Manager, Forecasting

Canadian Western Bank (CWB) Financial Group is a diversified financial services organization serving businesses and individuals across Canada and is the largest publicly traded Canadian bank headquartered in Western Canada. Known for our great personal service and award-winning culture, we employ more than 2,000 people in more than 50 communities across Canada.

We are not your typical bank – we have a deeply personalized approach to business that is founded on the trust we build with our clients. Taking the time to understand customer’s goals and aspirations allows us to use a full picture view with the type of support, guidance and service needed to cultivate a successful financial future.

We are looking for Manager, Forecasting to join our Finance department in the Corporate Head Office as part of the Budgeting team.  This dynamic group works in a fun, fast-paced, deadline oriented environment and is seeking someone who thrives on change and juggling multiple projects and assignments concurrently. This role is responsible for building, developing, improving and generating:  forecasts, scenario analysis, stress testing and ad hoc financial modeling including the preparation of analysis and reporting – for Senior Management, Executive & the Board.   You must be comfortable making sound decisions using complex, interrelated variables and evaluate financial statement implications and model future impact. The position will also support the budget process and assist in improving integration of budget and forecast functions.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare quarterly, annual and five-year forecasts, stress testing and ad hoc financial modeling

• Prepare all reporting related to financial models including quarterly, annual and five year forecast, stress testing memos, scenario analysis and other ad hoc reports

• Continuously improve forecast model capabilities in light of the changing regulatory environment, strategic direction, and acquisitions and divestitures, as required

• Prepare variance analysis, reconciliations and documentation for the forecast process

• Prepare and maintain model documentation consistent with OSFI Guidelines for Model Risk Management

• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget, including key performance indicators, board reports and detailed and high level budget input and output review as required

• Provide updated forecasts quarterly and ad hoc scenarios as required

• Liaises with senior management as well as key stakeholders within the business and partner companies to formulate and validate forecast assumptions 

• Focuses on continuous improvement in the forecast and stress testing processes

• Works on multiple projects concurrently

• Review forecast and liaise with regulatory team to maintain appropriate capital ratios over the forecast horizon

• Increase operational efficiency by reviewing and recommending improvements to existing procedures and processes, and leveraging technology

• Maintain organized documents and files

Working with CWB Financial Group means you will…

• Inspire trust by being open, honest and direct in communication, meeting commitments and behaving ethically in all dealings

• Treat all stakeholders with professionalism, dignity and respect and support an environment where people can contribute and excel

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills that contribute to working effectively in a diverse working environment

• Accept responsibility and accountability for actions and results

• Make decisions guided by common sense and sound business judgement

• Prepare and regularly review annual goals and career development plan with manager/supervisor

• Promote cooperation and commitment within the CWB Financial Group towards the attainment of common goals enabling productive group interactions.

Your accomplishments:

• Bachelor Degree majoring in finance or accounting

• CPA designation or CFA would be an asset.

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of related work or industry experience, including financial modelling experience.

• Banking industry and public company experience an asset.

• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to learn quickly with various MS Excel based programs and accounting software; knowledge of Visual Basic would be an asset;

Your competencies:

• Strong analytical capability and the ability to comprehend complex business and regulatory situations

• Proficient in the use of Word, Access, and other software programs necessary to complete the work of the position

• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects ensuring timelines as required are met.

• Ability to deal with large volumes of data in an effective and efficient manner

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to work in a fast pace, team environment while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, responsiveness and insight in all areas of work