Senior Accountant

About Spark

TELUS Spark Science Centre (Spark), a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math and art. Spark exists to lift people up with the power of curiosity through creative encounters with science! 

Calgary’s science centre is a pioneer in science entertainment and programming, with roots dating back to 1967. Home to one of Western Canada’s largest dome theatre, the Digital Immersion Gallery, VR experiences, and innovative spaces like Steven’s Lab, where interactive experiments unfold before your eyes. From the robot-dog Flint to Canada’s first robot-coa5ter, R05iE, and a 15-acre park surrounding the science of the developing brain, Spark is a hub for creative encounters. 

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant will report to the Manager of Finance and work closely with the other members of the Finance team, and other members of the Spark team. The role is critical to Spark’s full cycle accounting process including management reporting, financial reporting, and the month-end close process.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Partner with the Manager of Finance in the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, including working papers and reconciliations for the annual audit  
• Manage some of the period-end activities, including reconciliations, and variance analysis
• Review monthly financial results against forecast and KPIs for accuracy and completeness
• Prepare general ledger entries and supporting schedules to assist with month-end close
• Prepare month-end reconciliations, for various GL accounts and sub-ledger balances, including credit cards, bank statements, and vendor statements
• Review payroll journal entries and provide payroll summary for salaries and wages allocation to various projects.
• Assist with grant reporting, tax filings (GST) and Annual Charity Return (T3010)

Budgeting, Forecasting and Management Reporting

• Prepare monthly management reports, by partnering with Executive team and the various operating teams, to ensure accurate and timely financial results
• Monitor non-financial metrics (such as Paid Admission Volumes) to provide insight into performance and identify opportunities for improved profitability

·        Support annual budgeting process; collaborate with various departments (exhibits, education, operations) to align budgets with strategic goals.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather financial information and resolve discrepancies

Internal Controls & Compliance, and Audit

• Ensure strong internal control systems are in place and functioning (policy development, procedures, approval workflows).
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, funder requirements, and auditing standards.

• Assist with the interim and year-end audit cycle including providing documentation and supplementary financial reports for external accountants.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and propose ideas to improve changes to processes and systems
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, and automate manual tasks

Qualifications & Knowledge

• A minimum 5-8 years experience in accounting

• Experience in the non-profit sector and project accounting is an asset
• A CPA designation is preferred
• Full-cycle accounting: general ledger, accruals, reconciliations, month-end close
• Proficiency in Xero or other similar accounting software, as well as Microsoft Excel
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize to meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong ethics and ability to manage confidential data if required
• A proven track record of adding value to an organization’s culture and initiatives.
• A positive attitude!
• Desire to work on a high performing team with a continuous upgrading culture to achieve high impact results. Fluidity and a desire to work hard and grow are essential
• A high degree of creativity with the ability to leave your ego at the door

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