Internal Accountant

The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) is a network of trusted organizations that represent a critical component of our science, technology, and innovation landscape in Canada. CASC is the largest membership-based network of science engagement organizations in Canada, collectively reaching more than 10 million citizens per year. We bring together more than 70 organizations committed to a thriving science and innovation culture within Canada.  CASC connects, inspires, and empowers science engagement organizations and professionals, extending the reach and strengthening the impact of their work.

We are a diverse network. Our members include not only science centres, zoos, and science, natural history, and technology museums but also outreach and research organizations, as well as companies and nonprofit organizations that offer commercial products and services that support informal science learning environments.

All share the common goal of enriching the lives of people through STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) engagement, equipping us as a society to work together to tackle the broader challenges we face. Our network advances social change by learning together, aligning, and integrating our actions to achieve systems-level change. CASC members are essential in national goals to address global  challenges, notably the climate and biodiversity crisis, misinformation and trust in science, STEM equity, 21st-century skills, and health and well-being.

Job Purpose

The Internal Accountant is a new role that reflects the needs of a growing organization.  As a critical operations team member, the Internal Accountant will report to the COO and be responsible for working collaboratively with the leadership team to provide financial support throughout the fiscal year. This position ensures accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. They manage the daily bookkeeping, account reconciliations, and month-end/year-end closings. The Internal Accountant will work with the COO to monitor daily financial activities, budget tracking and financial forecasts.

As with all members of the CASC team, the Internal Accountant will uphold the organization’s inclusive culture where we embrace diversity, address systemic barriers, and commit to treating everyone with dignity and respect.  

Duties & Responsibilities

Review accounts payable and accounts receivable and process payments.
Record and transfer incomes and expenses, and post necessary journal entries 
Reconcile bank statements every month. 
Prepare and file monthly HST returns. 
Prepare and process regular fund transfers through EFT and cheques. 
Assist with month-end and year-end processes and tasks.
Update and maintain project budgets, ensuring accurate data interface between systems.
Post invoices, performing accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
Maintain the general ledger of accounts through daily recordkeeping, verifying, allocating, and posting transactions.
Balance the general ledger by preparing a trial balance and reconciling entries. 
Reconcile revenue funding transactions to identify and resolve discrepancies, working with assigned project managers as necessary.
Prepare monthly reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
Monitor program spending and prepare reports to funders as needed.
Participate in the monitoring of budgets and financial forecasts. Identify variances between actual results and budgeted/forecasted amounts.  
Maintain internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial transactions and compliance with CASC policies and procedures.
Support external audits and government reporting by providing relevant financial documentation and explanations. Prepare audit schedules, gather supporting documentation, and address audit findings. Ensure compliance with accounting principles, standards, regulations, and tax laws.
Identify opportunities for streamlining and automating accounting processes. Implement changes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. Stay updated on industry best practices and accounting standards.
Utilize accounting software and financial systems effectively. Ensure data accuracy, troubleshoot issues, and make recommendations for system enhancements or upgrades.
Participate in multi-disciplinary teams assigned to special projects and work collaboratively with employees in other sections.
May be requested to undertake other related duties periodically.

Qualifications

A post-secondary degree or a combination of relevant training, education and experience. 
Minimum of 3 years experience in a Bookkeeping and Accounting position, preferably in the Not-For-Profit or Charitable sector. 
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and experience with a Google environment
Advanced knowledge of QuickBooks Online (QBO), Dext, Float and/or other finance automation tools. 
Experience processing full cycle AP and AR, bank reconciliations and audit working papers. 
Knowledge of tax filing regulations, rebates, and bookkeeping procedures for non-profit organizations.
Knowledge of accounting requirements under the Not-for-Profit standards for grants and contributions.
Experience in full payroll cycle and using payroll software is an asset.

Competencies

To be successful in this role, the Internal Accountant will have the following competencies:

Ability and willingness to learn quickly.
Ability to communicate in English both verbally and in writing. 
Ability to use Office or Google Suite software, with exceptional spreadsheet skills.
Ability to manage time, take ownership of tasks and get things done.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

All members of the CASC team are expected to have the following core competencies:

Dedication to continually improving diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Actively seeking and engaging with diverse perspectives.
An interest in advancing Truth and Reconciliation.
The ability to identify and mitigate personal, organizational and process bias.
A willingness to identify and address barriers to inclusion on the personal, organizational and process levels.
Empathy toward others and an ability to view different perspectives.
Curiosity and interest in exploring new methods and opportunities.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and information.
Ability to take and give feedback.

We seek a self-motivated, detail-oriented person passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and believes strongly in science engagement, Indigenous ways of knowing, and evidence-based decision-making. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and organized in a dynamic, remote work environment.

We offer:

CASC offers a solution-driven, flexible work environment that encourages feedback at all levels.  We value diversity, accountability, creativity, and critical thinking.   Our competitive compensation includes an annual salary, three (3) weeks of paid vacation, paid sick time, and professional development opportunities.  Our benefits package is available after six months of employment and includes medical, vision, dental and wellness benefits.  We also offer the option to participate in a matching RRSP program after one year of employment.

This salaried position is based on a 7-hour workday, Monday-Friday local time, with occasional evening and weekend work when planned; infrequent travel within Canada and the US may be required.  This position is in a remote office setting, with technology provided. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in working with us. Only those selected for an interview for this position will be contacted. 

Equity and Diversity

CASC is committed to ensuring the association is an inclusive space where community members are treated with dignity and respect. CASC encourages applications from everyone, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, people with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.  Anonymized applications are welcome and will be accepted.

Our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment starts with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the interview process, please use the contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

For more information, please contact careers-carrieres@casc-accs.com.