Senior Accountant (full-time term)

OPEN DATE:        Tuesday, June 30, 2026

CLOSING DATE:  4 pm Friday, July 10, 2026

DEPARTMENT:    Financial Services

DIVISION:           N/A

SECTION:             N/A

REPORTS TO:      Manager of Financial Services

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About The Organization:

Come live, work and play in paradise! Located along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Powell River is a contemporary hub that balances abundant, natural beauty and a surplus of adventures with growing industry sectors in technology, retail, and tourism. Located just a 90-minute ferry away from Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Tla'amin Nation, Powell River offers a mix of urban and rural living in a temperate climate. It’s known for an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle, a vibrant arts community, and four seasons of recreational adventures to explore.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Accountant performs advanced professional accounting, financial reporting, and analysis work to support the internal controls, integrity, and accuracy of the City’s financial reporting. The position prepares and reviews complex accounting records, reconciliations, working papers, financial statements, supporting schedules and reports in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Standards, applicable legislation, City policies and established financial controls. This role provides technical guidance to Finance staff and internal departments, supports budget and long-term financial planning processes, and contributes to effective audit, asset management, grant reporting, risk management, and financial system practices. The position maintains reliable financial information, supports continuous improvement, and refers sensitive, unusual, or policy-related matters to the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training:

Completion of Grade 12.  Chartered Professional Accountant designation and Bachelor’s Degree in business, accounting or finance field.

Experience:

Five (5) years of professional accounting experience, preferably in a local government, public sector or similar environment including experience preparing financial statements, reconciliations, working papers, financial analysis and responding to auditor requests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Thorough knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards and the accounting, reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to local government financial operations. Knowledge of the B.C. Local Government Act, Community Charter and related legislation relevant to municipal finance. Considerable knowledge of general ledger administration, fund accounting, tangible capital asset accounting, grant reporting, budget support, audit preparation, reconciliations, internal controls and financial statement preparation. Ability to interpret complex financial information, identify issues and provide practical recommendations that support accurate reporting and informed decision-making. Sound judgment in applying standards, legislation and controls, including recognizing matters requiring escalation. Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet statutory and operational deadlines while maintaining accuracy across competing priorities. Ability to prepare accurate working papers, reports and documentation that support accountability, transparency and audit readiness. Demonstrated ability to work within and contribute to a collaborative team environment and build and maintain strong professional relationships.  Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications with the ability to write formulas, manipulate and analyze data using Microsoft Excel with an eye for process improvement. Ability to provide technical guidance, review work and train support staff to ensure consistent application of accounting procedures. Strong communication skills with the ability to make complex technical information understandable. Ability to approach work and relationships in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.

PAY RATE:

This is a union position with the current pay rate of $55.59 per hour as outlined in the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 798 Collective Agreement.

HOURS OF WORK:

8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week

Full Job Description Here

How To Apply:

If you are interested in this position:

1. Complete the questions contained in the application below.  NOTE: CUPE members must use their correct seniority date.  After completing the questions, click "Next".
2. Attach a cover letter and a resume as separate PDF or Word documents.  This is a mandatory requirement of the application process. 
3. Attach copies of degrees, diplomas, and certifications if applicable in one single PDF or Word document.
4. IMPORTANT: Each applicant must use an email address unique to them.

 We thank all applicants for their interest, however, we may choose to only acknowledge those applicants selected for interview.

The City of Powell River is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants may be required to participate in formal testing and interviews and to provide documentation to demonstrate and support their qualifications.