Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Finance Officer, Programs

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Position	Finance Officer, Programs
Department	Growth & Development - Corporate Services- Finance
Classification	Level 4
Salary	Our salaries generally range from $66,990 - $75,110 and are based on qualifications and experience
Languages	English is required and French is an asset
Term	Permanent Full-Time
Location	Hybrid (Ottawa)

Background

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government.

With over 2,000 members including Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents over 90% of Canada’s population. As the national voice of Canadian municipalities, FCM is an organization that strives to make the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable.

FCM aspires to be an organization that is deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and transparent in our work. As the national voice for Canada’s local governments, FCM is committed to strengthening Canada by achieving results for Canadian communities and cities, and by sharing knowledge and experience on the world’s stage, so that others may improve the quality of life in their communities. All leaders in the organization are expected to lead in a manner that embraces these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM’s mission.

Major Purpose

Reporting to the Finance Manager, Adaptation Program, will be responsible for support services in the form of processing contracts, internal audits, financial reports and grant and loan claims against budgets and requirements. The Finance Officer will also perform the financial duties related to the program in compliance with the Funding Agreement. 

The work at FCM includes FCM becoming an even more member-driven organization that balances the realization of its goals with a people-centered approach. The incumbent embodies FCM’s commitment to being a healthy, diverse, inclusive and anti-racist organization. The Finance Officer, will maintain the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism and exercise good judgment including the ability to escalate to management when help is required and being able to meet deadlines as set out by their direct manager within a fast-paced corporate environment.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for financial components of execution of grant and loan contracts. This includes:

Reviewing program grants and loan agreements (municipalities, other eligible recipients and partners) to ensure compliance with FCM Financial Policies and Procedures and the Funding Agreement.

Reviews the eligibility of expenses of all project plans, studies, field tests and capital projects contract budgets in accordance with FCM Financial Policies and Procedures and the Funding Agreement.

Responsible for financial components of disbursement request. This includes:

Reviewing disbursement claims and determines whether the submitted expenses are eligible under the terms of the Funding Agreement and submit them for disbursement.

Provides documentation for loan receivable as applicable.

Reviews expense claims, invoice, and disbursement requests against project budgets and other established processing procedures, assessing accuracy and eligibility, following up on any missing information or discrepancies, and coding and processing financial transactions in accounting software according to established guidelines.

Assists the Sr. Finance Analyst, and the Finance Manager, with the preparation of yearly budget, mid-year projections, monthly, quarterly, and yearly financial reports for program staff.

Conducts monthly desk review of financial reports highlighting any issues to Finance Manager, obtaining supporting documents where needed to ensure accuracy and compliance with Funding Agreements.

Assists the Sr Finance Analyst to maintain the Program grants sub-ledger (financial commitments and disbursements): ensuring that approved grant and loan data is complete and accurate, preparing and presenting the commitments and disbursements quarterly report to the Finance Manager for memo presentation to Audit Committee.

Leads all PSP grants audit processes: liaises with grant recipients to conduct audit processes as per FCM’s approved audit policies and procedures; writes audit reports, including any discrepancy and recommendations reports to the Finance Manager; and follows up with recipients on audit results and action items.

Monitors grants and loan disbursements.

Assists with cash flow requirements.

Provides daily support and advice to the program staff and partner organizations, including assisting Finance Manager in updating procedures, reviewing transactions, obtaining revisions/changes, and monitoring compliance.

Works with internal FCM staff members, partners and outside parties on a regular basis to obtain or clarify information necessary to process grant and loan disbursement requests.

Responsible for month-end activities, ensuring that journal entries are recorded in a timely manner and account reconciliations are completed monthly.

Responsible for document retention for audit and Funding Contribution requirement purposes.

Supports the team, and the Finance Manager on ad hoc tasks and initiatives.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Experience in accounting or finance typically acquired through a college or university degree and a minimum of 5 years direct practical experience in an accounting role. Requires experience with accounting practices and procedures.

Requires strong analytical skills to review contracts.

Requires budgeting and reporting skills.

Ability to work effectively with all levels of internal and external stakeholders, excellent client service and communication skills.

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and experience with accounting software packages and databases (CRM).

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet regular deadlines.

Highly organized and the ability to work unsupervised.

High level of accuracy and attention to detail is essential.

Ability to work with teams and people of different cultures and backgrounds.

The ability to work fluently in French and in English (both written and spoken) is considered a strong asset.

Language Requirements

English is required and French is an asset.

The benefits to joining the FCM team include summer hours (Fridays off between July 1st and Labour Day); office facilities located in the ByWard Market, FCM’s commitment to employee development and a competitive range of employee benefits and services. FCM encourages flexible work arrangements to support the wellbeing and productivity of employees.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is committed to fostering an organizational culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, where individuals from diverse racial and ethnic identities, nationalities, social economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and physical and mental abilities can thrive and be fully engaged at their best level.

FCM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

The future of work at FCM includes a hybrid work model; therefore, this role will be a combination of virtual and on-site work. The successful candidate is required live within 80kms of downtown Ottawa and be authorized to work in Canada.

For additional information on this posting, or for further information on FCM, access our website at www.fcm.ca. Visit the careers section of our website to apply. The deadline for applications is July 1st, 2025, or until the position is filled.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview. All the applications will be kept on file for six months following the hiring.

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