Senior Assurance and Compliance Analyst

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; Calgary; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in applied education seeks a Senior Assurance and Compliance Analyst to enhance their internal control program. This role involves evaluating financial processes for compliance, ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls, and identifying areas for risk mitigation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public accounting, particularly within post-secondary institutions, and a passion for developing innovative solutions. Join a collaborative team that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, and contribute to the mission of preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Your opportunity to make a difference starts here!

Benefits

4 Weeks Vacation

14 Flex Days

Paid Leave

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in compliance and assurance, preferably in accounting.
• Solid background in process redevelopment and workflow design.
• Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) work.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement internal control programs for financial reporting.
• Develop risk management practices and contingency plans.
• Conduct training sessions and maintain collaborative relationships.

Skills

GAAP

PSAB

IFRS

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Negotiation Skills

Presentation Skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree

CPA Professional Accounting Designation

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP Systems

Executive Reporting Tools

Job description

The Finance department loves when the math balances out — so we’re looking to add to our team. If you have a nose for numbers and believe your skills and passion match our requirements, you will have our undivided attention and we want to meet you.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Director of Reporting and Corporate Finance, the Senior Assurance and Compliance Analyst is responsible for evaluating, implementing and testing SAIT’s internal control program. This entails evaluating the design, implementation and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.

The Senior Analyst shall also be responsible for ensuring that financial processes and systems are in compliance with relevant legislation and guidance, best practices, and SAIT policies and procedures. This position requires experience in public accounting preferably in a post-secondary institution as they will be required to maintain an in-depth understanding of the key business processes within the business unit such that control deficiencies or operating inefficiencies are identified and solutions proposed, evaluated, and implemented.

The Role

• REPORTING AND RISK MANAGEMENT
• Review and develop risk management practices and contingency plans to protect assets by establishing, monitoring, enforcing internal controls.
• Conduct the review, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over the financial reporting function.
• Evaluate SAIT’s ICFR program on an ongoing basis and identify risk mitigation strategies and practices to address any gaps.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director, compile the results of the ICFR evaluation into a report for the audit committee.
• Perform technical analyses and apply appropriate accounting standards to develop, implement suitable accountability frameworks to strengthen the reliability, timeliness and accuracy of the financial statements.
• Perform detailed evaluation of new and non-routine transactions to ensure compliance with accounting standards and their impact on SAIT’s financials.
• Perform Quality control review on monthly, quarterly and year-end financial statements, note disclosure and corresponding lead sheets.
• Review of contractual rights, contractual obligations, contingent assets, contingent liabilities for year-end reporting and note disclosures.
• Participate in the preparation of SAIT’s Annual Report, including the review of all aspects of the Annual Report for consistency and accuracy with MD&A and financial statements.
• Support audits as required by providing information and ensuring the accessibility and availability of staff.
• Work with the Internal Audit department as required. Review, respond to, and assist in implementing recommendations provided by the internal audit department for all areas of Finance.
• Identify areas of risk, lost opportunity, and inefficiencies and take action as appropriate including appropriate communication to other teams, departments, and Management.

• BEST PRACTICES & BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of the business processes within the business unit such that control deficiencies or operating inefficiencies are identified and solutions proposed, evaluated, and implemented. Act as a key resource on internal control matters, and best practices on project teams.
• Ensure the development and testing of working paper templates and files to support effective reconciliation processes.
• Develop and monitor effective quality control testing for balance sheet accounts. Encourage and support suggestions for improvement in system reporting and functionalities to minimize manual data manipulation in the compilation of financial information, and work with key areas to drive the implementation of changes.
• Be familiar with changes in current software systems affecting the functional area and ensure adequate UAT testing for software upgrades and new system enhancements.
• Coordinate the assessment of underutilized functionality in financial applications and determine where process improvements can be made.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and cost saving initiatives as related to financial processing and reporting functions or other section objectives.
• Identify risk areas for all departments and propose appropriate solutions.

• RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
• Develop and maintain a strong collaborative culture within the Financial Services section and with Finance colleagues.
• Attend operational meetings to discuss analysis and gather feedback as required.
• Effectively communicate with clients and leaders to manage expectations in terms of information requirements and decision-making processes.
• Conduct training sessions and presentations as required within the Finance department.

Qualifications & Experience

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Completion of and good standing with CPA professional accounting designation.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a compliance and assurance environment, preferably in an accounting firm.
• Experience with implementing and interpreting accounting standards, preferably PSAS.
• At least 3 years of experience with Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) work or ICFR.
• Solid background in process redevelopment and work flow design.
• Experience and working knowledge of financial modules within ERP systems.
• Thorough knowledge of large integrated financial systems.
• Experience with executive reporting tools and data warehouse environments.

• Skills Required
• Knowledge/understanding of GAAP and PSAB, IFRS, IPSAS ASPE, Handbooks and ability to apply in practice.
• Knowledge of and experience in SOX or ICFR.
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft office, financial programs).
• Advanced planning, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions to problems.
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills; written and oral.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to handle difficult situations while maintaining effective relationships.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy regarding sensitive and confidential issues.
• Highly proficient in negotiation, presentation, engagement and strong facilitation skills.
• Ability to meet competing demands and work in tight timelines in a positive and productive manner.
• Experience working in mid to large sized organizations preferably.

Job classification: SENIOR INTERNAL AUDITOR - P5949

Salary range: $105,000.00 - $120,000

Paid Leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Posting closing date: Until Filled

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. It creates the conditions for a healthy campus where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed. SAIT values fairness, shared accountability and the importance of representation. The institution expects a commitment from its students and employees to continuously develop an equitable and inclusive mindset that celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.