The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) believes in Our Communities, Our Environment and Our People. As a trusted partner to municipalities, First Nations communities, businesses, governments and institutions across Ontario, we provide our clients with total solutions in water and wastewater. We are dedicated to working closely with our clients to help them build healthy sustainable communities and organizations and provide safe and reliable drinking water to thousands of Ontarians each day.

Join our team as a Financial Administrator with OCWA.

Note: the location is 2085, Hurontario Street, Suite 500, Mississauga, ON L5A 4G1 (Hybrid Work Model)

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role you will provide financial support for various Innovation and Infrastructure Services (I&IS) departments as well as other project accounting based departments within the Agency. Specific tasks include supporting the development of the groups' budgets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, ERP report reconciliations, and vendor payments and to advise Managers/Directors on related financial/budget matters.

How do I qualify?

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare annual departmental budgets with input from management. Reconcile departmental budgets and assist in the coordination of financial analysis of the departmental budget including forecasting and actual expenditures, identify and investigate actual versus budget variances, as well as, the development of comprehensive financial analysis reports.
  
• Validate chart of accounts/codes and input/output documents, purchasing card and electronic billing statements and appropriate delegation of authority; and ensure that reporting formats and templates meet reporting requirements. Track problems, reconcile discrepancies, and initiate follow-up action as required.
  
• Process invoices and journal entry functions for the departments by verifying that financial transactions are accurate, complete and within approved budget/funding policy, have been approved by appropriate delegated authorities and are processed in accordance with OCWA policies, guidelines and directives. Ensure that information in Great Plains (GP) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for departments is accurate.
  
• Prepare monthly invoices to clients for departmental services for the Agency using GP Dynamics ERP. Work with the Project Managers, investigate and resolve issues with the payment process to contractors/consulting engineers to ensure that payments are made accurately and to the appropriate projects.
  
• Compile and prepare various regular and ad/hoc financial data/ information, financial/ accounting/statistical and special reports (e.g. group utilization, year end financial reports, flow through revenue, variances, commitments, projected expenditures for fiscal year, actual expenditures to date, etc.).
  
• Review expense claims and advises Directors/VP of any inconsistencies prior to approval in GP. Advises staff on how to make corrections in on expense claims.
  
• Maintain and ensure original files and original receipts are centrally filed.
  
• Provide advice on and explain accounting and financial administration procedures related to project accounting, accounts payable and accounts receivable to staff, managers and suppliers

Knowledge

• Knowledge of GP ERP, including payables and receivable module and AP/AR accounting principles and processes, reporting: SMARTLISTS, information flow within the ERP system to balance and reconcile General Ledger and Project level reports.
  
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of project accounting principles and practices.
  
• Comprehensive knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting methods and procedures.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of content of acts, regulations and manuals (i.e., Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS.
  
• Knowledge of the Construction Act with respect to holdback amounts, payment timelines, payment certificates, certificate of substantial performance, liens, etc. is beneficial.
  
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite specifically Excel

Skills and Ability include

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to utilize complex mathematical concepts to: produce complex reports; identify trends or anomalies in financial reports; provide recommendations to branch management.
  
• Good organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail to establish work priorities, organize daily activities, ensure the timely and accurate completion of work, and develop and maintain various filing, banking, payment and ERP system databases.
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to produce written documents and other communications, and to discuss processes with internal and external stakeholders, explain in detail, accounting, financial administration procedures and OPS directives related to accounts payable, to employees, managers and suppliers.
  
• Ability to handle complex issues regarding payment tactfully and diplomatically by responding in a timely and appropriate manner.
  
• Good decision making skills to select from a wide range of strategies to resolve all on-going issues, and refers only contentious issues that deviate radically from established guidelines to the manager.
  
• Ability to set priorities among competing demands/tasks while adhering to set timeframes/deadlines.
  
• Ability to work in accordance with Ministry guidelines and directives, policies, procedures, and general accounting practices.
  
• Ability to work through problems independently and consult with management as necessary

What's in it for you?

• Flexible learning and development opportunities.
  
• This position works 36.25 hours per week with a flexible schedule and hybrid work model.
  
• Opportunities for career advancement and specialization with the largest provider of water and wastewater services in Ontario.
  
• Work with the partner of choice for more communities than any other water and wastewater service organization in Ontario for over 25 years.
  
• Work with an organization committed to innovation and advanced technology.
  
• Work with a dynamic team of engineers delivering technical services to over 200 municipalities within Ontario.
  
• A defined benefit pension plan; Comprehensive Health Plan; Life and Disability Insurance.
  
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits including for adoptive parents

Additional Information: