Senior Audit Accountant

The Firm

Hey, we’re glad you found this! We are the HGA Group. What started as an accounting firm quickly evolved into the ultimate entrepreneurial resource centre: the first of its kind in Alberta.

Our team is innovative, highly skilled, and highly collaborative. We believe that bringing together every major resource that business owners need to succeed under a single banner, driven by the singular purpose to give entrepreneurs the resources they need, is the key to maximizing the potential of Alberta’s entrepreneurs.

In a sea of professional service providers, it is our mission to do things differently, to break from the norm, and help people build their dreams— not only those of our clients, but our team’s. We want to help you grow, develop, and enjoy the career that you have always wanted. Most importantly though, we want you to live the life you have always wanted.

Our employees drive the success of the HGA Group, and that means we pride ourselves in empowering our employees to grow with us. The HGA Group gives employees so many opportunities to learn and develop their skills. We welcome you to the team knowing that you are looking to grow your toolkit and make an impact. It all starts here at the HGA Group.

We love what we do, and you will too.

The Role

Reporting to the Managers, the Senior Audit Accountant is responsible for delivering a range of public accounting services to a variety of clients, on time and on budget. The Senior Designated Accountant will also be responsible for reviewing client files prepared by Staff Accountants and leading audit engagements.

Act as a resource in developing Staff Accountants by sharing a wealth of skills and knowledge. The successful candidate will value teamwork and constantly seek to achieve personal and team-oriented growth. This position provides technical expertise and advises clients on financial and strategic business planning, by utilizing strong business acumen and the ability to develop and maintain positive client relationships.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Preparing compilation, review, and audit engagement files, financial statements, corporate income tax returns, year-end closing and reporting, and government reporting (i.e. quarterly GST remittances)
• Supervising the preparation of financial statements of business clients, reviewing the work of Staff Accountants, and completing complex portions of the file
• Maintaining high quality control by overseeing and reviewing compilation, review, and audit engagements
• Preparing T4’s, T5’s, personal income tax returns, and other tax returns and schedules, as required
• Maintaining client files to ensure accurate and timely completion of returns and schedules
• Analyzing complex financial reports and records
• Making recommendations based on analysis and status of reserves, assets and expenditures
• Performing variance analyses and preparing account reconciliations
• Ensuring timely follow-up on notices of assessment
• Assisting with financial and strategic planning for businesses, income tax planning, and estate planning
• Assisting clients with the acquisition and sale of businesses
• Assisting with reviewing Corporate, Personal and Trust income tax returns and other tax forms
• Reviewing, investigating and correcting discrepancies and irregularities in financial entries and reports

§ Performing technical research

• Assisting the managers with managing a portfolio of clients, ensuring their needs are met and that relationships and accounts grow and develop
• Other ad hoc projects (process improvement, best practices) as required
• Conducting any and all other duties assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

§ Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (i.e., B.Com., B.BA., etc.

§ CPA designation, with a minimum of 3-5 years public practice experience dealing with the accounting and taxation needs of private companies and their shareholders

§ Comprehensive experience in compilation, review, and audit preparation

§ Experience leading and supervising staff is an asset

Skills & Knowledge:

§ Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

§ Knowledge of relevant accounting frameworks and file documentation best practices

§ Knowledge of Accounting Standards for Private Enterprise (ASPE)

§ Knowledge of Canadian Audit Standards (CAS)

§ Knowledge of Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations (ASNPO)

§ Proficient in Caseware and Profile

§ Strong business acumen

§ Strong computer skills (especially in Microsoft Office)

Competencies:

§ Focused on client service orientation

§ Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

§ Strong awareness of attention to detail

§ Ability to solve problems independently and use judgement to raise awareness of challenging/complex issues

§ Proven ability in results management

§ Ability to operate in a cooperative environment, with a team orientated mindset

§ Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to translate this into mentorship