Finance Analyst

University of British Columbia · Vancouver · CA$6,144–CA$8,830/month (stated in the posting)

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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
The Finance Analyst is responsible for analyzing financial information, applying accounting principles and policies, and providing financial analysis and support for the accounting operations of the UBC Staff Pension Plan and Faculty Pension Plan. The role requires independent judgment in analyzing financial information, resolving accounting issues, assessing the appropriate accounting treatment of transactions, and ensuring the integrity and completeness of financial records across multiple systems and external sources. The position also provides financial analysis, information, and operational support to the Finance Manager and the Executive Directors.

The Plans are a significant component of UBC’s employee value proposition, supporting recruitment and retention strategies, and financial security and wellbeing. The Plans help staff and faculty invest and save for their financial future and enhance retirement readiness. The UBC Staff Pension Plan is a target benefit plan with over 19,000 members and an asset value of approximately $3.3 billion. The UBC Faculty Pension Plan is a defined contribution pension plan with just over 7,200 members and an asset value of approximately $3.7 billion. Both pension plans are administered by the UBC Pension Administration Office (PAO) under the direction of the Staff Pension Plan Board and the Faculty Pension Plan Board of Trustees (“Pensions Boards”) and in partnership with the Vice-President, Human Resources (VPHR) portfolio.

Working under broad direction of the Finance Manager, the Finance Analyst performs accounting, financial analysis, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, and financial coordination activities across a complex pension plan environment. The position works with multiple financial systems, pension custodians, investment managers, University departments, and external organizations to analyze financial information, resolve accounting issues, support reporting requirements, and maintain the integrity of financial records.

Organizational Status
This position reports to the Finance Manager. Works collaboratively with colleagues and peers within the PAO and within the VPHR portfolio, and regularly liaises with internal University departments, pension custodians, and external organizations to support financial operations, reporting, and compliance requirements.

The Finance Analyst exercises judgment in analyzing financial information, resolving accounting issues, and determining when matters require escalation to the Finance Manager.

Work Performed
Financial Reconciliation and Analysis

• Analyzes financial information from Workday, Adagio, pension custodian reports, investment-related information, and other financial records to assess financial activity and identify variances or unusual items.
• Performs financial reconciliations and analyzes differences between financial systems, custodian records, and supporting financial information, determining the underlying causes and appropriate resolution.
• Investigates accounting and financial issues, assesses available information, and determines appropriate corrective action.
• Provides financial coordination and works with internal and external stakeholders, including pension custodians and UBCIM, to resolve financial and accounting issues and ensure timely resolution.

• Coordinates financial activities for all pension programs, namely the Staff Pension Plan, Faculty Pension Plan, and the Supplemental Arrangement Plan ensuring financial information is complete and reliable for reporting, audit, and operational purposes.

Financial Reporting

• Analyzes financial information and prepares supporting information for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Assists in year-end financial reporting activities, including analysis of financial results, investigation of variances, preparation of working papers, and supporting schedules.
• Analyzes, and summarizes financial information required for internal and external reporting.
• Identifies and communicates unusual or significant financial items and provides supporting analysis to the Finance Manager.  

Accounting

• Prepares accounting entries in Workday and Adagio to record financial activity and address identified accounting issues.
• Determines appropriate accounting treatment and reporting periods for assigned financial activity, and ensures supporting documentation is complete and appropriately authorized.
• Maintains accounting records, audit trails, and supporting working papers necessary to support financial reporting and audit requirements.
• Researches accounting issues and provides recommendations to the Finance Manager on appropriate accounting treatment where the issue requires interpretation or further consideration.

Financial Transactions and Payment Processes

• Analyzes financial transactions to determine appropriate accounting treatment and identify unusual or unresolved items.
• Coordinates financial transaction and payment processes across Workday, Adagio, and custodian systems, ensuring financial information is complete and consistent.
• Coordinates and supports payment activities, including Supplemental Retirement Arrangement (SRA) payments and related schedules, and investigates exceptions or discrepancies requiring resolution.
• Monitors recurring financial activities including Employer Health Tax and WorkSafe BC remittances, and ensures required financial information and documentation are maintained.
• Coordinates with relevant internal and external parties to resolve payment and financial transaction issues.

Financial Systems and Data Integrity

• Assesses the integrity and consistency of financial information across Workday, Adagio, custodian reports, and supporting records and investigates significant differences or inconsistencies.
• Develops and maintains financial schedules, working papers, and analytical tools to support and validate financial information.
• Uses complex spreadsheet applications and other financial tools to analyze and organize financial information and support reporting requirements.
• Identifies opportunities to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of accounting and financial processes.
• Analyzes financial processes and procedures, develops and presents recommendations for improvements to the Finance Manager.

GST, Compliance and Controls

• Analyzes financial transactions to determine appropriate GST treatment and recording and supports the preparation of annual GST filings and GST rebates for both pension plans.
• Applies established internal controls and University financial policies to assigned financial activities.
• Identifies transactions that may not comply with established procedures or controls and determines appropriate follow-up or corrective action.
• Prepares financial documentation, working papers, analysis, and information required for audits, financial statement reviews, and compliance activities.

External Reporting and Financial Support

• Completes external financial surveys and reporting requests relating to pension plan investments and financial activities.
• Analyzes, financial information received from investment managers, custodians and other external organizations, and assesses the completeness and reasonableness of the information provided.
• Investigates discrepancies or unusual information received from external sources and coordinates with the appropriate parties to resolve issues.

• Provides financial information, analysis, recommendations, and supporting documentation to the Finance Manager, Executive Directors, and other internal or external stakeholders to support PAO operations, management decision-making, and financial reporting.
• Researches accounting and financial issues and responds to inquiries by analyzing relevant information and providing accurate, well-supported financial guidance.

Other Related Duties

• Performs other related duties consistent with the requirements and qualifications of the position.
• Provides backup to the Finance Manager on assigned financial and accounting activities. 
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Finance Analyst exercises sound judgment and attention to detail in reviewing and validating financial transactions, performing reconciliations, preparing financial reports, and administering payment activities. Errors, omissions, or failure to follow established procedures could result in inaccurate financial records, incorrect payments, reporting discrepancies, non-compliance with the University’s policies, and potential financial or reputational risk to the Pension Administration Office and the University. The position is responsible for identifying and escalating issues requiring further review or resolution.

All member information is confidential and staff must be familiar with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of British Columbia and the Personal Information Protection Act of British Columbia. All staff must be constantly aware that no one, including a member’s manager, Director, or Dean is permitted to have access to any information. There is zero tolerance for a conscious breach of confidentiality.

Supervision Received
The Finance Analyst reports to the Finance Manager, who provides direction and supervision regarding priorities, objectives, and established accounting policies and procedures.

The Finance Analyst works independently within established policies, procedures, and accounting principles. The position uses judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities and escalates matters involving significant financial, accounting, compliance, or policy implications to the Finance Manager.

Supervision Given
This role does not supervise staff but may provide functional guidance or training to other staff on financial processes and systems.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Completion of at least 7 of the 14 CPA academic prerequisites. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience analyzing and reconciling financial information and reviewing financial transactions.
• Experience identifying and resolving accounting discrepancies and errors.

• Experience preparing financial reports, schedules, or accounting documentation.
• Experience with accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably Workday) and/or Adagio.
• Working knowledge of Canadian GST rules and their application to financial transactions.
• Demonstrated understanding of month-end and period-end accounting procedures.

• Experience working with financial data from multiple sources and reconciling differences.
• Advanced Excel skills for financial analysis and reconciliation.

• Experience in a pension, investment, benefits, or other complex financial environment is an asset.

Skills:

• Strong accounting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze financial information, investigate discrepancies, identify the cause of errors, and resolve routine issues within established accounting policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial reports and supporting schedules.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to exercise sound judgment within established accounting policies and procedures.

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