Senior Accountant (Financial Services) - Permanent

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta serving the education needs of approximately 17950 students in 43 schools. Every day the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. We pride ourselves on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming current resources and practical professional learning opportunities.

EIPS is recruiting two full-time Senior Accountants to join our Financial Services Department at Central Office. Each position has a distinct focus and required skill set so please indicate in your cover letter which role you are applying foror state if you wish to be considered for both.

1. School Support Were looking for a collaborative and service-oriented Senior Accountant who thrives on building relationships and providing clear practical financial guidance to school administrators and office staffnot someone who prefers to stay behind the scenes. This role is perfect for a communicator who enjoys translating financial data into insights that support the educational mission of the Division.
2. Budget and Reporting Were seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Senior Accountant with strong technical skills to support the Divisions budgeting and financial planning processes. This role involves managing updates within our budgeting software analyzing impact of enrolment and preparing allocation modeling extracting and interpreting financial data and supporting Finance leadership in annual budget preparation. The successful candidate will also provide guidance to departments on budget-related questions and help ensure financial information is accurate timely and decision-ready.

Elk Island Public Schools Central Administration building is located in Sherwood Park at 683 Wye Road. Providing services for the division Central administration is comprised of eight departments in addition to the Board of Trustees. The departments include: Education Executive Communication Services Facility Services Student Transportation Human Resources Financial Services Supports for Students and Information Technologies. Financial Services is home to 22 of our EIPS employees.

• Commencing October 1 2025
• 37.5 hours per week ( 7.5 hours per day) (Year-Round Position)
• Hybrid work from home after six months
• Compensation Rate: $40.30 to $50.40 per hour
• Elk Island Public Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package for permanent employees
• Open to: Internal and External candidates
• Click on Sign in With Employee Email to be considered an Internal Applicant

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant is responsible for ensuring accurate financial management and reporting supporting budgeting processes and providing guidance to schools and departments. The role involves analyzing financial data preparing reports generating accurate and timely financial information and maintaining compliance with accounting standards and administrative Senior Accountant II facilitates informed decision-making by senior leadership ensures financial transparency and accountability and supports the effective allocation of resources within the school division.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Data Analysis Budgeting and Reporting

• Review reports working papers and other financial documents completed by finance and non-finance team members and provide feedback on required changes to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards prior to review by a Senior Manager or Director of Finance (when indicated).
• Prepare complex journal entries and budget allocation entries for senior leadership schools and departments informed decision-making. Review and approve journal entries prepared by other staff.
• Oversee the schools fee setting process including communication consolidation of submissions review and analysis within parameters set by the Board of Trustees. Additionally ensure fees that are active on fee information system align with approved fees and that set-up is correct.
• Review identify investigate and discuss financial anomalies operating projection reports financial positions and school generated funds in adherence with administrative procedures.
• Assist with planning development reconciliation and consolidation of the Divisions various financial information systems and related policies and procedures in accordance with Board Policy Division administrative procedures Alberta Education guidelines and Provincial legislation.
• Assist with preparation and reporting of the annual budget external audit and other statutory reporting requirements that are submitted to Alberta Education as well as other government and third-party agencies.

Budget and Cost Management

• Provide mentorship assistance and oversight of schools and departments. Primary contact for school and department administrators and finance contacts regarding financial processes and procedures including reviewing operating budget financial positions and assisting with financial projections.
• Provide support to schools and departments with budgeting fees financial processes and procedures financial results and assist with financial projections.
• Monitor school and department financial performance identifying areas of concern and working collaboratively with the site administration to address issues and explain variances.
• Provide ongoing support to accounting and budget staff in the completion of processes and reporting including arranging for training and back-up as required troubleshooting issues with current processes and identifying areas for improvement.
• Maintain the chart of accounts for school fund activities that are consistent with the Divisions. Assist and make recommendations for the chart of accounts and categorization for schools and departments.

Mentor Train and Staffing Support

• Guide administrators principals administrative assistants and officers on administrative procedures financial processes accounting systems and conduct analysis as requested to support schools.
• Provide support to the Senior Managers with the management of budget and finance staff through training evaluation and monitoring to support staff development and growth.
• Make recommendations for hiring financial resource staff at schools and departments and support the transition of leaders relating to their financial role and fiduciary duty.
• Assist with the coordination of staffing resources to meet department objectives.

Ad-Hoc Support

• Coordinate internal audits for school and departments including PCI compliance and make recommendations when necessary.
• Review internal controls and administrative procedures on a regular basis and advise of potential risks as well as improvements that can be made.
• Set up security authorize users solve issues and review fees related to maintaining various financial information systems and vendors as the main point of contact from the Finance department.
• Work with systems analysts internal and external to identify and resolve system issues.
• Review professional development materials prepared by the Systems Trainer for completeness and accuracy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A chartered professional accountant (CPA) designation.
• Consideration will be given to applicants who are nearing the end of completion.

Experience

• 5 years of related experience in a senior accountant position.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong knowledge of budgeting and financial analysis.
• Proficiency in accounting software and systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of government reporting requirements for public sector entities.
• Experience in managing audits and financial statements.

Qualifications Certifications and Designations

• 5 or more years of indirect supervisory experience.
• 5 or more years of experience working within the educational sector.
• Familiarity with school financial processes and procedures.

For further information please contact Carmine von Tettenborn Director Financial Services at .

Only online applications will be accepted.

Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.

If you require assistance with the application system please call Apply to Education at 1- or