Senior 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 Senior Accountant will report to the Manager of Finance and work closely with the other members of the Finance team. Duties include 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 close cycle
• Prepare month end journal entries and assist with AP and AR functions and duties.
• Prepare month-end reconciliations, including but not limited to GL accounts and sub-ledger balances, credit cards, bank statements, vendor statements.
• Prepare monthly food and retail inventory reconciliation and adjustments in Xero.
• Reconcile Galaxy variances with Xero and prepare adjusting journal entries.
• Reconcile revenue variance in quarterly management report.
• Prepare all adjusting journal entries in Xero requested by other departments.
• Assist in preparation of grant-specific financials, funder reports, and audit schedules.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support annual budgeting process; collaborate with various departments (exhibits, education, operations) to align budgets with strategic goals.

Grants & Restricted Funding Management

• Assist with tracking grant utilization and reporting.
• Ensure proper use of funds according to grant agreements; maintain documentation.
• Prepare grant and sponsorship invoices.

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 and possibly implement/update financial systems / accounting software.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, automate manual tasks.

Other Duties

• Prepare payroll journal entries and provide payroll summary for salaries and wages allocation to various projects.
• Assist with tax filings (GST) and Registered Charity Information Return (T3010) etc.) as needed.
• Assist with financial risk assessment and cash flow monitoring.
• Assist with training junior finance staff, help with training.

Qualifications & Knowledge

• A minimum 5-8 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 an asset
• A CPA designation is an asset
• Full-cycle accounting: general ledger, accruals, reconciliations, month-end and year-end close
• Financial reporting: strong knowledge of ASNPO standards
• • Budgeting and forecasting: ability to assist in the annual budget process
  • Grant and project reporting: tracking expenditures vs. funding allocations
  • 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, account and bank reconciliations and PO management.
  • A solid understanding of accounting principles
  • Proficiency in Xero or other accounting software, as well as Microsoft Office and Excel
  • Willingness and ability to learn new systems relating to business functions
  • 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!
  • Desire to work on a high performing team with a continuous upgrading culture to achieve high impact results. Fluidity and a desire to work hard and grow are essential.
  • A high degree of creativity with the ability to leave your ego at the door.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to change. 

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