Job Description
The Opportunity:Our client, a local Conservation Authority is currently seeking a Special Projects Accountant to join their Finance team on a three year contract term. This position will play a supporting role to the Director of Finance 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 new contract position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the financial management of our client in achieving compliance with the new standard and enhancing current reporting framework for areas of improvement. What Youll Be Doing: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 applicable fixed assets.Conduct an assessment of tangible capital assets to identify AROs and determine if they meet the criteria and associated liabilities.Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to determine a reasonable estimated value of AROs and ensure 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, address any compliance gaps, and develop plans for improvement.Gather and test data, create spreadsheets, charts, and graphs for inclusion in budget documents, and assist 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 the volume of accounts under the General Ledger.Work with the Director of Finance to prepare required journal entries and financial statement disclosures, providing supporting schedules for auditors as needed.Perform other related duties as required to support the team effort.What Youll Need to Be Successful:University Degree in Accounting or Finance2 - 3 years of related job experience in an accounting departmentPreference given to completion of CPA designation; enrollment in CPA program with relevant job experience considered an assetProficiency using financial software and templates in MS ExcelKnowledge of Public Sector Accounting Board regulations, including asset retirement obligations accounting, tangible capital asset accounting, and asset management best practicesKnowledge of accounting and budgetary principles, practices, and proceduresStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships with staff and external stakeholdersExcellent critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and identify practical solutionsEffective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, to provide clear and concise summaries of relevant data, observations, and recommendations to managementStrong prioritization and organization skills with the capability of meeting deadlines in a high-performance environmentAbility to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environmentDetail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity