Position Summary
The Finance Specialist is dedicated to the vision, mission, values and strategic priorities of Hospice Niagara and uses their best efforts to promote the interests of the organization and contribute to a positive culture. The Finance Specialist performs all duties in a safe manner, and abides by all applicable laws, by-laws, rules and regulations of competent authorities and standards of conduct, including those set forth by Hospice Niagara. The Finance Specialist reports to the Manager, Accounting & Finance.
The Finance Specialist is responsible for preparing accounts payable, bank deposits and transactions. This position is also accountable to prepare all government and other funder reports.
The Finance Specialist performs all duties in a safe and healthy manner, in accordance with Hospice Niagara’s policies and procedures, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation.
Key Responsibilities
Finance (A/P and Payroll)
- Facilitating all accounts payable and vendor transactions
- Assisting with completion and review of invoicing and keeping accurate records for accounting purposes
- Using accounting system to enter transactions and verify entries; includes posting of accounts payable, and deposits to appropriate accounts.
- Performs regular accounting functions including preparation of bank deposits and bi-weekly disbursement cheques.
- Provides back up support to HR Generalist on payroll administration. Updates the accounting systems with financial and statistical reports from the payroll system on a bi-weekly basis.
- Supports in the completion month-end and successful annual audit process and facilitates implementation of any recommendations
Data (Reporting)
- Assist in the preparation of data for:
- monthly HCCSS financial and activity data submissions per funding requirements
- quarterly M-SAA activity data submissions per funding requirements
- quarterly and ad-hoc HPCO submissions and analyze results
- monthly and quarterly organizational statistical reports
- annual organizational statistical reports
- lotteries and fundraising events
- Other reports as needed and assigned by the Manager, Accounting & Finance
Other
- Other duties, as assigned
- Providing back up support to the Sr. Director, People & Performance, Manager, Accounting & Finance and HR Generalist as required
Skills & Attributes
- Ability to accurately document information and develop reports
- High degree of self-direction and self-motivation
- Strong data and systems analysis, mathematic, administrative and organizational skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of business practices involved in resource allocation
- Strong customer service, complex problem solving, time management and prioritization skills
- Highly developed judgment, confidentiality and integrity
- Experience effectively communicating information in one-on-one and small group settings
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (proficiency in French and other languages considered an asset)
- Strong dedication to the vision, mission and values of Hospice Niagara
- High degree of proficiency in Microsoft applications, accounting and payroll systems
- Commitment to continuous learning, engages in research regarding the latest Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as well as changes to the Ontario Healthcare Reporting Standards
- Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness; fosters a diverse and respectful workplace
- Experience working with Great Plains and ADP (considered an asset)
- Occasional flexibility to work varying shifts, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on organizational needs
- Access to a reliable personal vehicle or transportation
- Exhibit a professional, compassionate and caring approach
- Demonstrate strong active listening and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to develop relationships based on trust, compassion and empathy
- Demonstrate a high degree of self-direction and self-motivation
Academic, Training, Knowledge & Experience
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on Accounts Payable and accounting experience.
- Demonstrated intermediate-level accounting knowledge, including general ledger accounting, accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, accounts payable,bank reconciliations, and month-end processes.
- Demonstrated ability to independently review, code, process, and reconcile accounting transactions and identify and resolve discrepancies.
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) is strongly preferred.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, reconciliations, and financial data analysis.
- Experience with government grants, restricted funding, and funder reporting, including tracking expenditures against approved funding.
- Experience with fixed asset accounting, including capital purchases, additions, disposals, supporting documentation, and reconciliations.
- Experience supporting month-end and year-end processes, including account reconciliations, schedules, adjusting entries, and audit documentation.
- Experience preparing or supporting government, funder, statistical, and financial reporting.
- Experience with ADP or another payroll system is considered an asset.
- Experience in the healthcare, charitable, public, or non-profit sector is considered an asset.
- Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and professional accounting practices.
- Knowledge of Ontario Healthcare Reporting Standards and healthcare funding requirements is considered an asset.
- Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
- Fundamentals of Palliative Care (preferred; must be completed within 12 months of hire).
- Mask Fit (must be completed within 12 months of hire).
Evaluation
- Ongoing observation and feedback
- Annual performance assessment and discussion; individual development planning
Working Conditions
The Finance Specialist works primarily within an office environment. The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
Physical/Social/Mental Demands
- Continuous/Frequent:
- Sitting
- Typing/inputting data
- Reading
- Interruptions
- Customer service
- In-person communication
- Problem solving
- Utilizing a phone, fax, photocopier
- Repetitive motions
- Listening/hearing
- Talking
- Decision making
- Judgment
- Composing communications
- Frequent/Occasional:
- Coordination with others
- Public speaking
- Hand-eye coordination
- Working in close proximity
- Lifting (up to 20 lbs)
- Group work
- Leading others
- Walking
- Standing
- Driving
Mental Stress and Emotional Demands
The sensitive nature of the work requires most volunteers to work in an environment that involves chronic death, dying, grief and loss. This may include providing comfort and support to clients and their loved ones. All volunteers are encouraged to proactively identify and practice their best methods of ensuring self-care to ensure they are equipped to manage through difficult times.
The position involves frequent moderate intensity concentration to review reports, consult with or support staff, and to prepare correspondence or reports. These tasks are frequently interrupted by activities of the agency (e.g. telephone calls, Leadership or staff support) and communication or requests from other back office partners.
