Accountant II

The Accountant II (Business Operations Financial Advisor) leads and coordinates the implementation and review of recreation management software, provides financial analysis, and supports critical financial decisions. All financial functions including operating budget preparation, financial analysis and reporting as well as business planning functions while ensuring conforming to corporate policies and procedures.

This role requires expertise in managerial/operational accounting, along with strong leadership and analytical skills. This role provides in-depth analysis and recommendations on financial matters to the Director, Manager and Supervisors; to assist the department in decision-making, to support the department business plan, corporate goals and objectives and the effective, timely service delivery.

This position ensures the integrity and reliability of financial reporting and planning activities in compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

This posting is for 1 temporary full-time position up to 18 months.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership to complete financial reporting, long term financial planning and create 4 year operating budgets  
• Collaborate with department leaders to coordinate the statistical and financial reporting of recreation systems software including key performance indicators and adhere to the appropriate financial reporting standards to support evidence-based decision making
• Develop and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual variance analysis and forecasts to guide evidence- based decisions for all cost centers within the department
• Provide revenue and deferred revenue accounting expertise for approximately $21M processed through three Recreation Management System to ensure financial accuracy and compliance with PSAS and revenue recognition
• Plan, organize, and evaluate the work of direct reports for all accounting functions including conducting performance reviews, engagement and promoting staff development opportunities to maximize staff efficiency and effectiveness, growth and development of staff
• Act as a lead or participate as a project team member or provide subject matter expertise for all recreation system upgrades, system enhancements, and/or additional department or corporate projects as assigned
• Internal Control and Compliance Advisor for a Recreation Management System, support facility’s financial operations and monitoring the adherence to department-developed guidelines that support corporate-directed procedures and policies.
• Coordinate and deliver training on financial processes for supply chain management purchase requisitions, systems, and compliance requirements to strengthen operational consistency

Qualifications and Skills:

• A business degree and 5 years' experience in accounting or a related area
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation or currently working towards
• Demonstrated experience in the public sector with audit and review engagement is highly desired
• Experience leading, managing, and developing high-performance teams  
• Experience with implementing, maintaining, and reporting on recreation management systems and/or accounting systems  
• Extensive knowledge of accounting and financial planning, management, analysis, reporting, and accountability theories, concepts, and techniques
• Management accounting system support for strategy, organization behaviour, and goal congruence
• Significant and comprehensive knowledge of GAAP, CICA Public Sector Accounting Handbook, and Auditing Board standards
• Extensive understanding of financial internal controls and systems
• Ability to make effective decisions, solve problems, and provide recommendations within a political setting
• Ability to work under pressure, manage a variety of projects and initiatives simultaneously, while regularly meeting tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills, including the ability to lead teams and cross-department workgroups to achieve department and corporate goals
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to provide accurate, clear, and concise recommendations and supporting analysis in written and oral presentations to Council, Executive Team, Director, and senior department representatives
• Advanced excel experience and the ability to interpret and manipulate financial and statistical data in efficient and agile ways to support decision-making, planning, and strategy
• Experience in a dynamic and complex environment, with responsibility for full-cycle accounting, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Class 5 driver's license  

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta.  Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.  

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage    
  • Health and wellness spending account    
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs  
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. This role may be eligible to participate in our hybrid work program.  

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months. 

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.