Opportunity Notice - Finance Officer-Payroll & Special Projects (fixed-term)

Posting Date: October 2, 2023

Job Type: Fixed-term, Full-time (6 months with possible extension)

Work Location: Town Hall

Salary: $56,180 - $66,094

Hours: 35 hours per week

Reporting to the Manager of Finance, the Finance Officer (Payroll and Special Projects) is responsible for providing day-to-day administration of payroll, financial accounting, and accounting duties; for providing support to Town management and staff in relation to payroll and financial accounting; and for providing administrative and clerical support to the Finance Branch, the General Manager, Client Services/Treasurer and CAO.

The primary responsibilities for this position include (but not limited to) the following:

• Manage the overall bi-weekly payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate preparation of payroll in its entirety from data entry to file transmission for direct deposit. 
• Maintain employee vacation, sick and bank time balances and ensure compliance with all Company policies and/or collective agreements. 
• Maintain confidential employee payroll files and ensure effective security measures are in place and access in controlled to safeguard the payroll database and to protect the privacy of employees. 
• Facilitate on-going, constructive, open communication between payroll and other departments of the organization and seek appropriate resolution to matters of mutual interest and shared responsibility (i.e. coding, budget). 
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll legislation and regulations, and Union Contracts and ensure processes and procedures are continuous updated. 
• Compute payroll deductions obeying federal and provincial legislation and prepare all remittances for Received General, Health Tax, WSIB, OMERS, and Employee Group Benefits, etc.
• Prepare and reconcile all year end activities relating to payroll, including pension adjustment calculations, submissions of year-end adjustments and finalization of T-4 slips, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), OMERS, WSIB, EHT reporting. 
• Prepare separation documents for terminated employees (i.e. ROE, OMERS, Manulife). 
• Liaise with the Human Resources Officer to ensure all confidential employee information is collected regarded staff status (i.e. hire/terminations, or change of status), provide support for processing employee benefits, and/or other studies or reports as directed. 
• Provide supporting documentation for audits. 
• Analyze and reconcile accounts receivables. 
• Assist with the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets. 
• Prepare monthly variance reports. 
• Assist with the annual audit.
• Provide relief support for taxation, accounts payables, water billing, accounts receivables and the finance front desk when required. 
• Prepare and reconcile government reports including HST remittances. 
• Research, analyze, and summarize accounting data to assist with and resolve various accounting discrepancies, and to support reports and special projects as assigned. 
• Conduct technical and best practice research in support of special projects such as fees or salary analysis and reviews, development charges studies, and other financial projects.
• Prepare and present reports to committees or Council as directed. 
• Backup relief for Cashier/Receptionist: answer all incoming calls on main lines, responding to public inquiries, processing payments received, balancing cash and creating daily bank deposit.
• Perform work in accordance with applicable Provincial and Municipal legislations and regulations including the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, corporate strategy, and in accordance with internal policies and procedures of the Town. 
• Provide support and project management of special projects initiatives and research including but not limited to budget preparation, long range capital forecasts, development charge studies and other rate studies.
• Liaise and coordinate activities of consultants engaged by the town for special projects.
• Perform other related duties and/or projects as assigned. 

The successful candidate will have as a minimum the following qualifications:

• Two (2) year post-secondary diploma in business accounting or administration or    related discipline. 
• Minimum two (2) years of payroll experience or in a related environment. 
• Minimum two (2) years of general accounting experience or in a related environment. 
• Thorough knowledge of payroll procedures, general accounting procedures, and the general ledger. 
• Knowledge of the Employment Standards Act, Municipal Act, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  
• Working familiarity with conducting research and gathering and analyzing financial records and information. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a professional demeanour at all times when handling public enquiries and complaints. 
• Customer service skills with ability to assess customer needs to meet effective service delivery standards. 
• Detailed orientated and possess excellent organizational skills to compile, process, and verify information and data, and maintain accurate records and files. 
• Must have strong work ethic with the ability to work independently or in a team environment. 
• Exceptional communication skills (both written and verbal). 
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, set schedules, handle multiple projects and competing demands, to meet deadlines. 
• Proficient computer skills and ability to use various accounting software applications including work processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.
• Able to follow directives, and work within internal operating procedures, policies, guidelines, and adhere to applicable legislation and regulations. 
• Strong analytic and researching skills to independently identify solutions to problems, and to verify work tasks and processes, comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Asset Qualifications:

• Pursuing a professional designation (CGA, CMA, or CA).
• Canadian Payroll Association – Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certification
• Experience with Municipal government  
• AMCTO – Municipal Administration Program (MAP) Certificate
• AMCTO – Accredited Municipal Professional (AMP) Program

Interested candidates are invited to submit an application by 3:00pm on October 13, 2023 quoting Finance Officer – (Payroll & Special Projects) attention to Human Resources:

Mail: Town of Arnprior 105 Elgin St. W. Arnprior, ON K7S 0A8

E-mail: hr@arnprior.ca

The Town is committed to maintaining an equitable work environment and welcomes submissions from all qualified applicants. If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process please email the Human Resources Officer at hr@arnprior.ca

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Internal and external candidates will be interviewed simultaneously. Only the candidate selected for an interview will be contacted. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of candidate selection.