Accountant

Company Description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. 

Job Description

The Accountant is primarily responsible for accurate and timely financial and management reporting.  They will also work closely with the Finance team and must be capable of liaising with staff at all levels in the organization. The incumbent will be a key resource for the Finance Director, Accounting Manager, Controllers and Finance team.

• Provide technical support and expertise in all accounting matters from a sound knowledge of the SGS Group Financial Manual.
• Assist the Accounting Manager in the budget process.
• Provide support for the SGS month end process including use of applicable IT systems and other Quarterly, Semi Annual and Annual reporting obligations.
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations for nominated accounts to ensure integrity and validation. Develop action plans to address issues.
• Assist the Director of Finance and the accounting manager with Internal/External audit requirements as needed.
• Support continuous improvement and innovation within the group/local and the Finance team
• Analysis of Sales tax and other Indirect Tax accounts across multiple jurisdictions
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of balance sheet reconciliations and financial statements to meet internal and external audit requirements.
• Occasional accounts receivables, aiding with past due intercompany invoices
• Review and post month end journal entries.
• Co-ordination of Internal Audit requirements:
• Assisting, coordinating, meeting deadlines and reporting Internal Audit requirements
• Assist in providing an effective process to track and monitor business compliance with Internal Audit for both the business and for Finance. Note however that responsibility for implementation sits with the Business Managers, Service Centre managers and Finance Director
• Systems Standardization, Utilization and Excellence:
• Support process improvement, standardization and up-skilling capabilities at the affiliate level throughout Canada.
• Provide analytical and financial support to the business unit.
• Assimilating the input from key internal sources
• Perform current and historical project financial analysis
• Work with and interact with all levels of the business team to meet company goals and objectives.
• Compilation of reports as needed.
• Facilitate the project management process related primarily to process improvements
• May be assigned and coordinate special or ad hoc projects as needed

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s in Finance/Accounting 
• 4 - 6 years accounting experience

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills (presentation, analytical) 
• Strong business acumen/business awareness with solid technical and analytical background 
• Experience in accounting process design supporting strong internal controls and reconciliation practices 
• Experience in financial/KPI monitoring, with the ability to explain variance to target and implement ‘early warning’ indicator for adverse trends 
• Ability to prioritize and work to tight critical deadlines with multiple competing demands 
• Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations to different levels of management 
• Strong attention to detail with good organizational, analytical and investigative skills.
• Proven ability to assess business unit financial performance and metrics.
• Solid understanding and background in the project management process.
• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.

Computer Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).  Superior skills in Excel and macros analysis (required)
• Experience with Oracle and Hyperion Financial Management would be an asset (preferred)

Travel

• Minimal travel required (1% - 4%)

Our Benefits

• Compensation: $68,000-$78,000/year
• Some benefit highlights:
  • 80% coverage Health, Dental and Vision 
  • Paid time off
  • RRSP Program Eligibility 

Additional Information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and Indigenous status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Accommodations are available on request for qualified candidates during each stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that candidates applying for Canadian job openings should be authorized to work in Canada.