Senior Bookkeeper
Job No:
135202
Location:
Vancouver, BC
- Use your full cycle bookkeeping experience in an exciting role with a committed organization
- Receive a competitive annual salary plus some fantastic benefits
- Don't miss this chance to make a true difference to the vibrant communities of the Coastal First Nations
About the Coastal First Nation Great Bear Initiative
The Great Bear Initiative Society (GBI) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2003 that is owned and operated by a unique alliance of BC First Nations called the Coastal First Nations (CFN). The society’s purpose, function and responsibilities are set out in the Constitution and By-Laws of the society in accordance with the Societies Act of BC.
Our core function is to preserve coastal lands and waters and to support a new conservation-based economy in these territories for members' communities.
The Coastal First Nations alliance includes Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xaixais, Nuxalk, Gitga'at, Metlakatla, Old Massett, Skidegate, Gitxaala, and the Council of the Haida Nation. Together, this group is working to protect our coast and improve the quality of life in our communities.
For more information, please see our website by clicking here or alternatively check out the video below to see what it's like to work with us.
About the Opportunity
Currently, the Coastal First Nations - Great Bear Initiative Society (GBI) has an exciting and unique opportunity for a full-time Senior Bookkeeper to join our dynamic team in Vancouver.
As our new Senior Bookkeeper, you'll be working closely with various departments that implement many projects of the Coastal First Nations - Great Bear Initiative Society (GBI) while carrying out day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll, financial transaction management and reporting, budgeting, and contract management, for GBI and the Great Bear Business Corporations. An important aspect of this role will be to oversee the Accounts Payable & Payroll Administrator (APPA) position.
By maintaining a close relationship with the coordinators of all other job functions associated with finance – Project Management, Operations, Fundraising, Communications, Business Corporations and Finance and Administration - you will contribute to the organizational goals and objectives. As an enthusiast learner, you may be thrilled to know you will be mentored by and reporting to the Finance Coordinator (Controller), a highly respected professional in our organization.
Your more typical responsibilities in this distinctive role will cover 8 key functions.
Financial transitions:
- Reviewing the financial transactions entered by the APPA for accuracy and completeness
- Processing key funder bill payments and transactions
- Recording investment revenues and expenses
- Completing final reconciliation of all bank statements to accounting records monthly
- Reviewing the general ledger and registers and all balance sheet accounts for accuracy
- Preparing GST and PST returns
Payroll and benefits:
- Reviewing payroll and A/P semi-monthly, including monitoring staff pay adjustments, benefits, pay increases, banked time, and vacation time
- Reviewing staff tax documents (e.g.T4s) as well as preparing reconciliation reports at year-end to balance accounting software with Payworks and CRA PD7A.
- Preparing WorkSafe BC Annual Return and Subcontractors Report
Financial reports and working papers:
- Preparing working papers, financial reports and audits, including Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Operations, Budget vs Actual reports and more
- Reviewing Accounts Receivable Aging Detail and reports monthly
- Presenting reports as necessary for review by Finance Coordinator and all other departments heads
GBI contracts:
- Managing all contracts from funding organizations
- Reviewing the Projects and Contractor Register for accuracy
- Ensuring compliance with funder budgets and restrictions
- Preparing and filing contractor tax documents (e.g. T4As)
Audit preparation:
- Gathering documents in response to auditor’s field request listings
- Reviewing audited financial statements with the Finance Coordinator (Controller)
Annual Budget:
- Providing details from prior years as a starting point for the budgeting process
- Preparing the annual operations budget
- Entering Project and Operational Budgets into QuickBooks
- Identifying variances by preparing Budget vs Actual reports from accounting software
Files and documents:
- Following and updating the Financial Processes and Procedures manual
- Streamlining and improving bookkeeping processes by suggesting recommendations to the Finance Coordinator (Controller)
- Maintaining the electronic file management system
Participation in staff team meetings and quarterly project manager meetings:
- Reviewing project reports, identifying progress and challenges and submitting for discussion
- Preparing background information where necessary
- Participate in scheduled meetings
For an extended list of the responsibilities, please click here.
In order to qualify for this role, you will need at least 10 years of hands-on experience in project and financial management within a non-profit organization, along with a CPA designation or a post-secondary bookkeeping certification. Experience within an indigenous/cross-cultural environment is also required. Individuals who don't have their CPA designation but working towards it are also invited to apply.
As our ideal candidate, you'll join us with knowledge of and respect for Indigenous culture, customs, traditions and issues specifically relating to Coastal First Nations member communities. You'll also have excellent finance expertise and an understanding of the principles that guide financial accounting. Your strong computer skills, especially when using accounting software such as SAGE 50 or QuickBooks, will round out your portfolio. Using your natural time-management, problem-solving, relationship and excellent communication abilities in both written and verbal form, you will foster a positive work environment for all stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality, tact, and professionalism at all times.
Most importantly, you'll be a self-driven, detail-oriented individual who is eager to grow in a fast-paced environment.
Do you want to make a lasting difference to multiple vibrant First Nation communities? Here’s your chance.
Please note that this role is for individuals who have the permanent ability to work within Canada. The successful candidate will also be required to provide a Criminal Record Check.
About the Benefits
As recognition for all your hard work and dedication, you can look forward to a competitive annual salary based on skills and qualifications. You'll also gain access to some incredible benefits, including:
- Extended Dental and Health Care with all premiums paid for by GBI
- Life Insurance with all premiums paid for by GBI
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment with all premiums paid for by GBI
- Short Term and Long-Term Disability with all premiums paid for by GBI
- RSSP matching of up to 6%
- 3 weeks of vacation after the first year
- Additional two weeks paid vacation leave over Christmas
- Additional one week paid cultural vacation
- Opportunities for further professional development supported by GBI
This is your chance to be part of a dynamic and growing organization where you will have the opportunity to make your mark for the better of all.
If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!