Join us to shape the future of St. Catharines!

At the City of St. Catharines, we are committed to realizing the vision outlined in Strategic Plan. Our goal is to cultivate a city that thrives on safety, innovation, sustainability, and caring—not just for today, but for generations to come. Join our team and be part of a meaningful journey to shape the future of our community, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the present.

Here is what you can count on when you work with us:

• Great People: Work with a supportive team and leadership focused on your success.

• Make Your Mark: Share your ideas, drive change, and leave a lasting impact through modernization efforts.

• Training & Development: Access training and development funds to support your professional growth.

• Competitive Pay: Receive competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.

• Pension Plan: Enjoy enrollment in the OMERS pension plan with matched contributions.

• Balance & Benefits: Experience flexibility through our hybrid work environment, plus health, dental, and vision benefits (available to eligible employees).

Job Details:

Job ID:

2025-185

Pay Rate:

$81,609 to $95,459

Hours:

35 per week

Schedule:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Location:

St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode:

Hybrid (50% or more remote)

Employee Group:

Non-Union

Position Type

Permanent, Full-time

Duration:

Ongoing

Application Deadline:

10/10/2025 at 11:59 PM

About the Role:

Reporting to Manager of Financial Planning, the Budget Specialist is responsible for providing program, departmental and divisional specific financial support including budget development and maintenance, rates and fees, procurement facilitation, variance analysis and forecast at quarter and year end, grant application and reporting, financial modeling and analysis, and process improvement. This role also supports corporate initiatives including internal financial reporting, system implementation, cost allocations, and ad hoc special projects. This role is acts as key resource for departments on all financial related matters within the corporation.

What You Will be Doing:

Financial Management and Compliance

• Ensuring required financial supports are in place for internal business partners to achieve their goals and objectives.
• Monitoring for adherence to generally accepted accounting principles and corporate directives.
• Working with internal business partners on quarterly variance analysis, forecasting, budget development and maintenance, financial modeling, and business case preparation.
• Managing program-specific grant applications, supporting internal and external reporting, and liaising with relevant external agencies.
• Providing functional direction on procurement matters, including by-law and procedural guidance to departmental staff.
• Undertaking financial audits to ensure all financial policies (corporate and departmental) are observed including contract awards, reporting and filing of financial information.
• Supporting, gathering data, and conducting analysis as needed to facilitate data-driven decision making by department management, Senior Leadership Team and Council.

Policy and Process Improvement

• Enhancing operations by working with finance process and policy owners, providing expert advice, and developing communication strategies to keep department staff informed.
• Ensuring alignment with budgets, reporting, accounting, and procurement by working with finance outside consultants and internal business partners.
• Ensuring that new systems and business initiatives are seamlessly integrated with financial and measurement systems.

Support and Collaboration

• Acting as first point of contact and assisting internal business partners on day-to-day financial implications, including new policies or system implementations.
• Contributing to new systems, business initiatives, rate setting, and ensuring financial and measurement systems integration.
• Engaging in budget education for council members, public budget engagement, and providing training for internal staff.
• Supporting report preparation to Council and the public regarding budget, variances, grants, rates and fees, and financial implications in all reports and ensuring timely and accurate information is provided.
• Coordinating and liaising with external auditors on an as required or annual basis for all audit procedures.
• Performing other job-related tasks or special projects as directed.

About You:

• University degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Three (3) years of progressive experience in financial reporting, budget analysis, and variance tracking, preferably within a municipal setting.
• Chartered Professional Accountant designation (CPA - CA, CGA, or CMA) or active pursuit of the designation is preferred.
• Completion of the AMCTO - Municipal Finance and Accounting Program is an asset.
• Completion of the MFOA - Municipal Finance 101 is an asset.
• Knowledge of the Municipal Act, Development Charges Act, CICA/PSAB Handbook, and accounting/financial reporting regulations for Ontario municipalities.
• Proficiency in budgetary accounting and reporting processes for developing efficient systems and procedures.
• Strong project coordination, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Motivated team player with technical, analytical skills, and understanding of business operations, processes, and internal controls.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple assignments under tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, with a readiness to learn and apply new financial software and systems technology.
• Travel between City work locations is required.

Other Requirements:

Other Position Requirements include: Ability to travel between City work locations

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at hrreps@stcatharines.ca.

Application Process

To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.

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