Director, Accounting Policy

Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) are now CPKC. As the only truly North American railway, we are making big moves! Drawing on our strong foundations and heritage, CPKC moves essential goods across our 20,000-mile network to support economic growth throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Be a part of history as we connect a continent and create exciting career opportunities across our new transnational network. Visit cpkcr.com to learn about the CPKC advantage, our purpose and culture.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Reporting to the Managing Director Corporate Accounting & Reporting, you will be a key member of the Finance team who will assist Finance and business stakeholders meet strategic goals by providing them with a clear and concise understanding of current and future accounting as it affects specific transactions and policies of the company. You will ensure that CPKC’s accounting policies are appropriate to meet business needs and practices, and unusual and complex transactions are accounted for in accordance with US GAAP and regulatory requirements. You will also be responsible for coordinating the monitoring and reporting of the anticipated impact to CPKC of emerging accounting standards, financial reporting requirements and industry issues, and for building and prioritizing the Accounting Policy team’s work plans to meet our strategic goals and those of our stakeholders. You will lead a small but experienced team.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop Accounting Policy work plans to meet strategic goals, prioritizing projects based on stakeholder requirements and team’s work load
• Lead continuous improvement of CPKC’s accounting policies though alignment with stakeholder goals, changes in business practices, and developments in US GAAP and financial reporting
• Provide pinpointed guidance with respect to the accounting implications of unusual and complex transactions, including confidential transactions and contractual arrangements. As necessary, work with external auditors to obtain alignment on appropriate accounting
• Lead accounting research for specific transactions, ensuring quality documentation prepared and communicated to stakeholders, and participate in cross functional resolution of accounting matters
• Ensure the timely review of new significant contracts for potential complex accounting requirements and lead the provision of education on required accounting to Finance and business representatives
• Keep current with new accounting pronouncements and ensure the Accounting Policy team prepares succinct pinpointed guidance to management and the Audit & Finance Committee with respect to their potential impact to CPKC and the next steps required to implement
• Provide leadership to cross functional teams implementing new accounting standards and developing CPKC’s Accounting Policies, including training on these policies to Finance and business representatives
• Provide leadership to the Accounting Policy Committee
• Provide guidance with respect to accounting and regulatory requirements in relation to CPKC’s dealings with securities regulators and rail regulators, and prepare responses to securities regulators’ comment letters
• Review public documents to ensure that financial disclosures are appropriate
• Manage other policy, governance and Audit & Finance Committee reporting
• Direct and supervise the team in alignment with Finance work plans and priorities

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Accounting Designation: CPA, with 10+ years of experience primarily in financial reporting, accounting policy and/or interpretation of US GAAP/IFRS
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP or IFRS

• Communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to interpret complex accounting policies and accounting treatment and translate to business application;
• Ability to work as a key team member in cross functional teams, obtain consensus / agreement on recommendations
• Ability to interact with management across the Company
• Previous railway knowledge including Rail Industry accounting would be considered an asset
• Develop Accounting Policy work plans to meet strategic goals, prioritizing projects based on stakeholder requirements and team’s work load
• Lead continuous improvement of CPKC’s accounting policies though alignment with stakeholder goals, changes in business practices, and developments in US GAAP and financial reporting

WHAT CPKC HAS TO OFFER:

• Flexible and competitive benefits package
• Competitive company pension plan
• Employee Share Purchase Plan
• Performance Incentive Program
• Annual Fitness Subsidy
• Part-time Studies Program

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

As an employer with North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Background Investigation:

The successful candidate will need to successfully complete the following clearances:       

• Criminal history check
• Reference check
• Education verification

Management Conductor Program:

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including women, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)”. 

• Req ID: 101376
• Department: Finance & Accounting
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Position Type: Non-Union
• Location: Calgary, Alberta
• Country: Canada
• % of Travel:
• # of Positions: 1
• Job Grade:
• Job Available to: Internal & External

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