Senior Accountant - Commodity Tax

Edmonton Public Library; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A city financial team is seeking a Senior Accountant specializing in Commodity Tax to ensure compliance with tax legislation including GST and Payroll Income Tax. The role includes managing correspondence with the Canada Revenue Agency, ensuring timely submission of GST filings, and leading internal controls for tax reporting accuracy. Ideal candidates will have CPA certification and strong analytical skills. This position may offer a hybrid working arrangement and is critical for maintaining fiscal integrity within the organization.

Benefits

Competitive salary range

Hybrid work arrangement

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Municipal government experience preferred.
• Excellent understanding of relevant tax legislation.
• Ability to communicate complex tax issues in simple terms.

Responsibilities

• Manage correspondence with CRA and liaise with auditors.
• Ensure timely submission of GST filings to CRA.
• Provide technical advice regarding Income Tax Act.

Skills

Significant knowledge and experience in excise tax

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Technical proficiency in financial software systems

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Education

Completion of the CPA In-depth GST/HST program

Tools

SAP

Google Applications

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Join the City of Edmonton's dedicated financial team as the Senior Accountant, Commodity Tax. In this critical role, you will be primarily responsible for upholding the City's compliance with all relevant tax legislation, including GST, Non-Resident Withholding Tax, and Payroll Income Tax, as well as regulations surrounding donations. You will expertly lead the monthly and annual collection and meticulous reconciliation of financial data across various City departments against our SAP system. Your work will ensure the accurate preparation of detailed reporting information and the timely, compliant submission of filings to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Beyond mandatory compliance, you will act as a vital resource, providing expert interpretation and strategic guidance on tax implications for important City projects and initiatives. This position is essential for maintaining the City's fiscal integrity and adherence to Canadian tax law.

What will you do?

• Manage the majority of correspondence with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and liaise with CRA auditors and the City's external auditors on issues related to excise tax
• Collaborate with internal legal counsel on matters concerning the interpretation of tax legislation or CRA guidance
• Ensure the timely and accurate monthly submission of GST compliance filings and non-resident withholding tax to the Canada Revenue Agency
• Design and maintain appropriate internal controls and procedures to guarantee the accuracy of GST reporting and the completeness of underlying data
• Provide technical support and advice on matters related to the Income Tax Act, including general taxation, municipal tax exemptions, and payroll/taxable benefit inquiries
• Identify opportunities for process and procedure enhancement, recommending changes and continuous improvements to streamline tax compliance while effectively managing risk
• Receive, review, consolidate, and reconcile (to SAP data) GST reports from all City departments and prepare the monthly GST remittance in accordance with legislative deadlines
• Consult with finance staff across business areas regarding GST requirements and the preparation of monthly reporting
• Oversee and/or prepare and issue T4A-NR and NR4's for non-resident withholding tax, GST/HST pension entity rebate applications, and any other necessary rebate or election forms
• Provide technical advice to City of Edmonton staff on highly complex GST and non-resident withholding tax issues (e.g., tax implications in agreements, exemptions, etc.)

Assets

• Experience within the municipal government.
• Completion of the CPA In-depth GST/HST program.

Skills required for success

• Significant knowledge and experience in excise tax
• An understanding of the Income Tax and Excise Tax Acts (sections relevant to the scope of work)
• Significant skill in communicating highly technical tax information in plain language to non-tax professionals and non-financial collaborators
• Strong understanding of public sector accounting standards as directed by the CPA Public Sector Accounting Handbook
• Strong understanding of acceptable business practices, internal controls, and policies within a large corporate environment
• Strong, independent, analytical, and problem-solving skills to resolve operational and business issues
• High level of analytical and conceptual skills to identify and resolve complex financial problems
• Commitment to excellence in customer service while ensuring adherence to professional standards
• Ability to build and maintain a working relationship with all levels of management and non-management personnel
• Technical proficiency in major financial and analytical software systems
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills is required, in addition to proficiency using Google Applications and Microsoft Office Suite
• General competencies identified through the Chartered Professional Accountant Competency Map (or any comparable guiding document released by CPA) be used in carrying out position responsibilities:
  • Acting ethically and demonstrating professional values
  • Solving problems and adding value
  • Communicating
  • Managing self
  • Collaborating and leading
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ( https://bit.ly/4brRrXm )
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Conditions of Employment

• Hire is dependent on a Police Information Check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton. There may be a cost associated with this requirement.
• Applicants may be tested.

Work Environment

• Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52.
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Learn more about our benefits here.

Up to 1 permanent full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week.
Salary Range: $54.505 - $68.843 (Hourly); $113,806.440 - $143,744.180 (Annually)
Talent Acquisition Consultant: NB/SB

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.