Manager, Accounting

Location(s): AER Head Office, Calgary, AB

Employment Type:  Full Time – Permanent

Manager, Accounting

The Opportunity

Join the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) as the newest leader in the Finance branch. As a highly valued team member and leader, you will play the essential role of ensuring the AER’s accounting functions are operating efficiently and effectively as you bring your fresh ideas and perspectives towards modernizing the accounting function.  This is a chance to be part of changes that will bring real value to the AER!

The Manager, Accounting will apply a broad range of accounting knowledge and experience as they lead, develop and implement strategies, operational plans, and oversight over all aspects of accounting at the AER.  This includes transactions related to: revenues, general and administrative expenses, buildings, IT, and enterprise projects expenditures. The role ensures all transactions comply with accounting standards and AER policies.  As part of their responsibilities, the manager leads and develops staff, ensuring they are trained, supported, challenged and deliver quality products and services.

Your Key Responsibilities:

  • Form and lead a team of 6-8 direct reports that work as a cohesive unit by delegating responsibilities & assignments, providing clear direction, being an accounting change champion forthe team and across the organization.  Communicate relevant accounting information throughout the organization. Develop team members through coaching, training, goal setting, providing ongoing feedback, and recognition.
  • Provide proactive, timely, effective and efficient systems, processes, controls and records to ensure all billing (revenues), invoice and expense statement (expenditures) transactions and balances are in accordance with accounting standards and AER policies.   Accounting processes under this position’s leadership include:
    • Apply cash receipts to the AR sub-ledger, reconcile the sub-ledgers to the GL;
    • Collect all receivables and report uncollected levy receivables for evaluation and escalation;
    • Validate appropriate expenditure coding, comply with procure-to-pay processes and  financial delegations of authority;
    • Ensure the timely payment of all accounts payable & processing bi-weekly cheque runs
    • Develop and implement financial policies, processes and procedures;
    • Administer the Workday Expense Management System;
    • Prepare and approve journal entries;
    • Support internal and external financial audits;
    • Provide stewardship over financial security;
    • Provide records management services for the accounting function (retention, filing standards and compliance);
    • Develop and implement finance related training aids, which may include training;
    • Perform ad hoc analysis, completing projects and other non-routine complex assignments as determined. 
    • Oversee administrative functions for the accounting group;
  • Identify and contribute to the ongoing development and streamlining of the accounting function and actively participate in discussions about process design, internal controls over financial reporting, organizational structure, and system utilization, including the potential  implementation of a new ERP system.
  • Perform ad hoc analysis and complete projects and other non-routine complex assignments as determined. 
  • Assist the Director, Finance and Corporate Controller in the fulfillment of the Accounting group’s responsibilities, tasks and initiatives on an ongoing basis.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's of Commerce or an equivalent degree, coupled with  Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required;
  • 10 years of accounting experience, with at least 5 year's experience leading AP & AR functions;
  • Must be able to demonstrate past achievements in process optimization and internal controls;
  • Proficient in SAP, advanced procure to pay processes, and ERP system implementation experience;
  • Experienced in the creation of policies/procedures, and the application of accounting standards;  
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, communicate, collaborate and work effectively in ambiguous/uncertain and changing environment while maintain strong interpersonal relationships.

Additional Requirements/Information:

  • All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.
  • This position will be subject to pre-employment background screening, including a criminal record check and a financial security check.
  • All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.
  • The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has aligned with the Government of Alberta’s proof of vaccination requirements and has implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy effective November 30, 2021. This policy is an effective way for us to help protect our employees, industry partners, and Albertans. Employees have three options to be in compliance with the new policy:
  1. Provide proof of vaccination
  2. Submit an exemption request for an accommodation and upon approval, participate in ongoing COVID testing at the AER’s expense prior to accessing an AER office or stakeholder site
  3. Participate in ongoing COVID testing at the employee’s expense prior to accessing an AER office or stakeholder site.
  • New hires who are unable to be vaccinated due to a medical reason, or for another protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act, will be reasonably accommodated.

Additional Working Conditions

We understand the way we do our work has changed and our employees are looking for flexibility with a blend of in-office and remote work.  From September 2021 – August 2022, the AER is participating in a 12-month trial to live, learn and adapt our flexible, hybrid model in a way that works for our business and our employees.

What does our hybrid work model look like?

  • Combination of in-office and remote work based on your preference and business needs!
  • Flexible work hours, while committing to being available during our core hours of 9:00am – 3:00pm

If you choose to participate in the hybrid model, you will:

  • Be provided with an AER computer or laptop when working in the office
  • Need to have access to a personal computer when working from home (unless assigned an AER laptop - dependant on business need).
  • Have a high-speed internet connection with a minimum of 50 Mbps for downloads and 30 Mbps for uploads when working remotely

Benefits at the AER

  • Defined benefit pension plan(s)
  • Personal spending account
  • Flexible benefits program
  • Work/Life Balance time off programs
  • Healthcare spending account
  • Voluntary Group Savings Programs
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program
  • Visit our careers page for more details on all the AER has to offer!

For Internal Applicants Only

  • Under the AER’s Classification Framework this position is a M3, Level:6
  • In the event a current AER employee would like to apply for an internal posting, the employee will inform their leader prior to submitting their application.
  • Please note: Should an individual with the required qualifications not be available, applicants with closely related qualifications may be considered. As a result, the position may be redesigned and/or reclassified.

Please note, this job advertisement will close on January 24, 2021 at midnight.