Job Category: Finance
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Cochrane District

Job Reports to: Director of Finance
Salary: $102,138 – $142,451

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Finance, participates in financial activities within the department for the CDSB in accordance with related legislation, CDSB policies and procedures, and CDSB Vision & Values.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong work ethic, the ability to work under pressure, to adhere to deadlines and to handle multiple tasks. The candidate must have the ability to embrace a team environment with a willingness to support team members. This position addresses tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities and reporting requirements. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller will be responsible for the following duties and broad range of responsibilities:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF POSITION

• Review invoices prior to payment
• Prepare monthly financial analysis and variance reporting
• Compile and report departmental KPI’s
• Assist with forecast reports
• Compile and monitor annual budgets
• Prepare invoicing for Territories Without Municipal Organization
• Provide reports and information to internal departments, external auditors, and other entities as requested
• Participate in month-end and year-end close
• Prepare and/or review interim and year-end working paper files
• Perform internal audits
• Monitor and participate in the development of internal controls and procedures in accordance with department and organization policy
• Participate in cross-functional teams and provide expertise and support to other departments as required
• Provide internal client services to peers/co-workers throughout the organization
• Provide back up and support to the Finance Manager and Accounting Manager
• Future scope of the role may include oversight of direct reports, subject to organizational growth
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Written and Oral Communication – Listens to others and communicates articulately through speech and in writing. Clearly describes complex financial issues to both financial and non-financial audiences. Delivers confident, coherent and consistent messages.
• Engagement and Building Collaborative Relationships – Engages people in developing goals, executing plans and delivering results. Solicits input from and listens to staff and acts on their concerns. Shares information with staff and peers. Promotes collaboration among staff. Communicates work plans with clarity and commitment
• Values and Ethics – Ensures integrity and respect in personal and organizational practices. Serves with integrity and respect towards all people. Fosters a respectful and inclusive workplace where decisions and transactions are transparent and fair. Integrates the organization’s values and ethics into the unit practices. Leads by personal example, with the utmost in morale behaviour and ethics, holding themselves, employees and the organization accountable for their actions
• Risk Management – Participates in managing risks while attaining organizational objectives. Participates in developing and implementing contingency plans. Participates in discussions to mitigate risk
• Negotiation and Persuasion – Supports position with convincing factual information and the input of others. Responds to opposing views in a non-defensive manner. Keeps arguments issue-oriented. Understands when appropriate to make trade-offs
• Strategic Thinking: Analysis and Ideas – Develops unit direction based on thorough understanding of functional area. Identifies interdependencies across unit projects. Translates the department’s direction into concrete unit work activities. Designs solutions to operational problems. Considers the people components in solutions and decisions
• Management Excellence: Action and People – Co-ordinates staff’s work activities and delegates appropriately. Instructs staff in tasks, goals, processes and monitors activities and performance. Shifts priorities and adapts work plans to meet changing needs. Integrates controllership, accountability and department policies and procedures into workplace practices. Copes successfully with stressful situations. Supports change management, process improvement and staff empowerment. Works one-on-one with staff, dealing with ineffective performance, encouraging positive outcomes and providing regular and constructive feedback. Successfully manages work load, alleviating pressure within the team and leading by example. Supports opportunities for growth for staff. Implements rigorous human resources practices within the department.
• Accounting Operations – Participates in the implementation of systems, processes and procedures that record, report, and analyse financial transactions of the organization. Provides leadership and guidance and acts as an expert authority in the application of accounting and internal control principles, policies, procedures, standards and techniques. Implements appropriate internal control systems that provide flexibility, achieve results while ensuring sufficiency and accountability
• Planning and Resource Management – Provides advice, guidance and support to managers in budgeting, forecasting and costing. Prepares reports, budgets, business plans and forecasts. Assesses budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and objectives
• Financial Policy – Participates in developing policies, procedures and financial controls that are compliant with legislation and organizational goals and direction. Provides expert advice and guidance to departments in interpreting and applying legislation, polices, procedures and standards. Ensures compliance to financial policies, procedures and financial controls within the unit
• Financial Systems – Participates in testing, implementing and maintaining business processes, procedures, controls, and software applications that produce financial and other related information. Maintains computer literacy on the systems critical to the finance function. Develops and delivers training on departmental financial systems and business processes. Provides systems advice and recommendations on process improvements.

CORE VALUES

• Self-Confidence – Demonstrates ability to speak up and stand up for ideas, while constructively responding to corrective or negative feedback
• Personal Credibility – Exhibits honesty and trustworthiness in performing duties. Strives for excellence while carrying out responsibilities. Demonstrates a strong work ethic
• Technical Expertise – Demonstrates skill, accomplishment and personal knowledge. Demonstrates willingness to share expertise and knowledge with others
• Ethics – Demonstrates high values, ethics, integrity and respect in all personal, as well as in professional interactions. Exercises humility in personal and professional interactions

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• In-depth knowledge of GAAP and PSAS, public sector accounting/financial statement preparation, Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Income Tax Act and GST/HST regulations
• General knowledge of Ontario legislation and regulations and ability to accurately interpret and apply program and public sector legislation
• Demonstrated financial experience managing payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, pension reporting, inventory and cash reconciliation
• A thorough knowledge of computer systems and applications, and a good knowledge of human resource management principles and practices
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office Suite applications and browser based applications
• Good communication skills to deal effectively with all levels of staff within the organization and with external auditors and business partners
• Analytical thinking skills to break down multi-dimensional and complex issues

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is a requirement
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior accounting role or progressive experience leading to a senior role
• Training and experience in auditing, financial reporting, and consolidation reporting is an asset

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check
• A valid driver’s license, and reliable vehicle
• Occasional travel may be required
• Must maintain confidentiality
• Bilingualism is not a requirement

WHAT WE OFFER

• Employer matched pension plan (OMERS)
• Employer sponsored group health benefits (including optical, dental, drug, and extended health benefits) for full-time employees
• Employee and Family Assistance plan, available to spouses and dependents
• Continuing education and professional development
• Flexible and compressed work week options are available

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The CDSB operates in accordance with the French Language Services policy.

The CDSB does not utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.

CDSB welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. The Cochrane District Services Board is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs.

The Board supports diversity in the work environment and ensures that applications from members of underrepresented groups are seriously considered. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the diversification of our workplace are encouraged to apply.

Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy