Senior Finance Officer

Description:

The Senior Finance Officer supports the overall integrity of the organization’s financial operations by overseeing day-to-day accounting workflows, grant support, managing key reconciliations, and ensuring accurate AP and AR processing. The role helps maintain strong financial controls across systems, supports cash flow monitoring and contributes to a smooth annual audit. This position is essential to keeping financial information reliable, timely, and aligned with organizational standards.

The Senior Finance Officer will have access to confidential and personal identifiable information. Therefore, this role requires the individual to maintain a high level of trust with employees, to behave professionally and ethically, and to maintain confidentiality and security of all Rainbow Railroad financial information and personal identifiable information to which the individual has access.

The role requires that the Senior Finance Officer must maintain an appropriate level of knowledge and expertise on financial accounting and analysis, financial management, and financial reporting. This role will be enhanced with a general knowledge and understanding of the accounting standards in Canada and the USA.

As a member of the Rainbow Railroad finance team, this role requires the employee to work cooperatively, professionally, and collaboratively with other members of the finance team.

Reporting

The Senior Finance Officer will report to the Controller and will work closely with the rest of the finance team.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Accounting Oversight, General Ledger & Reconciliations
Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance across all finance workflows.
Conduct monthly reviews of prepayments, deferred revenue, and related schedules.
Reconcile data across systems such as Salesforce and revenue platforms.
Complete and verify intercompany reconciliations and transfers.
Record and reconcile in-kind contributions.

Accounts Payable & Receivable
Review and approve AP entries prior to issuing payments (e.g., via Plooto, Western union).
Oversee AR processes including revenue postings, invoice reconciliation, cheque and wire reconciliation, and AR balance sheet account reconciliation.
Manage float platform, including card management, expense entry verification, reimbursement approvals and  tracking.
Manage corporate transportation accounts (e.g., Uber) and ensure proper posting.

Grant Financial Management:

Assist grant managers and heads of departments with developing financial projections and budgets for prospective grant applications.
Review Contribution Agreements and advise grant managers of their financial reporting responsibilities.
Ensure expenses and revenues are properly recorded in Rainbow Railroad’s accounting records in accordance with Accounting Standards for Non-Profit Organizations and the Contribution Agreement.
Provide financial reports to the grant managers that track grant spending against the grant budget and advise on any issues that may impact the financial management and reporting grant.
Complete grant financial reporting as required by the Contribution Agreements for review and submission by the Controller.

Cash Flow Management

Monitor the daily cash flow and bank account balances.
Support the Controller with providing up-to-date weekly cash flow forecast projections.
Provide support for managing the cash cycle including accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Annual Financial Audit

Support the Controller with audit preparation, and providing the required financial information and supporting documentation as required to complete annual financial audit in USA and Canadian entities.

General Tasks

Participate and provide input to discussions regarding accounting issues and the accounting platform.
Stay updated on basic accounting principles, regulations, and best practices as it is related to financial planning and reporting.
Stay updated on financial reporting and budgeting techniques to improve the quality of financial information provided to decision makers.
Assist with the review of process and software that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Rainbow Railroad’s approach to budgeting and financial reporting.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of finance team workflows and provides seamless support for any team member who is unavailable to ensure continuity of operations.
Manages all operational finance platforms (e.g., Uber for Business, Convera, Plooto, Float) and any new systems introduced, ensuring accurate setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting, with support from the Controller.
Support the Controller with month-end and year-end close processes, as well as other accounting tasks as required by management.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge:

Appropriate accreditation as a chartered or certified accountant or demonstrated experience with accounting and full cycle accounting processes. Understanding Canadian Accounting Standards for Non-Profit Organizations.
A minimum of 5+ years of experience working in a similar role.
Understanding of USA Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for 501(c) corporations.
Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks Online), MS Office and G-Suite.
Advanced Excel experience in developing complex financial reports, leveraging dynamic formulas, pivot tables, and analytical functions to drive data analysis and support informed decision-making (required).
Possesses foundational knowledge of Salesforce or demonstrates a strong willingness and ability to learn the platform as part of the role requirements.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; resourceful, flexible, with ability to prioritize tasks 
Ability to handle sensitive financial information confidentially.
Versatile, skilled, and effective communicator with demonstrable evidence of strong written and oral communications skills 
Ability to work with cross-functional teams
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work in a dynamic, fast paced environment with strict deadlines 
Ability to Adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing organization 
Sound judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
An understanding of LGBTQI issues and a commitment to the mission of Rainbow Railroad.