International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board - Senior Manager, Standards Development [...]

International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB); Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Job summary

A global accounting standards board in Toronto seeks a Senior Manager to lead technical projects in public sector accounting. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting knowledge and experience in standard-setting and project management. Responsibilities include managing technical workstreams, presenting at meetings, and engaging with stakeholders. A competitive compensation package will be offered, and this position supports a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of technical and complex accounting issues.
• In-depth knowledge of IPSAS or IFRSs required.
• Experience preparing public sector financial reports desired.
• Ability to work with stakeholders at all levels and across cultures.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA designation desirable.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage one or more technical project workstreams.
• Identify and diagnose complex problems.
• Present agenda papers at IPSASB meetings.
• Develop clear standards and guidance adhering to internal protocols.
• Present agenda papers at IPSASB meetings and participate in discussions.
• Drive projects to gain global confidence in outputs with key stakeholders.
• Lead a team of volunteers in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Engage governments, regulators, standard setters, firms, and governance groups globally.
• Serve as a key contact for IPSASB liaison activities.

Skills

Technical and complex accounting knowledge

Standard-setting experience

Project management skills

Fluent in English

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership / mentoring

Problem solving / analytical

Proactive and adaptable

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA designation or equivalent

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

You are an ambitious, self‑motivated and confident professional with the experience to manage complex, technical and time‑sensitive projects, and bring key stakeholders on the journey. You have wide‑ranging project management experience that allows you to juggle multiple tasks effectively in a results‑focused way. You are keenly interested in public interest and practical public sector issues, and are able to drive initiatives forward in a collaborative environment. You are an excellent communicator at ease both in navigating a multi‑cultural work setting and in liaising with senior officials, including professional accountants, particularly from government and other public sector organizations. You have strong drafting skills, and convey your thoughts clearly and concisely. You also enjoy the challenge of analyzing the interactions of technical standards in depth, from both a conceptual and practical perspective, to guide the development of public sector appropriate principles.

Senior Managers on the team are not only technical contributors but also project leaders. They are expected to independently manage the projects entrusted to them, proactively identifying what needs to be done, mobilizing the right people, and ensuring delivery. Senior managers are valued for their active leadership and resourcefulness in ensuring their projects are led effectively and results are efficiently delivered.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As a member of the technical staff team of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, you will support our global mission and lead key projects and initiatives to fulfil the IPSASB’s strategic commitments. You will work closely with volunteer board and task force members in developing standard‑setting solutions to complex and emerging public sector issues to support the delivery of the IPSASB’s work program.

Public sector entities are increasingly adopting International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as part of wider public financial management reforms (PFM) recognizing that high quality international accounting standards designed for the public sector provide value. During this dynamic time, you can help to shape the future of global public sector accounting by working to deliver on the challenging projects on the IPSASB work program. The current work program includes topics that relate to serious issues facing governments today.

The IPSASB focuses on strengthening PFM and sustainable development globally through increasing adoption of accrual IPSAS Standards and IPSASB SRS Standards in two areas of activity, both with a public interest focus:

• Delivering global standards. This includes developing and maintaining public sector financial and sustainability reporting standards; and
• Inspiring Adoption and Implementation. This includes raising awareness of the IPSASB Accounting and SRS Standards and the benefits of adoption and implementation.

Your ability to operate effectively in this role will be predicated on your ability to proactively manage your technical projects, including key stakeholders, through to final high‑quality standards. You will need to keep up to date on the latest developments related to technical accounting standards and reporting, to contribute creatively to drive the delivery of leading‑edge standard‑setting projects.

Your Responsibilities

You will work closely with senior technical staff leadership and experienced volunteer board members from around the world. You will be responsible for:

• Proactively planning, organising, and managing one or more technical project workstream(s), including identifying required tasks, dependencies, milestones, and deliverables.
• Operating with a high degree of independence, requiring limited direction, while maintaining alignment with the Board’s strategic priorities and work program milestones.
• Identifying and diagnosing complex problems while taking early action to address them, and developing global, public interest–oriented solutions.
• Developing standards, guidance, and other documents that are clear and concise and that adhere to internal protocols.
• Presenting agenda papers at public IPSASB meetings and other meetings as appropriate and participating in discussions.
• Driving projects through the steps required to gain global confidence in the quality of outputs, including discussions of the IPSASB, IPSASB Consultative Advisory Group, public sector Standard Setters, and the Public Interest Committee.
• Leading a team of volunteers in a dynamic, collaborative, multi‑cultural and collegial environment.
• Engaging with stakeholders such as governments, regulators, standard setters, accountancy firms, governance groups, and professional accountancy organisations around the world, as appropriate.
• Serving as a key contact for one or more of the Board’s liaison activities with key stakeholder groups.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of technical and complex accounting issues, with direct experience in standard‑setting and/or public sector accounting. Experience preparing public sector financial reports or auditing public sector entities is highly desirable.
• In‑depth knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) is required.
• Sustainability reporting experience is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and effectively. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential; proficiency in an additional language is an asset.
• Demonstrated technical, analytical, and project‑management skills, with strong computer literacy.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting or a related field (minimum requirement). A professional accounting designation is highly desirable (i.e., a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Canada designation or equivalent).
• Proven ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels of an organisation and across cultures, including coaching or mentoring others.
• Strong influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus across differing perspectives and guide credible, practical outcomes.
• Proactive and solutions‑oriented, with the ability to anticipate risks, capacity constraints, and emerging issues and take early, thoughtful action.
• Highly organised and detail‑oriented, with a strong focus on quality and accuracy.
• Flexible, innovative, and adaptable, with the ability to manage changing priorities in a dynamic environment.

This position operates in a hybrid working model, combining in‑office and remote work.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be offered.

IFAC/IPSASB is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

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