Accounting Officer

Role Responsibilities

he Accounting Officer, reporting to the Manager, Financial Compliance, supports the day-to-day financial functions of the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services. The role includes reviewing financial transactions within the ministry financial systems, across areas such as accounts payable, procurement cards, grants, contracts and expense claims.

The position supports financial accountability by helping ensure appropriate financial systems, processes and controls are in place. The Accounting Officer plays an important role in the effective operation of payment processes and related financial functions across the ministry’s diverse program and support areas, including Disability Services, Employment and Financial Services, Preventive Community Services, Housing, Seniors, Continuing Care, and the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Maintain knowledge of ministry financial systems including Family Support for Children with Disabilities Information System (FSCDIS), Consolidated Services System (CSS), Contract Management Administration System (CMAS), Electronic Payments System (EPS), 1GX, Concur and other systems supporting financial and payment processes.
• Provide ongoing advice and support to processing staff regarding payment functions within financial systems and perform system administration functions as applicable.
• Provide guidance and training to processing staff and Expenditure Officers on financial processes, payment functions and their financial responsibilities.
• Ensure current and new legislation, policies and processes are effectively communicated, understood and implemented and provide training to staff as needed.
• Conduct compliance reviews of financial transactions and processes to identify errors, assess financial controls and support compliance with Government of Alberta policies, legislation and procedures.
• Apply the Common Compliance Reporting Framework to support standardized compliance reporting across the Government of Alberta finance community and communicate compliance findings and information to senior leadership to support financial accountability and transparency.
• Review financial information for accuracy and completeness to support public financial reporting and disclosure requirements.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

Drive for Results – This position is responsible for completing tasks associated with GoA Compliance criteria. The accounting officers under the Compliance team must work together to ensure deadlines and deliverables are met.

Systems Thinking – This position should understand the impact of transactions they review on the department as a whole. The position should consistently look for effective and efficient ways to complete compliance reports.

Agility – Able to balance a client-focus with risk mitigation strategies and the needs of the Ministry. The position also needs to determine when activities must be shifted in response to the changing environment.

Creative Problem Solving – Focuses on building strong relationships and effective channels of communication with diverse groups. Collaboration with program areas and other GoA Department contacts to resolve complex issues.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies.

Qualifications

Required:

• University graduation in a related field such as Business, Finance, Accounting, Commerce or Management or other related field, plus 3 years of progressively responsible related experience.

Equivalencies:

• Related 2-year diploma plus 5 years directly related experience.
• Accounting designation and 1-year additional related experience.

Assets:

• Experience with the application and research of accounting policies, practices and theories such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience developing and delivering training on financial processes, policies, procedures or financial systems to various stakeholders.
• Experience performing financial administration processes (e.g., accounts payable/ receivables, expense claims, compliance reports, journal entries) in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Experience preparing reports for senior leadership and communicating compliance risks.
• General knowledge of Assisted Living & Social Services programs, policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in government and departmental financial computer systems, such as 1GX, Concur, CMAS, FSCDIS, CSS, EPS, etc.

A cover letter must accompany your application and should indicate how your previous work experience aligns with the qualifications and competencies required. Please provide clear examples of how you meet the criteria and skills required in your cover letter. Failure to provide a cover letter will lead to the application being screened out. A cover letter will be one of the ways to assess communication skills of candidates.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 – June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.

Please also clearly outline your educational credentials, including the type of credential obtained (e.g., Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or certificate) and the field of study.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week.

This competition may be used to fill current and future vacancies at this classification or at a lower classification across Alberta.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance