CPA Associate ( 2.5 years)

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Focused on onboarding a new graduate looking to develop qualifying practical experience to attain the CPA designation, the CPA Associate at the City of Markham will be participating in agreed-upon rotations in various parts of the Financial Services Department. In consultation with their Supervisor, the rotations and corresponding responsibilities, tasks, projects, etc. will be designed to progressively fulfil the qualifying practical experience required to attain the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. The City will support and guide the CPA Associate in designing details of the rotation and in undertaking the required reporting. The CPA Associate will also be supported in terms of professional development and mentorship activities required to attain the CPA designation.

Areas within the Financial Services Department within which the CPA Associate can undertake rotations include, but may not be limited to, financial planning and budgeting, accounting and reporting, tax and other revenue policy and administration, development finance, investment management, procurement, and financial transactions (e.g., accounts payable, payroll).

The City of Markham is currently accepting applications for the temporary full-time position (2.5 year contract) of CPA Associate in the Financial Standards Department, Corporate Services Commission. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online ( by May 14, 2024.

Major Responsibilities:

Research, Analysis and Policy Development & Implementation:

Broadly, provides research support and assistance on financial-related matters

Undertakes assigned project(s), including conducting any required research, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and development of recommendations

Leads or supports the development and implementation of policies, procedures, standards, etc., including development and delivery of supporting briefing material, reports, presentations, etc.

Conducts quantitative and qualitative analysis as part of research work

Develops, plans and implements assigned projects

Operations and Transactions Management:

Undertakes, completes, contributes, etc. completion of activities and transactions relevant to the business area

Collects, analyzes, manipulates and manages information and data and associated systems

Prepares or supports the development of work products, reports, etc.

Liaison, Communications, and Customer Service Activities:

Liaises with staff from within the department and with other City departments, as well as with other levels of government, external agencies and organizations, to disseminate and acquire information and data

Participates on and assists in the coordination and support of committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned

Develops / contributes to reports, briefing notes, presentations, etc.

Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards

Maintains current expertise in constantly changing functional areas through continuous learning and development, including through actively participating in mentorship activities, reviewing and acting on performance assessment outcomes, reviewing literature and best practice, and attending seminars, conferences and training, as required

Ensures that services provided meet City customer service standards.

Other Duties:

Performs various functions to support department operations, as required

Performs other duties, as assigned, in accordance with departmental objectives.

Key Qualifications:

Post-secondary undergraduate degree in business, accounting, or related field, that meets the qualifications to attain the CPA designation

Acquired/demonstrated knowledge of accounting standards, policies, processes, etc. obtained through a degree in business, accounting, or related field and completion/enrolment in a professional accounting program (e.g., CPA Professional Education Program)

Completion, or demonstrated admission/registration, in the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) or in an equivalent program approved by the City, and, if applicable, the CPA Common Final Examination (CFE), leading to the CPA designation

Experience handling multiple projects concurrently, meeting deadlines on time and working with diverse groups

Experience conducting research, data analysis, and summarizing findings

Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills to interact and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization

Ability to work effectively as a team member and work collaboratively with others

Proficient computer skills to use a variety of software packages (e.g. MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and to learn/utilize financial systems

Excellent project management and organizational skills

Effective decision-making, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented approach and strong customer service orientation

Ability to travel to off-site locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required

Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

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