Special Projects Accountant

HCA is currently seeking a Special Projects Accountant to join our Finance team. This position will play a supporting role to the Director of Finance and Central Support Services in various financial activities, including implementation of Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs) accounting standard and coordination of the annual budget and quarterly financial reporting. Additionally, the Special Projects Accountant will work with the Director to prepare required journal entries and financial statement disclosures and support modernizing and implementation of financial processes as needed.  This three year contract position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the financial management of HCA in achieving compliance with the new standard and enhancing current reporting framework for areas of improvement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and actively participate in the implementation of Section PS 3280, AROs accounting standard as required by the PSAB, including working with an internal staff committee to gather required information and calculating AROs for those fixed assets to which AROs are applicable.
• Conduct an assessment of HCA’s tangible capital assets to identify AROs and determine if it meets the criteria and associated liabilities.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to determine a reasonable estimated value of AROs and ensuring accurate measurement in accordance with PS 3280.
• Consult with external consultants as needed to assist in identifying and quantifying ARO liabilities.
• Establish documentation processes and assist in the development and documentation of financial procedures aligned with the PS 3280 guidelines.
• Review processes and address any compliance gaps and develop plans for improvement.
• Gather and test data and create spreadsheets, charts and graphs for inclusion in HCA budget documents and help in the creation of a budget book.
• Collaborate with internal departments to gather financial data, resolve discrepancies and ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and modernize reporting templates and volume of accounts under the General Ledger.
• Work with Director of Finance to prepare required journal entries and financial statement disclosures, and providing supporting schedules for auditors as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required to support the team effort at HCA.

Qualifications

• University Degree in Accounting or Finance
• 2 – 3 years related job experience in an accounting department
• Preference given to completion of CPA designation; enrollment in CPA program with relevant job experience considered an asset.
• Proficiency using financial software and financial templates in MS Excel
• Experience using data in accounting systems using manual input or uploading from existing template
• Experience with Great Plains or other accounting software system is an asset
• Knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Board regulations; including asset retirement obligations accounting, tangible capital asset accounting, and asset management best practices.
• Knowledge of accounting and budgetary principles, practices, and procedures
• Ability to identify issues within data, using trends, variance analysis
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships with staff and external stakeholders
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and identify practical solutions
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, to provide clear and concise summaries of relevant data, observations and recommendations to management
• Proven track record in designing and implementing processes
• Strong prioritization and organization skills with the capability of meeting deadlines in a high-performance environment
• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity

Working Conditions

Position is located in the Hamilton Conservation Authority main office (Woodend) at 838 Mineral Spring Road, Ancaster.  Work hours are 7.5 hours per day for a total 37.5 hours per week. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive annual salary starting at $72,730, commensurate with experience and education. To ensure that compensation aligns with economic realities, yearly cost-of-living adjustments may be considered.

In addition to the salary package, this position provides benefits designed to support your well-being. Benefits include health, dental coverage, and a health spending account after three months of employment along with five sick days and three personal needs days. After a year, you will be eligible for our matched defined contribution pension plan. Plus, we cover association membership fees to help maintain professional designations.

Application Process

Interested applicants, please submit your cover letter and resume in PDF or MS Word format via email, quoting the job title in the email subject line, by 4:00 pm, on Friday, May 24, 2024 to: jobs@conservationhamilton.ca

Although we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to inform Human Resources for any disability required accommodations in advance.