Senior Financial Technical Compliance Analyst

Southern Alberta Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT); Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technological institution in Calgary is seeking a Senior Financial & Technical Compliance Analyst responsible for evaluating and implementing internal control programs. The candidate will ensure compliance with financial processes and systems, review risk management practices, and support audits. A background in public accounting and CPA designation is required for this role, along with strong skills in GAAP and SOX compliance.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in a public accounting environment.
• Experience with implementing and interpreting accounting standards.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with SOX or ICFR.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement internal control programs.
• Conduct reviews and evaluations of internal controls.
• Support audits and internal audit recommendations.

Skills

Knowledge of GAAP

Experience in SOX

Advanced planning skills

Excellent communication

Education

Undergraduate degree

CPA professional accounting designation or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Financial programs

Job description

The Opportunity

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

The Senior Financial & Technical Compliance Analystshall 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 theywill 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.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Undergraduate degree
• CPA professional accounting designation or equivalent
• 5 years of experience in a public accounting environment
• Experience with implementing and interpreting accounting standards
• Preferred:
• Public Sector Experience an asset
• Minimum 3 years of experience with Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) work or Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR)
• Solid background in process redevelopment and work flow design

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