Accounting Operations Manager

**Job Posting**
- As a member of the Accounting and Financial Reporting team and reporting to the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting - the Accounting Operations Manager provides leadership and direction to the accounting and accounts payable teams. The Accounting Operations Manager provides input and leadership to the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting in the formulation of strategic policies and direction as they relate to the delivery of accouting and accounts payable services to the employees, Business Units of HRM and Boards and Commissions.**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
- Managerial/Leadership
- Provides overall management of the Accounting Operations department including the development and approval of programs and procedures for the delivery of high-quality integrated customer focused services.
- Aligns resources with the business plan, ensuring resources are allocated to priorities, and that structures and reporting relationships are appropriate for accounting.
- Oversees the development and implementation of accounting operations strategic plans and initiatives in accordance with HRM corporate directives and business strategies. - Develops or provides direct input into recommendations regarding policies and procedures for current and long-range financial service requirements in coordination with other HRM Business Units.
- Maintains awareness of the financial services industry including new developments in service deliveries, technological advancements, systems design, industry standards and regulations.
- Promotes effective labour/management relations; provides direction on labour relations, collective bargaining and grievance management; workplace planning, recruitment, training and development ensuring the efficient utilization and promotion of human resources.
- Promotes a safe work environment and safety programs such as those defined by the Occupational Health & Safety Committee.
- Represents the Finance Business Unit in meetings, task forces, and project teams with other HRM staff, consultants, and committees and outside agencies.
- Represents the Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting on various committees and projects and provides technical advice and feedback as required.
- Makes presentations to Halifax Regional Council and Committees of Council as required.
- Provides effective leadership and common vision for staff, oversees decisions on hiring, discipline and engagement/development, and reviews performance reports prepared by staff and rates employee performance.
- Upholds and promotes the values of HRM, including a focus on the value of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the municipality.

Operations
- Reviews and recommends annual business plan, service levels, operating and capital budgets for the Accounting Operations division to the Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting; reviews financial performance and projections and recommends remedial action where necessary.
- Responsible for establishing and revising policies and procedures. Provides interpretation and rulings on policy for staff and interacts with senior staff and Council, when required, to ensure both the principle and the detail of the policy is administered.
- Provides advice and consultation to Director, on division objectives, or issues relating to accounting and management reporting.
- Provides consultation and direction to their team with respect to annual year end audit and confers with external auditors on issues and policies.
- Ensures compliance with respect to legislation, Acts, regulations and that professional standards are followed in the delivery of service. Reviews adherence to provincial and federal legislation and ensures HRM is protected both legally and remains trustworthy in the minds of the taxpayer.
- Accountable for the management of risk areas related to the provision of accounting and financial reporting services.
- Provides expert advice to Finance and Business Units on accounting issues, and the integration points between SAP Financial/Costing modules and other systems.
- Ensures service level standards are consistently met or exceeded.
- Ensures the existence of appropriate, timely &. effective monitoring and reporting systems which support compliance with HRM policies.
- Provide leadership and direction in SAP Optimization activities.

May perform other related duties as assigned.**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education and Experience**:

- A professional accounting designation (CPA), and a related university degree;
- Experience creating financial reports for both internal and external stakeholders;
- Experience in usage of financial management software systems- Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible and broad managerial or specialist experience or a suitable equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven track record of success
- **Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities**:
- Proficiency in the use of personal computers and