Senior Accountant

Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading conservation organization as a Senior Accountant at the Calgary Zoo. You will oversee financial management of conservation projects, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance. The role requires a CPA designation and strong analytical skills. Enjoy a vibrant workplace dedicated to wildlife conservation and a variety of benefits.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Flexible Benefits Plan

Employer Matching RRSP Program

Discounts on Food and Merchandise

Fun Work Environment

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in an accounting environment.
• Experience in restricted fund and not-for-profit accounting.
• Familiarity with computerized Accounting Systems.

Responsibilities

• Financial oversight of conservation projects and restricted funds.
• Preparation of month-end journal entries and grant reporting.
• Contribute to monthly management reporting and annual budgets.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

CPA Designation

Tools

Computerized Accounting Systems

Spreadsheet Applications

Databases

Job description

Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and bring your experience to one of the most unique locations in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a full-time permanent Senior Accountant to support with the financial oversight of our conservation initiatives. The Senior Accountant will have financial oversight of conservation projects, maintenance of restricted funds and completion of special projects, and contribute to financial reporting & budgeting for both Wilder Institute and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

What you will do:

Conservation Projects:

• Key contact for international and national conservation projects.
• Preparation of month-end journal entries.
• Financial oversight and review of daily transactions recorded for international conservation projects.
• Preparation of ongoing grant reporting requirements.
• Assist in establishing controls and procedures.
  
  

Restricted Funds Accounting:

• Complete oversight of restricted funds.
• Establish and maintain processes over restricted fund management.
• Preparation of conservation project financial statements and analysis.
• Review of funding agreements and contracts.
• Stewardship of new funding and collaboration with conservation project managers to ensure funding is accurately tracked and utilized for allowable expenditures.
• Oversight/preparation of grant reporting.
  
  

Financial Reporting & Budgeting:

• Contribute to monthly management reporting, analyzing trends and results vs. budget and forecasts.
• Assist in the quarterly financial reporting for the Board of Directors.
• Contribute to the preparation and coordination of the annual audited financial statements and notes.
• Assist in the coordination, preparation, review and analysis of annual budgets and quarterly forecasting.
  
  

Special Projects:

• Completion of special projects on an as needed basis, including, but not limited to, profitability analysis, improvements of management reporting, identification of improvement opportunities in existing processes and change implementation, assisting in financial system optimization.
  
  

Other:

• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

What you will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field is required.
• At least 3 years of experience in an accounting environment is required, including experience analyzing financial results, accurate record keeping and project management.
• A CPA designation is required.
• Familiarity with computerized Accounting Systems.
• Experience in word processing, spreadsheet applications and databases.
• Experience in restricted fund and not-for-profit accounting and reporting are considered an asset.
• Experience in designing and/or improving business processes.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work on a collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently.
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Primarily working in an open plan office environment at a computer.
  
  

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals
  
  

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

• Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume and a cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
• If hired, when would you be available to start?
• If hired, what are your salary expectations for this position?
• Please confirm that you have the CPA designation.
  

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by May 16, 2025 at 4:00pm MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.