Volunteer Accountant

Description of Charity/Foundation:
The Canadian Birkebeiner Society (also known as Canadian Birkie) is a provincially registered not-for-profit organization, formed in 1985. Its purpose is to promote cross country skiing and to organize The Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival, the largest and friendliest cross-country ski event in Western Canada.

The name Birkebeiner commemorates a Norwegian event during a civil war in 1206 when two warriors rescued an infant prince and carried him to safety by skiing over two mountain ranges. The dramatic flight of the two warriors with the Crown Prince is celebrated every year in Norway.

The venue for the Birkie Ski Festival is the Blackfoot Provincial Recreational Area located adjacent to Elk Island National Park, just east of Edmonton. To accommodate skiers of all levels, two long distance courses and three short distance events are held annually. In recent years, the festival draws approximately 1200 participants, making it the premier ski event in Western Canada.

To undertake this endeavour, we work in partnership with Alberta Parks and Recreation, Cross Country Alberta, City of Edmonton, Strathcona County, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, commercial sponsors and over 500 volunteers.

The objectives of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society are:
I. To promote fun, friendly cross-country ski participation as part of a healthy lifestyle for all ages and abilities.
II. To stage a major annual cross-country ski event (loppet) in the Edmonton region, inspired by the tradition of the parent Norwegian Birkebeiner event.
III. To undertake from time-to-time, other events in locations decided upon by the Board of Directors.

The Society’s annual budget is approximately $250,000. It employs two part-time staff and works with 400 volunteers to undertake the annual ski festival.

Description of Role:
All members of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society are volunteers from various professional backgrounds. We are seeking the expertise of a professional accountant to advise the Treasurer on the various financial controls and procedures which should be in place.

Specific Duties include:
• To review and evaluate the current financial procedures, practices and controls of the
Society including purchases, payments and payroll.
• To become familiar with our current accounting system – SAGE.
• To provide on-going assistance and support to questions or issues raised by the Administrator
• To advise on the format and content of Monthly Financial Reports for the Board of Directors
• To assist the Treasurer on the preparation of the Annual Financial Report.
• To offer advice on the format of Annual Financial Reports of the Society.
• To provide advice and financial improvements for the Society

Certification/Education Required: 
The Applicant should be a CPA, willing to share his expertise with other volunteers who serve on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society

Applicable Interests:
The Candidate should enjoy contributing, along with enthusiastic Board Members who are committed to providing outdoor winter recreational activities to achieve a healthy lifestyle for all ages and abilities.

Duration:
1 Year to 2 Years

Contact:
Charity/Foundation Website: http://www.canadianbirkie.com
Basil Delaney
Email: delaney.bas@gmail.com