Manager, Finance

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 Manager, Finance provides financial services in the areas of analysis, financial reporting, budgets and audit preparation. The position will be responsible for the design and implementation of accounting systems and procedures, and full cycle accounting including producing and analyzing financial statements, account reconciliations, budgeting, year-end working papers and coordinating the year-end audit. The Manager, Finance takes on a key role to lead and develop a their team as well as maintain working relationship with cross-functional teams. The Manager, Finance reports directly to the Vice President, Business Services.

Key Responsibilities

·         Oversee the finance team operations and manage team priorities to achieve departmental objectives and deadlines.

·         Oversee, review and manage the month-end cycle and production of monthly and quarterly financial reporting for providing timely, relevant, decision specific information to internal and external stakeholders.

·         Review external financial disclosures including quarterly summarized financial information.

·         Oversee and manage the reporting of budget variances to support financial reporting.

·         Review accounting procedures, to ensure timely and efficient accounting processes are in place and accounting procedure are followed.

·         Oversee the implementation of process improvements that support efficient and timely financial processes and maintain internal control procedures.

·         Assist with the management of the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting cycles.

·         Coordinate the provision of information to external auditors, and lead and manage the interim and year-end audit cycles.

·         Assist fund development with developing budgets for funding applications, aligning grant and program budgets and assist with stakeholder reporting.

·         Lead or support team projects and initiatives such as process documentation, data management and system optimization.

·         Provide financial analysis and research as required for capital investment, pricing decisions, contract negotiations, and significant financial transactions.

·         Recommend, and report on established performance metrics.

·         Monitor organizational cash flow, reconciling operating and reserve fund transfers, including updating reserve project status and cash flow reporting

·         Coordinate the production and monitoring of necessary government compliance reporting

·         Coach, supervise and develop direct reports.

·         Ensure personal and team activities are aligned with business and strategic goals of Spark as a whole.

·         Model high performance, flexibility and kindness in a rapidly changing growth environment.

·         Other duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications & Knowledge

·         A minimum of 6-8 years of progressive accounting experience and demonstrated experience with financial reporting

·         Management experience is required and a minimum of 3-5 year’s team leadership

·         Must have a professional accounting designation (CPA, CA, CMA or CGA)

·         A solid understanding of Canadian GAAP and accounting standards for non-for-profit organizations (ASNPO) an asset.

·         Fluency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word and experience with Microsoft Dynamic GP an asset.

·         An inspiring and compassionate leader who cultivates a culture of high performance around them.

·         Strong ethics and ability to manage confidential data.

·         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.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.