Assistant Secretary-Treasurer (Director of Finance)

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an excellent opportunity for a CPA looking to advance their career.  This is a newly created position to support our client’s business needs and growth.  This position will report into the Secretary-Treasurer and will manage all the financial reporting and accounting activities.  The Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, essentially the Director of Finance, will be based out of their corporate office located in Peace River, Alberta and is required to be in the office full-time.  This position will have a few direct reports, but the size of the team is open for discussion based on the candidate’s experience.  Travel to Edmonton may be required on a monthly basis to attend Board meetings, conferences or educational opportunities. 

The ORGANIZATION

With approximately 1,800 students and 19 schools, the Northland School District is situated in some of the most stunning areas in northern Alberta. Covering 288,347 square kilometers. The schools are located near mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and wetlands in Treaty 6 and 8 Territories where there is a high respect for the history, language, and culture in these territories.

For more information, please visit their website at:  www.nsd61.ca.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assuming the role and responsibilities associated with data processing.
  • Managing the board’s financial operations including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll.
  • Performing the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer when the Secretary-Treasurer is absent and unable to perform the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer.
  • Assuming responsibility for the computer system, including data management, security, backups, etc.
  • Providing accounting and financial expertise and training to support staff.
  • Providing senior management staff with financial advice and information necessary for their decision-making.
  • Evaluating the accounting policies, systems, and procedures of the division on an ongoing basis and recommending changes for improvement.
  • Assisting the Secretary-Treasurer in the preparation of the division’s annual budget.
  • Preparing the annual financial statements for the division and other regulatory bodies.
  • Maintaining the chart of accounts and making revisions as required.
  • Maintaining the capital and project ledgers. 
  • Planning, organizing, and coordinating the support staff in the day-to-day operation of the accounting and payroll departments.
  • Providing the necessary direction to the supervisors in the execution of their assigned duties.
  • Evaluating the performance of all staff within the department.
  • Approving additions and deletions to accounts payable vendor master.
  • Evaluating the present accounting systems and making the necessary changes to improve their capability and efficiency.
  • Maintaining an internal audit function within the division.
  • Assisting in the negotiation of tuition and transportation agreements.
  • Administering transportation and tuition agreements.
  • Providing policy interpretation and assistance to support staff as required.
  • Providing grant interpretation and assistance to department heads.
  • Ensuring that an efficient purchasing policy, procedures and systems are in place.
  • Monitoring the divisional fixed assets register and be responsible for all amendments. 
  • Preparing budget submissions for administration, board of trustees, and Local School Board Committees.
  • Performing such other duties as may be assigned by the Secretary-Treasurer.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • CPA designation required.
  • 5+ years of school division experience would be an asset.
  • Eligible for membership with ASBOA (Association of School Business Officials of Alberta).
  • Extensive knowledge of data processing techniques and systems (both manual and computerized).
  • Considerable knowledge of modern business practices.
  • Comfortable working in a political environmental and with Boards and elected officials.

KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Ability to deal with the conflicting demands of modern accounting practices and governmental regulations.
  • Ability to relate to a senior management whose backgrounds are very much educational and academic-oriented.
  • Ability to deal with a computerized financial information system.
  • Ability to deal with all levels of management whose training and background are not always accounting or business oriented.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral).
  • An innovative thinker with an ability to find imaginative solutions.
  • The ability to work as a team player, as well as working independently with a minimum of supervision.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sandy Jacobson | T: 780.944.1327 | E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca