The City of Markham is currently accepting applications for the temporary full-time position (2.5 year contract) of CPA Associate in the Financial Services Department, Corporate Services Commission. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online (https://www.markham.ca/careers) by May 14, 2024.
Focused on onboarding a new graduate looking to develop qualifying practical experience to attain the CPA designation, the CPA Associate at the City of Markham will be participating in agreed-upon rotations in various parts of the Financial Services Department. In consultation with their Supervisor, the rotations and corresponding responsibilities, tasks, projects, etc. will be designed to progressively fulfil the qualifying practical experience required to attain the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. The City will support and guide the CPA Associate in designing details of the rotation and in undertaking the required reporting. The CPA Associate will also be supported in terms of professional development and mentorship activities required to attain the CPA designation.
Areas within the Financial Services Department within which the CPA Associate can undertake rotations include, but may not be limited to, financial planning and budgeting, accounting and reporting, tax and other revenue policy and administration, development finance, investment management, procurement, and financial transactions (e.g., accounts payable, payroll.
Major Responsibilities:
Research, Analysis and Policy Development & Implementation:
- Broadly, provides research support and assistance on financial-related matters
- Undertakes assigned project(s), including conducting any required research, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and development of recommendations
- Leads or supports the development and implementation of policies, procedures, standards, etc., including development and delivery of supporting briefing material, reports, presentations, etc.
- Conducts quantitative and qualitative analysis as part of research work.
- Develops, plans and implements assigned projects
For example, with respect to financial reporting:
- Researches complex accounting issues, and evaluates, calculates, and recommends appropriate accounting treatment.
- Reviews new and/or revised Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) and assesses the impact on City of Markham accounting policies and on consolidated financial statements.
- Supports the development of City of Markham corporate accounting policies, and updates policies for new standards to be adopted (as required).
For example, with respect to development finance:
- Develops and maintains knowledge of the Development Charges Act and associated/related regulations, policies, etc., and monitors and advises on regulatory changes for impacts to City policies and operations
For example, with respect to procurement:
- Develops and maintains knowledge of City Purchasing Bylaw and associated policies, procedures, protocols, etc., as well as related provincial, federal and global regulations and standards; monitors and advises on external and internal changes for impacts to City policies and operations
For example, with respect to financial planning:
- Undertakes research on policy and program initiatives to determine, assess and advise on their financial implications, possible funding strategies, risk considerations, etc.
Operations and Transactions Management:
- Undertakes, completes, contributes, etc. completion of activities and transactions relevant to the business area
- Collects, analyzes, manipulates and manages information and data and associated systems.
- Prepares or supports the development of work products, reports, etc.
For example, with respect to financial transactions and reporting:
- Reviews transactions (e.g., AR and AP entries) and associated documents to record (e.g., on General Ledger) and upload information to the appropriate financial systems
- Prepares annual financial statements and reporting requirements, including the consolidation of relevant agencies, corporations and other consolidated entities.
- Prepares and analyzes relevant note disclosures and ratios for routine and non-routine financial statement elements and reporting.
- Assists in the preparation of ad hoc financial analysis, staff reports, and presentations for submission to City executives, Committees or Council.
- Assesses general ledger balances and transactions for compliance with PSAS.
For example, with respect to financial planning:
- Assists in preparation of financial planning and analysis for capital/operating budget proposals and submissions; supports development of business cases
- Monitors and evaluates in-year expenditure and revenue performance; reports on causes for variances and recommends mitigating strategies
- Supports the development of strategic approaches, analytical techniques, and fiscally sustainable solutions to meet the City’s fiscal challenges/opportunities
- Reviews and analyzes costs and revenues for both operating and capital budgets, including resources required to deliver identified services
- Supports cash flow forecasting and monitoring on the City’s overall cash availability.
For example, with respect to development finance:
- Supports the assessment and calculation of development charges due for all development types
- Assists with the recording and distribution of development charges and interest collected to the appropriate account
- Supports the accurate allocation of investment interest and accruals to the development charge reserves and assists with the preparation of monthly journal entries to record development charge payments, accounts receivables, funding and interest allocation
Liaison, Communications, and Customer Service Activities:
- Liaises with staff from within the department and with other City departments, as well as with other levels of government, external agencies and organizations, to disseminate and acquire information and data
- Participates on and assists in the coordination and support of committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned
- Develops / contributes to reports, briefing notes, presentations, etc.
- Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards
- Maintains current expertise in constantly changing functional areas through continuous learning and development, including through actively participating in mentorship activities, reviewing and acting on performance assessment outcomes, reviewing literature and best practice, and attending seminars, conferences and training, as required
- Ensures that services provided meet City customer service standards.
Other Duties:
- Performs various functions to support department operations, as required
- Performs other duties, as assigned, in accordance with departmental objectives.
Key Qualifications:
- Post-secondary undergraduate degree in business, accounting, or related field, that meets the qualifications to attain the CPA designation
- Acquired/demonstrated knowledge of accounting standards, policies, processes, etc. obtained through a degree in business, accounting, or related field and completion/enrolment in a professional accounting program (e.g., CPA Professional Education Program)
- Completion, or demonstrated admission/registration, in the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) or in an equivalent program approved by the City, and, if applicable, the CPA Common Final Examination (CFE), leading to the CPA designation
- Experience handling multiple projects concurrently, meeting deadlines on time and working with diverse groups
- Experience conducting research, data analysis, and summarizing findings
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills to interact and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
- Ability to work effectively as a team member and work collaboratively with others
- Proficient computer skills to use a variety of software packages (e.g. MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and to learn/utilize financial systems
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Effective decision-making, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented approach and strong customer service orientation
- Ability to travel to off-site locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required
- Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required
The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
Salary Range: $69,157.00 To 78,679.00 Annually
