Sr Invest & Debt Accountant

Role Responsibilities

Are you a designated accountant ready for a new challenge? Put your expertise to the test in the financial hub of the Government of Alberta at Treasury Board and Finance! We are currently seeking skilled accountants to join our team on a temporary basis for 15-16 months, beginning in December 2024.

As the Senior Investment and Debt Accountant, you will be part of a dynamic team of professional accountants responsible for reporting on transactions affecting the Province’s investment, debt, loan and derivative portfolios. In this role, you will lead the preparation, analysis and review of financial statement information for investment funds amounting to over $40 billion, debt of nearly $100 billion and a loan portfolio of $15 billion. 

Other responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Reviewing, analyzing and recording investment and other transaction activity for the General Revenue Fund
• Assisting other Senior Accountants in the preparation of journal entries and working papers related to the debt and loan portfolio of the Province.
• Preparing published financial statements and high quality working paper files for endowment funds.
• Confirming relevant transactions and balances with other Treasury Board and Finance departments and other ministries or entities
• Forecasting and budgeting information for investment revenue, debt servicing costs and loan revenue
• Accounting policy guidance related to complex debt/derivative/investment transactions
• Reporting of debt and investment information to Statistics Canada

To be successful in this role, you will bring strong previous experience in the preparation of working paper files and a breadth of knowledge surrounding different types of investment and debt instruments, including derivatives. You will bring an in-depth knowledge of CPA handbook guidance for public sector entities. Timelines in this role can become very tight, especially around quarter-end and fiscal year end. We are looking for someone who can work well under tight timelines and pressure, bring creative approaches to finding efficiencies within our processes and find innovative ways to improve how we produce our deliverables.

As the ideal candidate, you will have strong time management and organization skills. You will be an analytical thinker and a creative problem-solver. You will also have the ability to work comfortably with large computerized accounting and investments systems – with us, this will be 1GX. Strong competencies in the Microsoft quite of products including Excel and Word is critical.

Our team of accountants work very closely together and we strive to provide breadth and depth of experience for each member of our team across our entire portfolio. You will find us professional, personable and willing to share knowledge and experience through consistent collaboration. We communicate openly within our team and frequently with our Manager and Director. We encourage diversity, creative approaches, and a friendly work environment. We will provide you with the opportunity for learning and growth and encourage you to reach your full potential!
 

For a detailed copy of the job description, please visit this link.

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.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Systems Thinking – Strategic, critical thinking and analytical skills including ability to understand the big picture and the impact of entity's financial decisions.

Agility – The successful candidate will have the ability to anticipate, assess and readily adapt to changing situations and issues, while making well thought-out recommendations.

Creative Problem Solving – Has considerable judgement to determine and communicate options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and to quickly adapt to changing priorities and provide innovative solutions.

Drive for Results – Ability to anticipate outcomes and potential impacts and to respond to tight time frames and meet delivery schedules. 

Develop Networks – Build effective networks by connecting and building trust in relationships with different stakeholders.

Qualifications

Canadian professional accounting designation (CPA or legacy designation) plus 3 years additional related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency:

• University graduation in a related field plus 5 years progressively responsible related experience.
• Related diploma plus 7 years directly related experience.

Experience with computerized accounting systems and Adobe InDesign is preferred. 

Assets include:

• Experience with investments, debt instruments and derivatives
• Public practice experience 
• Experience with long – term and short – term debt financing processes and procedures

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Hours of work: 36.25 hours per week 

A cover letter must accompany your application and should indicate how your experience aligns with the behavioral competencies of the role you are applying for. This cover letter may be used to assess your communication abilities.
 

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. As well, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).
 

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary. This competition may be used to fill future roles at the same or lower classifications.

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. 

What we offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information – https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development – https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs