Compensation Analyst

Mandate:
The Compensation Analyst provides specialized financial, budgetary and compensation expertise to support the University of Victoria's strategic, operational and regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Director, Budget Office, the position is responsible for costing, analysis, forecasting and reporting of compensation-related financial information across the institution.

The role supports the Budget Office's mandate to provide accurate, timely and meaningful financial analysis and advice that enables informed decision-making and responsible stewardship of university resources. The Compensation Analyst provides specialized analytical support in the areas of compensation modeling, workforce cost forecasting, executive compensation reporting, compensation liabilities, collective bargaining costing, and salary-related funding programs. The position develops analyses, forecasts and reports that support planning, budgeting and decision-making within the Budget Office and across the university.

The position provides university wide compensation related analytical support by developing sophisticated financial models, conducting scenario analysis, monitoring compensation trends and risks, and ensuring compliance with internal and external reporting requirements. The role contributes to evidence-based planning and resource allocation by translating complex compensation data into actionable financial insights.

The Compensation Analyst also provides budget administration and financial management support for executive portfolios including the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice-President Indigenous, and the Vice-President Financial Planning and Operations portfolio. The position is responsible for coordinating compensation-related transfers, monitoring designated funding allocations, and supporting the financial administration within these portfolios.

As a key member of the Budget Office, the position strengthens institutional capacity to manage growing compensation complexity, support strategic workforce planning, enhance financial oversight, and maintain high-quality service to university stakeholders. Through advanced analysis, forecasting and reporting, the Compensation Analyst helps ensure the university's compensation-related resources are managed effectively, transparently and sustainably.

Objectives:

• Provide specialized compensation, financial and budget analysis to support effective institutional planning, decision-making and resource management. 
• Support the university's budgeting, forecasting and financial stewardship activities through the development of accurate and reliable analyses, projections and reporting on compensation.
• Deliver expert advice and decision support to Director, Budget Office, budget office team members, and to budget administrators on compensation-related financial matters. 
• Contribute to effective workforce and compensation planning by identifying financial impacts, risks, trends and opportunities. 
• Ensure the integrity, consistency and compliance of compensation-related financial information, reporting and institutional processes. 
• Support the administration and financial management of assigned portfolios, programs and strategic university initiatives. 
• Advance continuous improvement in financial analysis, reporting tools, business processes and service delivery within the Budget Office. 

Undergraduate degree in accounting, business administration, commerce, finance, or a related discipline, together with a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in compensation analysis and modeling, payroll analysis and workforce planning or a related field, confidential compensation data work, executive-level reporting and forecasting, collective agreement and labour costing knowledge, and HR/payroll systems experience. 

Specific knowledge, skills and abilities include: 

• Experience in budget administration, financial analysis, forecasting and reporting. 
• Experience with compensation analysis, salary modeling and workforce planning. 
• Experience with payroll analysis, payroll costing and workforce cost projections. 
• Knowledge of position control, salary administration and compensation practices.
• Knowledge of collective agreements and labour costing principles. 
• Experience preparing forecasts, reports and financial analyses for senior leadership and executive decision-making. 
• Experience handling confidential employee, payroll and compensation information.
• Experience using financial, payroll and/or human resource information systems; experience with Banner or similar enterprise systems is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and the ability to interpret financial statements, budget reports and balance sheet data.
• Advanced Excel skills, including financial modeling, data analysis and reporting.
• Strong data extraction, analysis and manipulation skills, including experience working with large datasets and relational databases.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Strong understanding of financial systems, business processes and internal controls.
• Experience working in a large, complex and/or unionized environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.