VSO School of Music Senior Accountant

About the VSO School of Music

VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO SoM develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.

About the VSO

Founded in 1919, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.

Job Description: School of Music Senior Accountant

The Senior Accountant will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the financial infrastructure of the VSO School of Music. This position is responsible for designing and implementing clear, effective systems, processes, and procedures that support accurate financial operations and reporting. A key focus will be on establishing and overseeing robust accounting practices to ensure that all charitable gifts are properly logged, processed, and managed in alignment with donor intent, organizational needs, and regulatory requirements.

Working closely with the finance team and cross-functional stakeholders, the Senior Accountant will drive improvements in accounting workflows, enhance budget management, and support operational efficiency. This role also includes oversight of financial compliance, preparation of timely and insightful financial reports, and active involvement in the management and reporting of charitable gifts.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and strategic thinker with a strong grasp of non-profit accounting standards, who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to supporting the organization’s mission through sound financial leadership.

Responsibilities

- Support the financial management of the organization, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

- Reconcile weekly ActiveNet (or other software) reports

- Reviews payroll reports for payroll lockdown

- Maintain organized financial files and documentation for easy access and retrieval

- Maintain financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards

- Maintains organized records and tracking of all awards, bursaries and scholarships

- Supporting all aspects of the organization's accounting functions, including bank deposits and general ledger

- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements

- Coordinate and lead the annual financial audit process, working closely with external auditors and providing necessary documentation

- Lead in developing and maintaining financial procedures to enhance internal controls and operational efficiencies

- Working with the Director of Finance and supporting in the preparation and management of the annual budget and financial forecasting processes

- Working collaboratively with their supervisors, monitor and analyze financial performance against budget, providing insights and recommendations for improvement

- Working with the Director of Finance, to prepare required tax forms such as GST return and T3010

- Supports the financial activities related to charitable gifts, including financial tracking, reporting, and compliance with donor requirements

- Other duties as required

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting

- CPA or CPA Candidate

- Knowledge and an understanding of Business Central, Tessitura and/or ActiveNet software is an asset

- Minimum of 3-4 years of experience

- Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles and practices

- Exceptional analytical skills with a strong attention to detail and accuracy

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of conveying complex financial information to diverse audiences

Renumeration

- $70,000-$80,000 Annually

- 4 Weeks’ Vacation

- Full time

- Medical and Dental Benefits

What it’s like to work here

The VSO and the VSO School of Music offer a fast-paced, creative, and strategically minded workplace environment. We are a group of music-loving arts administrators, with a passion for the performing arts, combined with business acumen, personnel management, and leadership, in a strong and collaborative environment. We are proud of the VSO’s legacy in musical excellence and are working towards growing our reputation as a world-class orchestra, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities, outreach programs, as well as a community of engaged, philanthropic fans.

The VSO and VSO School of Music offer hybrid working models, though given that we work in live performing events, we know that some evening and weekend work will be required on site.

The VSO and the VSO School of Music value diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications for this position from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity.

Benefits

The VSO and the VSOSoM offer a flexible work environment, extended medical benefits available to full time employees, and other incentives and perks.

To Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@vsoschoolofmusic.ca

Please include “VSO School Senior Accountant” in the subject line.

The VSO and the VSOSoM thanks all applicants for their interest, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline

Open Until Filled

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