ACCOUNTING CONTROLLER

Job Type: Part-time – 32 hours per week

Salary: $76,000-$81,000.00 per year

Location: In person at main office.

Position Closing Date: Open until position is filled.

Position Summary: The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is seeking an experienced Accounting Controller. The position is primarily responsible for planning, directing and coordinating all financial operations, implementing accounting policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with ASPE and ASNPO standards. This role involves supervising an accounting team of 3-4 staff, preparation of annual budgets, year-end audit, and providing strategic financial insights and leadership to maintain the financial health and integrity of the organization.

About VAFCS: The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society has over 60 years of experience in providing culturally enhanced programs and services to urban Indigenous peoples in Vancouver. VAFCS is a charitable organization that emphasizes the philosophies and values of varied Indigenous cultures and traditions. The VAFCS works in partnership with community stakeholders in developing, building, and operating a small portfolio of affordable housing in addition to our community programs, services, and social enterprises.

Reporting to the Executive management and managing a small accounting team, your role will include, but is not limited to:

Financial Operations:

• Manage the monthly financial close processes for programs, services, housing, and social enterprises, ensuring accurate recording of costs, journal entries, account reconciliations, and report preparation.
• Produce timely and accurate month-end close, internal management, and financial reports, and develop cash flow projections.
• Oversee the rent collection process, ensuring accurate billing, expense recoveries, and compliance with lease terms.
• Review and analyze funding contracts for related budgets and makes recommendations concerning the allocation of resources within operational programs.
• Work closely with program and property managers to develop and manage annual budgets and financial forecasts.
• Monitor and report on budget variances and financial performance.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the Executive Director and executive team.
• Coordinate audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Oversee and assist with the compilation of information for tax returns and oversee payroll functions and petty cash.

Policy Development and Cost Management:

• Develop and implement accounting policies, procedures, and operational strategies, focusing on improving system efficiencies and accounting practices. Recommend changes and ensure adherence to organizational financial policies to prevent fraud.
• Monitor and control project costs and overheads to ensure alignment with budgets, streamline financial processes, and coordinate with building managers to ensure compliance with procedures. Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities by analyzing property operating expenses.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial information.

Compliance and Strategic Projects:

• Engage in strategic financial projects, including software upgrades and implementation, ensuring compliance with ASPE, ASNPO and any relevant financial regulations and standards, and best practices. Collaborate with external auditors to ensure successful audit results and manage both internal and external audits.
• Assist in the development of long-term financial strategies.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with directors to support overall organizational objectives.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Provide leadership, training, and development to finance and accounting staff, supervising the accounting team. Actively review and advise on financial and accounting processes.

Qualifications:

• CPA designation and bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, including 2+ years in management.
• Non-profit financial reporting experience, including integrated/consolidated reporting.
• Proficiency in Sage, NetSuite, Office 365, Excel, and data analytics.
• Knowledge of Indigenous communities and socio-historical contexts preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Experience in property development and social enterprises is an asset.

Please include a cover letter of introduction with a brief description of your experience. Resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for interview. Thank you to everyone who applies.

Thank you to everyone who applies.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please submit your resume and cover letter  via email to jobs@vafcs.org 

Position is open until filled.

Qualified Aboriginal candidate are preferred in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Humans Rights Code.