Chief Accountant

Location:
Ottawa, ON, Hybrid. On-site 5 days per week to start, with the opportunity for hybrid flexibility as you become established in the role.

Language:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

About the Opportunity
Join a well-established independent education organization where your expertise will directly support a vibrant learning community and help shape the financial foundation of an organization dedicated to student success. Rooted in strong values and a collaborative culture, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working closely with school leadership and the Board.

As the Chief Accountant, you'll take ownership of the organization's day-to-day financial operations in a stand-alone role. You'll partner closely with the Head of School and Treasurer, helping maintain strong financial controls while identifying opportunities to improve processes and support long-term operational excellence.

What's In It for You
• Competitive salary plus comprehensive benefits
• Flexible working hours with the potential for hybrid work after onboarding
• Free on-site parking and complimentary membership to the community fitness centre, including access to the gym, pool and recreational programs
• The opportunity to work in a close-knit, collaborative environment where your ideas and initiative are valued
• Meaningful exposure to leadership and the opportunity to help strengthen financial processes

Your Responsibilities
• You'll oversee the organization's full-cycle accounting, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations and month-end and year-end activities.
• You'll manage purchase orders, invoice processing, vendor payment runs and ensure all transactions are accurately coded within QuickBooks Online.
• You'll administer tuition billing, payment processing, tuition assistance and donation receipting while maintaining exceptional accuracy.
• You'll support payroll administration through Dayforce, maintain employee contract records and work with collective agreement requirements.
• You'll prepare HST filings, support annual budgeting, monitor budget-to-actual results and assist with forecasting.
• You'll collaborate with external auditors and ensure financial records, policies and internal controls remain accurate, compliant and up to date.
• You'll provide guidance to school staff, parents and vendors while continuously identifying opportunities to improve financial processes and efficiencies.

Skills and Qualifications
• 5+ years of progressive bookkeeping or accounting experience, ideally within the not-for-profit, education or charitable sector
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline
• Strong hands-on experience with QuickBooks Online and advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Sound knowledge of Canadian GAAP, financial reporting requirements and management accounting principles
• Experience supporting accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll administration and HST filings
• Excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail
• A self-starter who works independently, communicates openly and isn't afraid to ask thoughtful questions

Note from the Hiring Manager
"We're looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership, values accuracy and isn't afraid to ask questions. If you're someone who brings curiosity, common sense and a collaborative approach, you'll be a great fit for our team."

Why Partner with Altis
If you've never worked with a staffing agency before, we make it easy. We work with top employers across Canada who have great jobs to fill, each vetted and verified by our team. When you apply for a job with Altis, we get to know you as a candidate and learn what your strengths are. Then, if you're a solid match, we handle all the logistics, advocating for you as a candidate for the role, providing access to coaching and connecting you directly with the hiring manager. And rest assured, all our services are free of cost for candidates.

We appreciate the time and effort all applicants invest in their submissions. Please note that only candidates shortlisted for this role will be contacted directly. However, your profile will remain under consideration for future opportunities that align with your experience and career goals.All qualified applicants will receive fair consideration for employment. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities including those who identify as women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. If you require an accommodation, please review our accessibility policy and reach out to our accessibility officer with any questions. Our human recruiters review all applications and always make the final hiring decision. On occasion, we also use AI-assisted tools to help review applications.