Manager, Financial Accounting

Taking action for the ocean today, so we can all flourish tomorrow.

Ocean Wise is the world-class ocean change maker for concerned collaborators, big and small, who want practical solutions with real impact so that they feel empowered and take action to protect oceans, humanity, and the world we live in.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Manager, Finance is a key member of the Finance team and is responsible for managing the daily accounting functions including revenue and expense recording, month-end close activities, reconciliation of general ledger accounts, internal and external financial reporting, and coordinating the annual audit process.

They also provide mentorship and coaching to members of the Finance Team, as well as technical support and financial process training for other departments.

Collaboration is an important part of the role for assisting and coordinating with other departments on production of annual operating budgets, reviewing and analyzing monthly financial statements, preparing monthly and quarterly forecasts, and examining grant applications and reports.

The Manager, Finance assists the Director of Finance in advising and consulting on financial statements, budgets, contract reviews and ad hoc / routine financial reports for key stakeholders.

The successful incumbent will also become the organizational support resource on financial information systems and carry out the development and implementation of new systems when required.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Finance Administration :

• Manages and oversees the daily operations of the accounting department, ensuring proper accounting methods and principles are followed;
• Prepares internal financial statements and interpretation for key internal and external stakeholders;
• Oversees the accounts payable and accounts receivable functions to ensure accuracy and timely processing;
• Prepares and reviews journal entries for all related accounting functions as appropriate;
• Assists with month-end and year-end procedures including the preparation of working paper files for external auditors and the interim and year-end audit process;
• Provides Operations Team members with advice on the preparation of grant applications, and prepares certain applications and reports;
• Provides technical support with respect to charitable status and ensuring compliance with taxation rules;
• Manages the preparation of annual information returns and statutory government reporting;
• Develops, implements, and monitors internal controls and systems for all financial transactions throughout the organization;
• Coordinates cash control procedures and ensures compliance throughout the organization;
• Reviews and authorizes payment procedures and payment runs;
• Approves electronic invoice payments and interbank transfers.

Payroll :

Reviews payroll journal entries and coordinates the reconciliation of payroll liabilities with the Payroll Specialist;

Financial Statements Analysis :

• Performs monthly variance analyses between budgeted and actual results and reviews said analysis with stakeholders;
• Prepares summary reports for executives, management, other employees and stakeholders, including Board of Directors and Committee reports, project costs and ad hoc reports;
• Maintains and proactively improves financial models to enhance and streamline existing processes to compile, analyze and report on monthly financial results;

Budget and Forecast :

• Coordinates and oversees the annual budgeting process, including worksheet preparation, departmental budget reviews, and import file preparation;
• Prepares monthly financial forecasts through consultation with department managers, directors and senior staff;
• Reconciles monthly revenue recognition, expense admissibility and deductions;

Grants and Contracts :

• Prepares project budgets and interim and final grant reports for funders;
• Monitors expenditures associated with contracts and grant awards;
• Manages depository systems for all contracts;
• Provides support and guidance to Operations teams on the use of project and funding resource codes to optimize financial monitoring and reporting;

Other Support :

• Supports the Director of Finance in the development of business models and business plans for new or revised business activities;
• Assists the Director of Finance and Director of IT in software system reviews and provides recommendations for process improvements;
• Advises on technical accounting procedures and provides customer support to departments with financial statement analysis, internal controls and purchasing;
• Provides assistance with the interpretation of tax receipting legislation and staying abreast with the latest developments in the international tax domain;

Consciously desires to improve Ocean Wise and its processes by :

• Maintaining organizational safety standards;
• Continually reducing our impact on the environment and increasing the sustainability of our operations;
• Performing additional duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A minimum of 5-7+ years of progressive experience in general accounting, financial statement analysis, budgeting and forecasting is required;
• An undergraduate degree in a similar field is preferred;
• Professional accounting designation (CPA) is required;
• A combination of experience and education will be considered
• Experience with non-profit accounting preferred;
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, capacity to work constructively with a diverse group of people;
• Proven leadership abilities, with experience motivating and mentoring team members;
• Capacity to work under tight deadlines and to effectively manage a diverse set of activities and priorities;
• Practical approach to projects and problems;

Technical Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of MS Office programs; exceptional knowledge in Excel;
• Advanced knowledge of accounting cycle;
• Desire for learning new software packages, applications, and systems;
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities within tight deadlines;
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy;
• Ability to work with a high degree of discretion and tact in handling confidential matters;
• Active demonstration of the company's values and mission;

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Ocean Wise offers a competitive salary based on experience and provides an excellent range of benefits, including :

• Extended health and dental coverage
• vision coverage
• RRSP matching
• group term and supplemental life insurance
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• Position also eligible for paid vacation days, paid sick days, and paid personal days

Working Conditions

• This position will be mainly remote in a work-from-home setting with the possibility of working in our Vancouver office if desired.
• Sedentary position requires considerable keyboard work, some telephone work and occasional on-grounds mobility.
• Flexibility in schedule is required during working hours.
• Regular schedule is Monday to Friday.
• Some weekends and holidays may be required on an exception basis.
• Works frequently under pressure, with deadlines and shifting priorities.

Inclusion and Diversity : Ocean Wise is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are a company where diverse backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints are valued.

Ocean Wise does not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age, ethnic or national origin.