The Opportunity
1917 CPA is a Calgary-based public accounting firm focused primarily on owner-managed businesses and their shareholders. We provide accounting, tax and advisory services with an emphasis on practical advice, responsive service and long-term client relationships.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Manager, Accounting & Tax to become a key member of our leadership team.
This is not simply a file review position. We are looking for someone who can take substantial ownership of client work and internal operations. The successful candidate will review files, manage and mentor staff, communicate directly with clients, resolve complex accounting and tax matters, and help ensure work moves through the firm efficiently.
The right person will have the technical ability, judgment and communication skills to operate with a high degree of independence and become a trusted resource to both our clients and our team.
What You'll Do
Your responsibilities will include:
- Review compilation engagements, corporate tax returns and related working papers, which will represent the majority of the role
- Review a smaller number of review engagements and related corporate tax filings
- Identify accounting, tax and planning issues and provide practical recommendations to clients
- Review personal and corporate income tax matters involving owner-managed businesses and their shareholders
- Manage client engagements from planning through completion
- Communicate directly with clients regarding year-end results, tax matters, planning opportunities and outstanding information
- Manage workflow and help ensure engagements are completed accurately and on a timely basis
- Supervise, coach and mentor accountants and other team members
- Provide clear review notes and use the review process as an opportunity to develop staff rather than simply correct work
- Assist staff with technical accounting and tax questions
- Develop stronger processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency throughout the firm
- Work closely with the partners on more complex accounting, tax and advisory matters
- Build strong, long-term relationships with clients and become a primary point of contact for a significant portion of the firm's client base
- Exercise professional judgment and independently resolve issues where appropriate
What We're Looking For
A Canadian CPA designation is required.
The ideal candidate will have:
- At least 5 years of experience at the Manager level or above in Canadian public practice
- Significant experience working with privately held and owner-managed businesses
- Strong experience reviewing compilation engagements and corporate income tax returns
- Experience with review engagements and the applicable Canadian assurance standards
- Strong knowledge of ASPE
- Strong Canadian corporate and personal tax knowledge
- The ability to identify tax planning opportunities and recognize when a matter requires specialist involvement
- Proven experience managing, training and developing accounting staff
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The confidence and interpersonal skills to communicate directly with business owners
- Strong organizational and workflow management skills
- The ability to prioritize and manage multiple engagements at different stages of completion
- A high level of professional judgment and attention to detail
- A practical approach to problem solving
- Comfort with technology and working in a modern, largely digital accounting environment
Who Will Succeed in This Role
We are not looking to add another layer of management. We are looking for someone who can genuinely take ownership.
You should be comfortable reviewing the technical work, discussing a tax issue with a client, helping a staff member work through a difficult file, deciding how an engagement should move forward and making sure the work ultimately gets completed.
You don't need to know the answer to every question. You do need to have the experience and judgment to recognize issues, research them when necessary and confidently determine the appropriate path forward.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who takes responsibility for outcomes. We want this person to become an integral part of the firm and someone our partners, staff and clients can rely on.
Work Environment and Flexibility
We offer a hybrid work environment and believe experienced professionals should have meaningful flexibility in how they manage their schedules.
We care about client service, meeting deadlines, supporting the team and producing high-quality work. Within those expectations, we try to be flexible and practical about where and when work gets done.
We are not interested in creating unnecessary rules around face time or hours worked. We are interested in finding someone who takes ownership of their responsibilities and can be relied upon by clients and the rest of the team.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary of $100,000-$150,000, depending on experience and capabilities
- 4 weeks of paid vacation
- Extended health and medical benefits
- Hybrid work environment
- Flexible work arrangements
- Significant autonomy and responsibility
- Opportunity to play an important role in the continued development of the firm
- Potential opportunity for performance-based profit sharing as the role develops
About 1917 CPA
1917 CPA works primarily with small and mid-sized owner-managed businesses. Our approach is personal, practical and responsive. We believe clients should be able to understand their accounting and tax situation without unnecessary complexity, and we place a high value on long-term client relationships.
We are a firm where an experienced professional can have a meaningful impact. This role provides the opportunity to work closely with the partners, influence how the firm operates, develop our team and take significant responsibility for an established client base.
Pay: $100,000.00-$150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calgary, AB T2N 3P7
