Manager - Finance

Position Overview The Manager of the Budgets and Reporting Unit provides strategic financial leadership within the Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) Financial Services Section. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Finance, this role oversees the VPD’s operating and capital budget functions, financial reporting, and analytical services. The position leads a team of financial analysts and serves as a strategic financial partner to VPD executive and senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Financial Leadership Act as a trusted advisor to VPD leadership, providing objective, accurate, and sound financial advice on all budget and financial reporting matters. Lead the preparation and approval of the VPD’s annual operating and capital budgets, coordinating internally across VPD divisions and sections, and managing the approval process through the Vancouver Police Board and Vancouver City Council. Represent the VPD in cross‑departmental financial planning processes and engage with external stakeholders as required on financial matters.

Support the development and maintenance of a long‑term financial strategy for the VPD aligned to Departmental priorities and City Council direction. Budget Management & Financial Control Oversee the VPD’s full operating budget and ensure appropriate financial controls, accountability frameworks, and reporting structures are in place. Manage and supervise a team of financial analysts, providing direction, coaching, and ongoing professional development.

Direct comprehensive reviews of divisional budgets to identify funding needs, cost‑saving opportunities, and operational efficiencies. Monitor and report on budget variances, providing timely and clear explanations of financial performance drivers to senior management. Provide oversight of capital budgeting processes, project funding strategies, and capital project financial controls.

Financial Reporting & Analysis Produce accurate quarterly financial forecasts, including detailed analysis of cost pressures and emerging risks to enable proactive decision‑making by VPD leadership. Direct financial modelling and cost‑benefit analyses to support major investment decisions, resource allocation strategies, and capital initiatives, including scenario and sensitivity analyses. Analyze budgets, key performance indicators, business plans, and ongoing financial results across all VPD divisions.

Business Cases & Board/Council Reporting Prepare all VPD financial reports for review, approval, and submission to the Vancouver Police Board and City Council, ensuring sound business cases and accurate financial information are presented. Develop and evaluate business cases for proposed programs, capital projects, and organizational initiatives, including full cost‑benefit analysis. Provide recommendations on the financial implications of major VPD decisions, including contracts, collective agreements, and service expansions.

Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement Link financial measures to operational results and drive initiatives to improve value for money in service delivery. Identify and recommend business process improvements, best practices, and efficiencies across VPD financial management functions. Lead the development and ongoing improvement of analytical tools and financial reports within VPD and any future transformation processes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Team Leadership Build and maintain effective working relationships with City of Vancouver Finance & Supply Chain Management and other City departments, as well as other external agencies. Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of financial analysts, fostering a collaborative and continuous‑learning culture. Represent the VPD budget‑related board and senior leadership meetings and City Council as required.

Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required Comprehensive knowledge of municipal finance, public sector budgeting, and financial management practices. Strong understanding of PSAB standards and generally accepted accounting principles as they apply to local government.

Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for non‑financial audiences. Superior verbal and written communication skills, with advanced presentation capabilities at the executive and Board level. Strategic thinker with strong analytical ability and sound judgment in complex, ambiguous business environments.

Strong proficiency in enterprise financial systems (SAP/SAC preferred), and advanced spreadsheet and data analysis tools. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands in a fast‑paced environment. High degree of professionalism, objectivity, confidentiality, tact, and political acuity.

Ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders. Preferred Familiarity with VPD or broader public safety organizational culture, policies, and strategic priorities. Experience with business intelligence and reporting software tools (e.g., SAP/SAC).

Knowledge of collective agreement financial implications and labor relations cost modeling. Experience Required Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in financial planning, budgeting, and analysis, with at least four years in a senior financial or people‑management role. Demonstrated experience leading and managing a team of financial analysts or equivalent professional staff.

Extensive experience in public sector budgeting, preferably within a municipal government, police service, or large multi‑unionized organization. Proven experience as a trusted financial advisor to executive and senior management. Experienced in developing and presenting business cases, Council or Board reports, and financial strategies to executive and senior audiences.

Considerable experience with integrated ERP financial systems, preferably SAP/SAC, PowerBI. Preferred Experience in a municipal government, public safety, policing, or similarly complex multi‑unionized public sector environment. Experience leading or contributing to organizational transformation, restructuring, or major financial system implementations.

Experience developing and using financial and operational key performance indicators to drive financial budget accountability. Education Master’s degree in business administration, commerce, public administration, finance, or economics, or a degree combined with a professional accounting designation (CPA or equivalent). Or an equivalent combination of education, designation, and extensive directly related experience.

Other Requirements All employees must maintain the enhanced security clearance while employed with the Vancouver Police Department, which will be renewed every five years. The position is exempt from the union. The Vancouver Police Department is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr