Manager, Accounting Services Operations

SALARY IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW

This position currently falls within our hybrid model, allowing the employee to typically work a minimum of 50% of your time at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Finance Operations & Systems, the Manager Accounting Services Operations is responsible for the strategic development, planning, and delivery of centralized accounting operations for the Region and shared services partners including: accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash handling and collection functions, banking and general accounting activities, indirect tax accountability and compliance, and Ontario Works support. The Manager is accountable for ensuring the team meets strict month end, quarter end, and year end deadlines, while also providing leadership to the team that aligns to corporate strategy and guides them to make connections between the impacts of their functions on operating results. The Manager is also responsible for establishing, overseeing, and championing policies and procedures relating to the accounting services functions, ensuring effective operating controls and segregation of duties to safeguard assets, mitigate risks, and drive efficiency.

Education

• Post-secondary degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Completion of the Municipal Accounting and Finance Program is preferred.

Knowledge

• Minimum 7 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, procurement and/or process review in a high-volume accounting environment. Experience in the municipal/public sector preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive management experience. Experience leading cross-functional teams in a unionized setting is preferred.
• Professional Accounting Designation (CPA, CA, CGA, CMA).
• Experience with Public Sector Accounting (PSA) and not-for-profit accounting standards are preferred.
• Knowledge of external legislation and/or regulations impacting municipal accounting and reporting e.g. Municipal Act, CICA/PSAB Handbook, and Excise Tax Act (GST/HST).
• Knowledge of Lean process development and continuous improvement is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency using an ERP system designed for large enterprises (PeopleSoft Financials preferred).
• Well-developed analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills. Experience with reconciliation of large data sources from subsystems and systems analysis is preferred.
• Previous experience engaging with Council, Agencies, Boards and/or Committees is considered an asset.
• Audit designation (e.g. CIA, CGAP, CFSA, CRMA, or CQA) is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manages and coordinates a range of centralized accounting operations including accounts payable (A/P), accounts receivable (A/R), cash handling and collection functions, banking and general accounting activities, indirect tax accountability and compliance, and Ontario Works support, including development and compliance with all policies, procedures and processes relating to the accounting services functions. (35% of time)
• Drives continuous improvement through standardizing processes, automating procedures and streamlining team accountabilities while ensuring operating department needs are met. (25% of time)
• Formulates and documents Receivables, Payables and Banking business reporting requirements for all Regional departments and share service partners. (10% of time)
• Manages people resource planning for the division or operating unit, determining ideal organizational structures, identifying desirable role and skill mix requirements and ensuring ongoing work quality and deliverability of results. (20% of time)
• Develops, manages, and administers annual and multi-year Capital and Operating budgets for the operating unit ensuring support of Council’s objectives, financial transparency and accountability, monitoring budget adherence, identifying and explaining variances, and financial reporting is effectively managed in compliance with corporate financial policies. Ensures goods and services are acquired in accordance with the procurement policy. Authorizes, and administers the acquisition of goods and services for the operating unit and direct reports in accordance with the procurement policy and procedures. (10% of time)

Special Requirements

• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.
• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

To view the full job description and requirements, visit our Careers page - Job Opening #41667.

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application no later than March 16, 2025, before midnight by visiting our ‘Careers’ page on our website. We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.