Manager, Financial Reporting

Town of Cochrane; Town of Cochrane; On-site; CAD 136,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing Canadian municipality is seeking a Manager, Financial Reporting to lead their financial reporting team. This role involves ensuring accurate and compliant financial reports while enhancing financial processes and controls. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting and finance, with at least 5 years of experience and a leadership role in a municipal setting. The position offers a competitive salary and a chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly growing community.

Qualifications

• Public sector or municipal experience required preferably within a Canadian local government or comparable public-sector organization.
• CPA designation (or near completion) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of year-end financial statements and audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with PSAB and the Municipal Government Act.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Financial Reporting team.

Skills

Strong knowledge of PSAS and financial reporting standards

Advanced Excel skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent communication skills

Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines

Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams

Education

University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

Minimum 5 years progressive accounting/finance experience

Minimum 3 years in a leadership/supervisory role

Tools

ERP / financial systems (Questica, MS Dynamics GP, Diamond)

Job description

Town of Cochrane

Manager, Financial Reporting

Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world‑famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town’s architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.

We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Manager, Financial Reporting to lead our Financial Reporting team. This role is ideal for a collaborative, hands‑on leader who values accuracy, integrity, innovation, and strong financial governance. You will provide strategic oversight while also contributing directly to financial reporting and analysis activities that support decision‑making across the organization.

Reporting to the Director, Financial & Assessment Services, this position ensures timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting while strengthening financial processes, controls, and systems across the organization.

If you are someone who thrives in a dynamic municipal environment, enjoys leading teams, and takes pride in delivering meaningful financial insights — this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in one of Alberta’s fastest‑growing communities.

Why build your career with Cochrane?

Cochrane is growing rapidly, creating exciting opportunities to positively influence how municipal services are planned, funded, and delivered. As Manager, Financial Reporting, you will:

• Support financial integrity, accountability, and transparency across the organization
• Lead a high‑performing team while also contributing as a working manager
• Strengthen financial systems, controls, and reporting processes
• Support strategic decisions that shape community growth and investment
• Help guide financial planning for critical infrastructure, services, and capital priorities

Cochrane fosters a positive, high‑performing culture built on transparency, curiosity, accountability, innovation, and teamwork.

What are some of the duties of the Manager, Financial Reporting?

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Lead preparation of year‑end financial statements and audit requirements
• Ensure compliance with PSAB and the Municipal Government Act
• Prepare monthly consolidated financial statements and recurring reports
• Produce financial reports for Council and internal stakeholders
• Analyze general ledger activity and investigate discrepancies
• Provide variance analysis and ad hoc financial reports
• Maintain strong financial controls and reporting processes

Budgeting & Analysis

• Co‑lead the annual budget process with the Manager, Finance
• Support forecasting, modelling, and financial analysis
• Provide financial advisory support to senior leaders
• Cross‑train and support broader finance leadership functions

Leadership & Operations

• Lead, coach, and develop the Financial Reporting team
• Act as a working manager contributing directly to deliverables
• Support system enhancements and new financial technologies
• Ensure section Health & Safety compliance

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience:

Required:

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• Minimum 5 years progressive accounting/finance experience
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership/supervisory role
• Public sector or municipal experience required preferably within a Canadian local government or comparable public‑sector organization.

Preferred:

• CPA designation (or near completion). Candidates who are actively nearing completion of their CPA designation will be considered in the selection process
• Member in good standing with a recognized accounting body

Skills and Abilities:

Required:

• Strong knowledge of PSAS and financial reporting standards
• Advanced Excel skills; proficiency in Word and Outlook
• Experience with ERP / financial systems (Questica, MS Dynamics GP, Diamond considered an asset)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to build strong relationships across the organization
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, coach teams, and build credibility with senior leaders
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Demonstrated success leading high‑performing teams
• Proven success implementing financial systems, process improvements, or digital transformation initiatives
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate financial risks, trends, and business impacts

Preferred:

• Advanced financial modelling, forecasting, and analytical capabilities
• Strong facilitation skills with experience leading cross‑departmental projects or initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive financial matters with discretion, tact, and professionalism
• Experience developing financial policies, internal controls, and governance frameworks
• Ability to foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture focused on accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement

Certifications, Licenses and/or Designations:

Required:

• Member in good standing with a recognized accounting body

Preferred:

• CPFO / GFOA / Relevant municipal finance certification
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) — Alberta or eligible for transfer.

Cochrane is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all employees, which means that everyone is responsible for health and safety. This means that you must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of your colleagues, contractors, the public, and of course, yourself by following all relevant health and safety legislation and corporate policies.

Still interested? Here’s how to apply:

• Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their resume, and a letter stating how your experience matches the required qualifications, skills, and abilities for this position.
• All candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey.
• Applications for this position will be accepted until 9pm MST January 16, 2026. Please apply at www.cochrane.ca/jobs.
• The annual salary for this position is between $136,755 and $146,097 and is based on a 35‑hour work week.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.