Senior Accountant, Reg FT, JP2026-57
Job No:
JP202657
Location:
Fort St. John
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POSITION TITLE: SALARY:
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SENIOR ACCOUNTANT $51.53 per hour, as per BCGEU Collective Agreement
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NATURE OF WORK
Reporting to the Deputy Treasurer, the Senior Accountant is responsible for delivering advanced professional accounting, financial reporting, and advisory services that support the overall financial stewardship of the municipality. The position plays a key role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the City’s financial information, including oversight of general ledger activities, financial statement preparation, and year-end processes. Working within Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAB), municipal legislation, and City policies, the Senior Accountant applies professional judgment to interpret accounting requirements, support audit processes, and provide financial insights that inform operational and strategic decision-making.
The Senior Accountant operates with a high degree of independence and is accountable for complex financial analysis, corporate reporting, and continuous improvement of financial processes and controls. The role supports budget development, long-term financial planning, and cross-departmental financial coordination, while also providing technical guidance and review of work performed by accounting staff. In addition to maintaining oversight of capital asset accounting as part of the City’s broader financial framework, the position contributes to system optimization, data analysis, and the development of efficient, compliant, and sustainable financial practices across the organization.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Reports to Deputy Treasurer, or designate
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May provide supervision and direction to other staff and/or volunteers as required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepares, reviews, and analyzes complex journal entries, reconciliations, and financial transactions.
- Maintains the general ledger and ensures accurate and timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
- Prepares financial statements, working papers, schedules, and supporting documentation for interim and year-end audits.
- Coordinates audit requirements, responds to audit inquiries, and assists with implementation of audit recommendations.
- Ensures compliance with Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAB), municipal bylaws, policies, and legislation.
- Assists with the preparation and analysis of annual operating and capital budgets.
- Develops financial forecasts, variance analyses, and financial models to support management and Council decision-making.
- Performs trend analysis and scenario modeling using advanced spreadsheet and data tools.
- Prepares clear, accurate financial reports, dashboards, and presentations.
- Maintains capital asset records in compliance with PSAB standards as part of the City’s broader financial framework.
- Records asset transactions including acquisitions, disposals, transfers, depreciation, and asset retirement obligations (AROs).
- Reconciles capital asset subledgers to the general ledger and supports asset-related financial reporting.
- Supports asset management planning, reporting, and coordination with departments and asset management systems.
- Supports the administration, integrity, and optimization of the financial system and related modules.
- Uses advanced Excel functionality, including complex formulas, Power Query, Power Pivot, and data modeling, to analyze and reconcile financial information.
- Develops and maintains automated reports, dashboards, and analytics using Power BI or similar business intelligence tools.
- Develops, documents, and enhances financial procedures, workflows, and internal controls.
- Supports procurement and contracting processes by reviewing financial documentation for compliance, assisting with tender/RFP processes, and ensuring accurate financial coding and adherence to policy.
- Reviews the work of accounting staff and provides guidance on complex accounting matters.
- Acts as a technical resource and backup within the Finance Department.
- Assists with training staff on accounting standards, systems, and reporting tools.
- Responds to inquiries from departments, managers, auditors, external agencies, and the public.
- Works collaboratively with department managers to explain financial results, support budget development, and address accounting and reporting questions.
- Builds and maintains effective working relationships across departments to support sound financial decision-making.
- Participates in special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.
- Contributes to a positive work environment by modelling a respectful workplace, as per City policy.
- Takes reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Properly wears protective clothing, devises and equipment provided, and ensures hazards are immediately reported to supervisors. Complies with the City of Fort St John’s Occupational Health and Safety program and all applicable polices and procedures.
- Performs related duties as required.
PERFORMANCE FACTORS
- Knowledge, Ability and Skills
- Customer Service
- Quantity of Work
- Cooperation
- Reliability
- Attendance and Punctuality
- Compliance
- Health & Safety
REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & REGISTRATIONS
- Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline. A combination of education & experience may be considered.
- Two to three (2-3) years of progressively responsible accounting experience in a municipal or public sector environment.
- Thorough knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAB).
- Experience preparing year end working papers and supporting external audits.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, data analysis, and reconciliation techniques.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with municipal financial systems (e.g., Microsoft Great Plains or similar enterprise systems).
- Valid Class 5 British Columbia Driver’s Licence.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a clear Police Information Check.
- Strong analytical, problem solving, and data interpretation skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality
GENERAL
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
This is a position in the B.C. General Employee's Union.