Accountant

About Spark

TELUS Spark Science Centre (Spark), a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math and art. Spark exists to lift people up with the power of curiosity through creative encounters with science! 

Calgary’s science centre is a pioneer in science entertainment and programming, with roots dating back to 1967. Home to one of Western Canada’s largest dome theatre, the Digital Immersion Gallery, VR experiences, and innovative spaces like Steven’s Lab, where interactive experiments unfold before your eyes. From the robot-dog Flint to Canada’s first robot-coa5ter, R05iE, and a 15-acre park surrounding the science of the developing brain, Spark is a hub for creative encounters. 

Position Overview

The Accountant will report to the Manager of Finance and work closely with the other members of the Finance team. The Accountant is responsible for supporting full-cycle accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining strong internal controls in a nonprofit environment. This role plays a key part in the month-end close process, audit preparation, and financial compliance, while working collaboratively with internal teams to support operational and strategic decision-making. Duties include but not limited to assisting with the full cycle accounting process including account reconciliations, AP and AR functions, cash management, and government filings.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Prepare general ledger postings and supporting schedules to assist with month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare month-end reconciliations, including but not limited to GL accounts and sub-ledger balances, credit cards, bank statements, vendor statements.
• Prepare monthly inventory reconciliation and record adjustments.
• Reconcile point of sales systems data with accounting system records and prepare adjusting journal entries for monthly revenue recognition.
• Review and prepare monthly deferred revenue and accrual journal entries.
• Reconcile revenue variance in quarterly management report.
• Prepare all adjusting journal entries requested by other departments.
• Assist in preparation of grant-specific financials, funder reports, and audit schedules as needed.

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Cash Management

• Prepare and process payments (EFT, wire, and cheque).
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and monitor cash activity.
• Deposit cheques and inform departments of funding received.
• Provide backup support to AP when required.

Payroll and Tax Compliance

• Prepare monthly payroll journal entries and accruals based on payroll reports.
• Assist with tax filings (GST) and Registered Charity Information Return (T3010) and other statutory filings as required.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure strong internal control systems are in place and functioning (policy development, procedures, approval workflows).
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, funder requirements, and auditing standards.

Audit & External Liaison

• Assist with the interim and year-end audit cycle including providing documentation and supplementary financial reports for external accountants.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain financial systems / accounting software.
• Support the implementation of new financial systems and accounting software as required.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, automate manual tasks.

Other Duties

• Assist with financial risk assessment and cashflow forecast as required.
• Assist with training junior finance staff.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications & Knowledge

• A minimum 4-6 years’ experience in accounting is required. Of that, at least 2–3 years full-cycle accounting role.

• Experience in the non-profit sector and project accounting is preferred.
• An accounting diploma/ degree preferred.
• ERP/software proficiency: Excel (advanced), and experience with NFP systems.
• A solid understanding of full cycle accounting including, accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, financial reporting including deferrals and accruals, account and bank reconciliations and PO management, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close.
• A solid understanding of ASNPO accounting principles.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Proficiency in Xero considered an asset.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong ethics and ability to manage confidential data if required.
• A proven track record of adding value to an organization’s culture and initiatives.
• A positive attitude!
• Willingness to learn and adapt to change.

 We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of colour, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Spark, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this role, please apply! Excitement and passion for science can go a long way here so you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Spark.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.