Accounting Partner - Montreal, Canada - CN Rail

Description

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges.

You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely-helping keep the economy on track.

We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference.

You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us


Job Summary

The Accounting Partner - Major Recoverable Projects is responsible for the accurate, timely and complete recovery of expenses on CN's major recoverable construction projects, with estimated billings of more than $1B over the next ten years.

The role requires building relationships and on-going interactions with key partners including public and government entities and other customers, Engineering, Financial Planning, Legal and Collections.

The incumbent reviews the adequacy of controls in place and introduces new controls to further protect CN's recoveries supported by a comprehensive validation process.

The role is an integral part of the Bill-to-Cash process.


Main Responsibilities


Expense Recovery and Controls

• Maintain a thorough understanding of all major recoverable project agreements assigned and properly apply the compensation clauses in place to maximize eligible recoverable expenses from various parties
• Provide governance and direction to Engineering to ensure eligible recoverable expenses are reviewed for accuracy and completeness and that timely approvals are obtained
• Perform in-depth reviews of recoverable expenses for accuracy and completeness by using structured control tools in place
• Prepare and issue accurate, complete and timely progress invoices for all major recoverable projects assigned, including substantiating recoverable expenses with all relevant supporting documentation, to ensure complete and timely collections of Accounts Receivable
• Identify and implement additional controls to further strengthen expense recovery processes and accuracy
• Collaborate with Engineering and Financial Planning to identify and resolve reporting and process issues and ensure recoveries are protected
• Identify process improvement opportunities to continuously contribute to maximizing recoveries and accelerating collection of Accounts Receivable

Audit Readiness

• Manage expense recovery validation tools to ensure proper control coverage
• Prepare audit documentation of recoverable expense reviews performed to ensure readiness for external audits
• Prepare and present external audit responses and provide all documentation requested by auditors
• Substantiate validity of all recoveries in line with agreements

Reporting and Measures

• Design and produce monthly management reports to track reported expenses, variances, progress billings and collections
• Prepare ad-hoc reports for Engineering to facilitate cost tracking, and communication with customers
• Implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor the efficiency of the expense recovery process

Relationship Management

• Lead and resolve all expense recovery matters with customers, Collections, Engineering and Financial Planning
• Resolve billing disputes in collaboration with Collections
• Lead or participate in Engineering status meetings to provide accounting updates and remain abreast of project progress
• Collaborate with Engineering and Financial Planning and communicate financial matters

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday.

Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and manage stress.

Requirements


Experience

Accounting

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience

o Experience in Systems, Applications and Products (SAP), with an emphasis in the Sales and Distribution (SD), Controlling (CO) and Financial Accounting (FI) modules**Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset


Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation**Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

General Skills and Attributes

• Applies analytical thinking to make recommendations that pursue sustainable performance
• Knows the business and stays current with industry trends to elevate expertise and work
• Negotiates towards a win-win outcome while taking all points of view into consideration
• Time and project management
• Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts to the audience
• Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity
• Builds and maintains networks
• Tracks metrics to achieve ambitious targets and holds self and others accountable to meet performance expectations
• Initiates and drives organizational changes to enable business transformation
• Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)

*Any skills/attributes for any of the above would be considered as an asset


Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Solid understanding of Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word)
• Knowledge of the construction project cost recovery process
• In-depth knowledge of software applications Power Query and Power BIAny knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler.

Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year.

As the only railroad connecting Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S.

through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919.

CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

CN is an employment equity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.