Prepares financial reports for CLT and Council; makes presentations on divisional operations and corporate financial analysis
Oversees billing and collection of Taxes and Water. Reviews operations and directs technology enhancements
Oversees the assessment review process to maintain the City’s assessment base
Administers Reserve and Reserve Funds, audits status and commitments, makes policy recommendations, and prepares Council update reports
Interprets Public Sector Accounting Board, by-law, and legislation that affect the City
Approves all major transfers and wire payments related to investments and tax revenue transfers to the Region and School Boards
Leads the purchasing function, ensuring compliance with the City’s by-law. Reviews Tender submissions for availability and appropriateness of funds and approves financial funding sections
Responsible for the Development Charges studies and performs specific Internal Audit functions as requested
Acts as back-up to the Deputy City Manager when required

Education

University degree in Finance, Economics or Business and a professional accounting designation (CPA). An MBA or MA would be an asset

Experience and Knowledge

15+ years’ experience in financial management with a large, complex public, private or not for profit organization with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.

Excellent leadership and communication skills with a track record of applying an open, collaborative leadership style to support strategic decision-making within a senior corporate leadership team and to motivate and mentor a team to a high level of performance.

We will ask you for these items if you are hired

Proof of your current and valid certificate(s) and/or educational qualifications.

Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness Training Certificate from the Ministry of Labour (may be obtained post offer)

Valid G driver's license.

Your compensation

This position is located in Band Level 12 of the Non-Union Salary Scale and has an annual salary range of $163,927 to $199,909. We offer a comprehensive benefit package and are an Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) employer.

Hours of work

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (35 hours per week).

Advertisement expiration date

Interested candidates should apply at www.cambridge.ca/careers. This posting will close on May 2, 2025.

Accommodation needs and protection of privacy

The City of Cambridge recognizes and appreciates diversity and inclusion enhances our public value commitment.

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience and encourage all qualified people to apply, including and especially people from equity-deserving groups. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with honour and respect toward their individual dimensions of diversity.

We strive to remove barriers that may prevent qualified applicants from fully participating in the recruitment and selection process. Accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation is available throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Contact HRServices@Cambridge.ca to make your needs known in advance.

For more information on our Employment Equity, please read our full policy.

Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and used solely to determine eligibility for employment with the City of Cambridge only.

City of Cambridge

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