Senior Accountant

We are currently seeking a Senior Accountant to join our team.

The Senior Accountant performs more complex accounting activities in accordance with accounting principles and financial reporting standards (IFRS) to ensure reporting is accurate and complies with all relevant regulations, laws and reporting requirements for a nationally regulated financial institution. This position takes on a leadership role by being a subject matter expert in one or more technical areas and a mentor to junior accounting staff. This position also acts as an advisor to the business on accounting related matters.

Here’s what would be included as a part of your typical day

1. Accounting: Prepares financial statements in accordance with IFRS; reconciles more complex accounts and checks the accuracy of journal entries to ensure general ledger is accurate and complete; checks and analyzes financial information and prepares more complex reports, trend analysis and accounting statements to provide senior management with accurate and timely information for decision making; runs the month end process meeting established timelines; provides technical accounting advice within area of expertise; coaches less experienced accounting staff; and runs projects independently with little manager oversight.
2. Compliance: Provides analytical review of journal entries, reconciliations and accounting variances, ensuring compliance with accounting framework in accordance with internal control environment; prepares and maintains monthly working paper files to support financial statements and the external audit; works with internal stakeholders on variances, advising on corrective action; and documents processes and accounting policies.
3. Stakeholder Relations: Participates in professional networks and builds collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders; may be required to attend board/senior leadership team meetings; provides specialized educational briefings to all levels of the organization; and participates in organization wide projects representing Finance/Accounting.
4. External Audit: Participates in the year end external audit process including the preparation and analysis of working papers and the preparation of consolidated financial statements and note disclosures; under the direction of their Manager, ensures all supporting documentation is prepared for auditors in accordance with the audit schedule; prepares technical accounting position papers in accordance with IFRS for auditor’s reviews and defends accounting positions to auditors; and investigates and prepares responses to auditor queries.
5. Industry Knowledge: Maintains a thorough understanding of complex accounting, including treasury, tax and payroll; maintains knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); researches and interprets accounting standards on specific issues, prepares accounting position papers; leads the implementation of new accounting standards (IFRS); maintains a thorough understanding of accountabilities of operational accounting; and takes on these areas as required.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or in a related field required
• CPA required
• 5 years’ experience in an accounting role required
• Experience within a financial institution is an asset
• Oracle experience is an asset
• Ability to perform complex tasks with little or no supervision; comfortable working in a fast-paced setting where meeting time-sensitive deadlines is required
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well in a team environment
• Proven ability and maturity to quickly establish and garner trust, respect and credibility organization-wide
• Proficient with computer software applications e.g. MSOffice, advanced Excel skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting theory and IFRS standard, with the ability to research, interpret, and apply accounting guidance
• Working knowledge of taxation
• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.