Job ID #32298: Business Administrator (Financial Supervisor)

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

Union: Non-Union

Job Description ID #: 2748

Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-cityby 4:00 p.m. on November 4 2026.

Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the general direction of the Manager, Finance and Administration, the Business Administrator acts as a financial supervisor and is responsible for leading and overseeing client’s divisional financial planning, budgeting, reporting processes and other financial/administrative services. This position involves the independent management of all aspects of the budget cycle, including forecasting, variance analysis, financial performance tracking and reporting.

The role requires extensive collaboration with Directors, Managers, and external stakeholders to ensure financial stability, compliance and the alignment of resources with strategic goals. Delivers the best practice and cost-effective Finance and Administration support services that meet mandated service level agreement, City and other legislative guidelines/requirements to multiple program and service areas with varying requirements and objectives.

GENERAL DUTIES

Responsible for leading and overseeing Finance and Administration support services to internal and external clients by:

Developing the annual operating/capital budget, in consultation with program staff, in accordance with corporate financial policies, program and funding guidelines and financial reporting requirements.

Providing expert financial advice, analysis and business support to leadership, program staff, and client groups for budgeting, reporting and decision-making.

Supervising the preparation and timely submission of Provincial/Municipal financial and statistical reporting data including annual budget service plans, quarterly year-to-date variance reports, annual, quarterly, monthly settlements and other ad-hoc submissions as required.

Monitoring actual expenditures and subsidies/revenues and investigates significant variances through consultation with divisional staff for the preparation of operating budget variance reporting and key forecasting metrics to council three times a year. Preparation of variance explanations with information received from program staff.

Providing financial business support to program staff for all financial information, business systems, and processes (payroll, position management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, asset management, corporate systems, etc.) including the development of specialized models or analysis tools.

Overseeing the timely processing of financial transactions including vendor/supplier payments, accounts receivable, cash handling, time entry, etc. to ensure the integrity and timeliness of financial data/transactions.

Providing subject matter expertise on the formulation of payable schedules relative to program specific service contracts ensuring the integrity and timeliness of financial transactions/data.

Reviewing and approving journal vouchers, purchasing requisitions, accounts payable payments, accounts receivable and other processing documents for general ledger processing.

Monitoring the integrity of the general ledger through monthly variance analysis review and appropriate approval of balance sheet account reconciliations.

Manage external reporting, audits, and stakeholder relationships, including funding agencies and government bodies.

Ensuring that any changes or enhancements to programs, as decided by council, are financially viable and within the budget. This involves monitoring and managing the financial impact of these changes in accordance with council reports and motions. Includes reviewing and recommending “financial implications” language for council reports and agreements, raising concerns to manager, where required.

Ensuring a consistent high quality service approach within the work area to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction as well as promote cross divisional collaboration to improve service delivery.

Evaluating and understanding legislative changes, then developing and implementing processes to adapt to these changes.

Assists in developing F&A team goals, workplans and objectives by participating in strategic planning sessions.

Administering the allotted budget within the approved corporate system and ensures operating expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations and secures approvals as required.

Developing, implementing and enforcing financial and administrative policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with corporate and legislative requirements.

Assisting client groups with the financial data preparation of various reports, agreements and tracking documents including management, Committee and Council reports, presentations.

Supervise staff engaged in the coordination and provision of budget, accounting and administrative services for specific client groups according to service level agreement requirements by:

Developing a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating for staff as well as developing and empowering staff through delegation of responsibilities and accountabilities, through regular feedback.

Responsible for the staff performance management including supervision, coaching, hiring, training, scheduling, evaluations, attendance, discipline and handling of confidential matters.

Approving requests for time off and monitoring absences according to corporate guidelines and to ensure appropriate service levels to operating departments.

Review F&A staffing models to ensure appropriate staffing levels meet the operational departmental needs. Including workloads, workflow and physical space requirements are met while ensuring Financial Controls and Corporate Policies & Procedures are followed.

Ensuring that employees are provided with and use the appropriate equipment, material and information resources.

Ensuring that all employees perform work in accordance with applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures.

Prepare work plans in response to corporate timetables for budget and year-end and monthly processes. Assist with the formulation and compilation of the annual current and capital budgets and reserve forecasts for the client department.

Work with other Business Administrators on projects and issues common to the department as a whole.

Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position.

Advanced knowledge of accounting procedures normally acquired through the completion of a University Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics or a professional accounting or finance designation, or combination of equivalent education and relevant work experience.

Demonstrated supervisory experience including planning, assigning and coordinating the work of subordinates in a teamwork environment

Significant experience with financial controls and major enterprise financial/statistical systems.

Excellent knowledge of computer software applications, budget systems and emerging trends and related systems. Working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, PeopleSoft, other equivalent budget systems and software.

Experience in the finance/accounting section of a large unionized and highly diversified public or private sector organization would be an asset.

Must have thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Practices including knowledge of budgeting, accounting and finance processes and practices.

Knowledge of Municipal Fund Accounting principles and practices, internal control procedures, policies and practices and government financial reporting regulations, guidelines, policies, etc. would be an asset.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal diplomatically with all levels of management, staff and public.

Developed analytical, mathematical, statistical and problem-solving skills with the ability to review and analyze legislation, agreements and/or program documents.

Must have proven planning, organizational and time management skills.

Familiarity with and the ability to understand municipal legislation.

Must be able to work/act independently and in a team environment with the ability to manage multiple assignments and operate within tight time restrictions.

Knowledge of human resource management processes and the collective agreement would be an asset.

Demonstrated political sensitivity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to facilitate a team, providing focus, direction and ensuring deadlines are met.

Disclaimer

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.