Controller

Controller

Temporary Full Time Approximately March 1, 2021 -  September 1, 2022

Department: Finance

Aquatera is Alberta’s first municipally owned regional utility for water, wastewater, and solid waste with operations in the Grande Prairie Region. We strive to be an exemplary employer.  

Reports To:  Chief Financial Officer

Summary:

The Controller, under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, will primarily be responsible to assess both accounting and administrative controls and prepare reports for the management team regarding corporate compliance and internal policies and procedures. This position will facilitate any auditing conducted by third parties to ensure effective resolution and swift closure of auditing activities. This role will also ensure organization utilizes ethical accounting practices and standards.

Job Duties

Competencies:

• Accountability - Takes ownership of personal workload, as well as the workload of employees under his/her direction
• Adaptability – Adapts and responds to changing conditions, priorities, technologies, and requirements
• Attention to Detail - Attends to details and pursues quality in the accomplishment of tasks, regardless of the volume of duties encountered
• Client/Customer Focus - Provides superior service to both internal and external customers
• Communication - Expresses and transmits information with consistency and clarity
• Commitment to Health and Safety – Works in compliance with all applicable health and safety legislation and established policies and procedures
• Continuous improvement – Strives to improve job responsibilities through developing skills and increasing knowledge
• Cooperation - Works with others to prevent conflict and share resources to encourage symbiotic relationships within the organization
• Judgement - Ability to use sound reasoning when faced with various issues. Has the ability to make quick, effective decisions
• Organization - Able to create or maintain processes to ensure all relevant information or tools are easily accessible
• Professionalism - Demonstrates professional standards of conduct when governing interactions between individuals in a business environment
• Resourceful – Responds to difficult situations or workplace requirements by using the available tools and information to support decisions and solutions
• Teamwork – Works cooperatively and effectively with others to reach a common goal
• Participates actively in in group activities fostering a team environment
• Time Management - Balances a myriad of tasks; prioritizes duties as needed

Job Duties:

·Administration of Microsoft Dynamics NAV program including security

• Bank System Administration
• Year End / Auditors Coordination
• Internal Audit Coordination
• Internal financial control oversight
• Monthly Financials  
• Annual Operating Budget Coordination and Compilation
• Monthly KPI’s
• Ensuring Bank Covenants are met / Visa Program Administration / day to day banking
• Authorizations: Fuel Bills / Head Office Costs
• Infrastructure Charge Reconciliation (Monthly)
• Evaluate employee performance and provide feedback, coaching, and formal evaluations
• Approve vacation requests and monitor vacation schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and compliance with labour standards
• Determine areas of improvement for employees, providing additional training as needed
• Ensure employees have clear goals and are aware of expectations
• Ensure that employees adhere to all health and safety regulations
• Ensure that safe work practices are being followed
• Ensure that timesheets are completed and submitted correctly on a bi-weekly basis
• Approve overtime hours as required
• Analyze departmental operations and identify areas requiring improvement
• Administer disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures
• Assess both accounting and administrative controls and prepare reports for the management team regarding corporate compliance and internal policies and procedures
• Ensure organization utilizes ethical accounting practices and standards
• Investigate variances in budgets, reporting, internal controls, and general accounting; deploy measures to resolve variances
• Coordinate activities by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and delegating work accordingly
• Coordination of Monthly Cost Review Meeting for all departments
• Coordinate financial activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general accounting, payroll, special projects accounting, financial planning, and reporting
• Monitor applicable legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, and operations, and ensure compliance
• Report any and all inconsistencies in corporate strategy in order to improve financial performance and adjust company policy accordingly
• Develop strategic performance metrics and targets that are consistent with company goals
• Translate strategic goals into practical actions
• Supervise and assist in the development and maintenance of accounting files and records
• GST compliance & filing
• Other duties as required

Key Outcomes:

• Completion of month-end reporting by work day 5
• Monthly approval of account reconciliations
• Substantial completion of outstanding finance related audit concerns from prior audits
• Completion of annual budget on time
• Positive relationships with operational staff
• Positive work environment

Requirements:

• Degree or an advanced degree in business administration, management, finance, accounting, or a related field
• Five years of experience in a financial leadership role
• Current professional designation through a recognized governing body is required.
• Strong formal and informal leadership skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of accepted accounting rules, practices, tax laws, and reporting requirements
• Advanced proficiency with accounting software and spreadsheet programs and applications (Office 365, MS Dynamics NAV)
• Ability to work independently
• Previous experience assessing the performance of financial department employees
• Well-developed coaching and leadership skills, both on a formal and informal basis
• Knowledge of standard office procedures and practices
• Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, and policies
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills
• Current Class 5 Drivers licence
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a current Criminal Records Check and Credit Check as a condition of employment
• Authorized to work in Canada

Working Conditions:

• Interaction with employees, management, and the public at large
• Working in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions
• Attendance and conducting of presentations
• Operation of desktop computer and peripherals
• Long periods of sitting / working on computers
• Remote working at times
• Periods of time sensitive work

We offer competitive compensation and benefits.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest – only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please visit our careers page at https://aquatera.bamboohr.com/jobs/ or go to www.aquatera.ca and apply before 4:00 p.m. on February 2, 2021. The competition may remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.