Manager, Budget Services

Job summary

The Manager, Budget Services leads the development of operating and capital budgets, budget monitoring, and variance reporting for the City. This role provides expert financial advice to senior leadership and Council while fostering a culture of financial accountability and continuous improvement.

Job details

Job Summary Service Area: Office of the CAO Department: Finance Work Location: City Hall, 1 Carden Street Work Mode: Hybrid Job Type and Duration: Permanent, Full Time Vacancy Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position Salary Range: $121,204.72 - $151,505.90Affiliation: Non-Union Posting Period: October 2, 2026 to October 16, 2026 11:59 p.m. When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city. What we offer We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer: Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service Paid personal days; Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching; Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account; Employee and Family Assistance Program; Parental leave top up program; Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance Employee recognition programs. Position Overview Resumes are being accepted for the position of Manager, Budget Services within the Finance Department. The Manager, Budget Services provides leadership for the City’s operating and capital budget development processes, budget monitoring and variance reporting functions, and financial planning support to City departments and local boards as applicable. Reporting to the General Manager, Finance – City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, the position leads a team of financial professionals and serves as a trusted advisor to departmental leadership teams. Working collaboratively with colleagues responsible for capital financing strategies, strategic planning, employee compensation, and asset management planning, the Manager helps ensure corporate decision-making is supported by accurate, timely and integrated financial information. The role promotes financial stewardship, accountability, continuous improvement and service excellence across the organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness, and learning, the candidate will support the achievement of the Community Vision – to be an inclusive, connected, prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. Key duties and responsibilities Provide leadership and guidance to Budget Services team, including training, developing, coaching, and setting annual goals and objectives in alignment with Finance departmental objectives and monitoring results. Develop and nurture a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating for staff. Provide clear, proactive, and timely communication on budget matters, financial risks, assumptions, and recommendations to senior leadership, Council, departmental staff, and other stakeholders, fostering transparency and informed decision-making. Lead the corporate operating and capital budget development and variance reporting processes, ensuring alignment with Council priorities, corporate objectives and approved financial policies. Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships to support integrated financial planning and reporting, including close coordination with staff responsible for: Strategic planning Capital financing strategies (reserves, debt, grants, growth revenues) Investment management Asset management planning Employee compensation (collective bargaining, statutory and non-statutory benefits) Ensure budget recommendations, forecasts, variance reporting and projections are aligned with corporate financial strategies and long-term fiscal plans developed by Finance partners. Champion a consultative finance business-partner approach that supports financial literacy, accountability and informed decision-making across departments. Identify emerging budget pressures, financial risks and opportunities and provide analysis and recommendations to senior leadership. Provide expert financial advice, briefings and recommendations to the City Treasurer, Leadership Team, Executive Team, Committee of the Whole and Council regarding budget matters and financial implications. Develop standard work (procedures, guidelines, templates, etc.) aligned with approved policy to ensure a consistent and accurate approach and ensure quality control over the team’s work. Lead the continuous improvement of budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting processes, systems and tools, leveraging automation and technology to improve efficiency and decision support. Qualifications and requirements Significant experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through several years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in a municipal environment plus the completion of a University Degree in Business, Commerce, Accounting or Finance and a Professional Accounting Designation. Demonstrated leadership skills acquired through considerable experience supervising, leading and motivating staff Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Proven exceptional communication skills including the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to various audiences clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. Experience presenting complex financial information to senior leadership, boards, committees or Council. Strong financial analysis, forecasting and risk assessment capabilities. Demonstrated success leading change initiatives, process improvements and cross-functional projects. Demonstrated experience leading complex corporate budgeting and financial planning initiatives within a large, multi-service organization. Able to effectively manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize effectively. Advanced skills with budgeting and financial reporting software, JD Edwards and FMW experience considered an asset. Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office software with advanced Excel skills preferred. NotesApplicants are required to demonstrate in their application how their qualifications match those specified above. Assessments based on all of the objectives and qualifications listed above will be a part of the interview, written and/or practical test and reference checking. Hours of work35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy). How to applyClick "Apply Now" on the top right hand side of your screen by October 16, 2026. Hiring Process TransparencyThe City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology. Commitment to Diversity & AccessibilityThe City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance. Privacy Notice Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

What you’ll do

The Manager, Budget Services leads the development of operating and capital budgets, budget monitoring, and variance reporting for the City. This role provides expert financial advice to senior leadership and Council while fostering a culture of financial accountability and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a University Degree in Business, Commerce, Accounting, or Finance along with a Professional Accounting Designation. Significant progressively responsible experience in a municipal environment and demonstrated leadership skills are required.

Benefits

• Paid vacation days
• Paid personal days
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Extended health benefits
• Dental benefits
• Health care spending account
• Employee and family assistance program
• Parental leave top up program
• Tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs

Listed skills

• Financial planning · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Financial analysis · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred
• Process Improvement · Preferred
• Forecasting · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred
• Accounting · Preferred
• Budgeting · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Budget development
• Financial planning
• Leadership
• Variance reporting
• Financial analysis
• Strategic planning
• Risk assessment
• Communication
• Change management
• Process improvement
• Financial stewardship
• Forecasting
• Team management
• Stakeholder management
• Accounting
• Budgeting
• Variance Reporting
• Financial Advising
• Change Leadership
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Accountability
• Financial Policy
• Financial Strategy
• Planning
• Asset Management
• Automation
• Strategic Planning
• Capital Budgeting
• Decision Making
• Collective Bargaining
• Computer Literacy
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Decision Support Systems
• Finance
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Literacy
• Financial Planning
• Financial Statements
• Investment Management
• Microsoft Office
• Coaching
• Risk Analysis
• Stewardship
• Process Improvement
• Collaboration
• Coordinating
• Quality Control
• Teamwork

Job areas

• Finance & Accounting
• Management & Leadership
• Government & Public Sector
• Budget Manager
• Unclassified Specialized Occupation

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