Accountant-ADRA Canada

Job Description

Accountant

Position

Accountant

Department

Finance & Shared Services

Location

ADRA Canada Headquarters 20 Robert St. W, Newcastle, ON, Canada.

Reporting to

CFO

Travel

International and/or National travel may be required less than 2% of the time.

Appointed by

ADCOM

Supervises

N/A

Employment Category

Full-time

Hours of Work

38 hours per week with a 4-day work week option as well as hybrid option (3 days in office and 1 day work from home).

Compensation Range/Category/Level

Commensurate with Experience

Disclosure

The nature of ongoing employment within ADRA Canada is dependent on financial contributions from its support base. It is to be recognized that the level of support is of a fluctuating nature.

Revision Date

Feb 24, 2025

Where to Apply

Interested applicants should apply online at https://adra.ca/careers/. Application closing date is April 24, 2025.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Accountant plays a critical role in contributing to the financial integrity and efficiency of ADRA Canada. Embodying ADRA Canada’s values of being Connected, Courageous and Compassionate, the Accountant is responsible for managing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. This role also involves supporting budgeting and auditing processes, preparing financial reports, and analyzing financial data to aid in organizational decision making.

ADRA Canada Description, Purpose & Personal Commitment Statement

ADRA Canada (the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Canada) is the Canadian relief and development agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ADRA Canada’s purpose is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended.

ADRA Canada and all of its employees are engaged in supporting the Vision of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) which is Proclaiming Christ, Nurturing Believers, and Serving Humanity. The ministry of ADRA Canada is an important part of the Christian mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is done in harmony with its religious beliefs and practices.

Therefore, being employed by ADRA Canada requires personal commitment to its mission and lifestyle. The holder of this position will reflect in their personal and professional life the Christian values as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as referenced in the employment contract. The employee acknowledges and agrees that this position is one of ministry within the Seventh-day Adventist Church and that membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and adherence to the fundamental faith and religious beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is essential to the proper performance of the duties of the position. The employee must conduct him/herself, both on and off duty, in accordance with the religious beliefs and teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in all respects so as not to damage ADRA Canada’s reputation or harm the employee’s ability to fulfil all of the position’s obligations. The employee must inform the Chief Executive Officer if he/she no longer adheres to, or maintains belief in, the fundamental faith and religious beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Key Responsibilities

• Church Relations/Ministry (10% of each work week, but permeated throughout role)
• Participate in daily worship and prayers. All employees take turns in leading worship for all employees.
• Be prepared to counsel callers (including church members and others) on role of Seventh-day Adventist mission and pray with them.
• Encourage partners (including Seventh-day Adventist Conferences and congregations in Canada, other Canadian and international Seventh-day Adventist entities and the worldwide ADRA network) in the mission of ADRA Canada and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Educate them, as necessary, about the ministry role of ADRA Canada as part of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church movement, consistent with the religious teachings of the Church.
• As requested, contribute to corporate publications and represent ADRA Canada and its mission at presentations/speaker appointment requests, particularly with ADRA Canada’s partners.
• Ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with the values and religious beliefs of the ADRA network and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• As part of the ADRA Canada ministry, act in a way that reflects the religious beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, both on and off duty.
• Operations/Technical (90% of each work week)

Finance Reporting & Analysis

• Creation of Financial Reporting Templates (Financial Reports, Project Cash Flow, FX, GL Reconciliation, Interest Calculation & Reporting and Payment Timeline)
• Review field financial reports from the Finance Manager (FM) for accuracy and consolidate the financial data into the YTD financial reporting template when necessary, ensuring the integrity of implementing field office reports is kept intact.
• Ensure that foreign exchange rates are accurately calculated and used in the preparation of financial reports.
• Calculate overhead on monthly project expenses as per funding requirements. Be aware of overhead sharing agreements.
• Calculate interest earned on donor funds monthly.
• Report to management regarding the remaining funding available for projects – overall cash flow.
• Provide Canadian component expense reporting to Project Finance and verify.
• Complete project lead sheet detailing pertinent financial information and contacts.
• Provide ad hoc financial reports to support departmental/organizational decision making.

Accounting Operations & Journal Entries

• Prepare journal entries with supporting documentation to reflect both implementing field office and ADRA Canada expenses for posting into the accounting system.
• Prepare journal entries to record income earned from overhead and advise FM of the adjustment necessary on project reports.
• Review payroll project billing for accuracy and completeness and mark as “pending approval” for posting into the accounting system.
• Review employee timesheets for reasonableness, accuracy and identify and report on discrepancies.
• Create project account codes in the accounting system and ensure that GL account codes are sufficient to process the accounting transactions.
• Prepare accounting entries for the use of deferred contributions related to project expenses.
• Conduct monthly reconciliations for assigned projects.
• Conduct equity reconciliations for the CFGB program portfolio.
• Review & approve expense reports.
• Close out project accounts upon project completion.

Project and Cash Flow Management

• Ensure timely & proper processing of payment requests to implementing field offices & field personnel (as authorized and initiated by the Project Manager). Confirmation of available funding to be part of the process.
• Ensure timely & proper processing of payment requests to Canadian partner offices & personnel (as authorized and initiated by the Project Manager) Confirmation of funding to be part of the process.
• Initiate interbank transfers correcting bank balances between ADRA Canada's operating bank account & project bank accounts.
• Initiate bank transfers to Canadian partner offices to facilitate project funding.

Documentation & Compliance

• Set up a file retention structure.
• Collaborate with project FM & PM to ensure proper filing of payments & receipt of funds, financial reports, and copies of field supporting documents for expenditures over CAD 1,000 on SharePoint and X-drive.

Budget & Audit Support

• Prepare budget templates.
• Compile information for internal audit purposes and the annual external audit and donor audits as requested.
• Coordinates annual budgeting of the CFGB portfolio.
• Perform other duties as designated by the Director.

COMMITTEE STANDING

Member of Finance Committees of relevant projects.

Essential EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e. Education, International Development, Youth Ministry, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in youth leadership/youth ministry, managing school partnerships and international/national youth trips.
• Experience with international development, humanitarian aid, or community service projects (volunteer or professional).
• A citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the ability to legally work in Canada, by virtue of holding a current valid work permit (if required)
• Superior planning & organizing skills – Able to set clearly defined objectives; plan activities and multiple projects well in advance and take account of possible changing circumstances.
• Dynamic leadership & supervisory skills – Able to lead, inspire and motivate youth people, providing clear direction and setting appropriate standards of behaviour.
• Excellent presentation & communication skills – Able to speak clearly and fluently in English; express opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; and build relationships with a wide range of individuals.
• Creative and innovative thinker – Able to produce new ideas, approaches or insights; and creates innovative designs.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with local communities and partners in a respectful way.
• Understanding of and commitment to programming and communications that respect the human rights of all persons ADRA serves, especially the rights of women and girls.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• First aid & CPR “C”, HEAT, and psychological and mental health first aid certification, or willing to obtain.
• Experience traveling internationally, especially to low-resource or high-risk areas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Task Management software, virtual communication platforms, and awareness of CRM software, webpage logistics and fundraising tools.
• Fluent written and oral communication skills in French.

WHY A CAREER WITH ADRA CANADA?

ADRA Canada is one of the leading humanitarian and development organizations in Canada. Our reputation has been built by our amazing and dedicated team of knowledgeable, skilled and experienced staff who carry out ADRA's mission each and every day. At ADRA Canada, we offer exciting and challenging careers that play an important role in positively impacting the futures of vulnerable families, and especially the lives of women and girls all over the world. Inspired by our Christian values, ADRA is active in over 130 countries globally, delivering justice, compassion, and love so that all may live as God intended.

ADRA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, including our work environment. We especially welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples and members of racialized communities.

ADRA Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please inform us within your application if you require any accommodations and every effort will be made to meet your needs.

Consistent with our Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse Policy, the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including a vulnerable sector screen as a condition of employment.

Due To a High Volume Of Applicants, Only Shortlisted Candidates Will Be Contacted. If You Are Chosen To Move Forward, Our Interview Process Typically Follows This Sequence

• One hour in-person/virtual “get to know you” interview with a member of the HR team, Hiring Manager, and sometimes another senior staff member. This interview will evaluate values and culture fit.
• One hour in person/virtual technical interview with a member of the HR team and the Hiring Manager and/or the Department Director.
• Depending on the role, in some cases a 30 minute to 2-hour technical skills test will be required.
• Reference checks.
• A decision is communicated, and an offer is extended subject to criminal background check.

At ADRA we aim to complete the entire process above within six (6) weeks. If at any time we decide to end your candidacy, you will be notified of this by a member of our team in writing. We would appreciate it if you extend us that same courtesy.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The terms and conditions shall be read in conjunction with the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual (as amended from time to time), the contents of which form part of the employee’s obligations to ADRA Canada. The obligations of ADRA Canada are as set out in the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual and the applicable employment standards legislation and regulations, whichever obligations are greater. The employer will have no other obligations except as expressly set out in a written employment contract.

Performance Review: A Performance Review will typically be conducted after the first three months in the position. All employees will be required to participate in semi-annual Performance Reviews.

Job Description Continuous Review: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and can be modified at any time to meet the needs of ADRA Canada.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to read, speak, and hear. Must be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Some standing, walking, bending, kneeling, carrying of light items, etc. required. Standard work hours, as defined by the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual, are required.

Working Conditions: Essential responsibilities are performed either in the office or in travelling conditions.

• Within the office, the work is primarily in a sedentary and comfortable environment, with tasks usually performed under normal office conditions with little or no noticeable discomfort. The work area is well lit and ventilated.
• If travelling (international and/or domestic) there will be difficult conditions and challenging environments, particularly to destinations in the developing world.

Vulnerable Sector Screening: Consistent with our PSEA & Child Protection Policies the successful candidate must receive clearance by providing a police background check, including a vulnerable sector screening where available.