Senior Financial Accountant or Senior Financial Accounting Manager - Projects and Accounting Conventions

The Senior Financial Accountant or Senior Financial Accounting Manager - Projects and Accounting Conventions supervises financial reports related to complex accounting areas, reviews and implements accounting conventions, and accounts for significant, complex, and non-routine transactions. The position holder also participates in the administration of financial activities, including collaborating on the production of consolidated and non-consolidated accounting records, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Ensure the month-end closure of certain accounting aspects, including preparing account reconciliations and maintaining forecasts and budgets
• Lead the control mechanisms of the above-mentioned processes in accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
• Compile and update end-of-month checklists and reports, including the publication of financial statements for designated areas
• Assist team members during the quarterly and annual closing procedures
• Work closely with auditors to provide information and clarifications during internal and external audits
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with company stakeholders

Projects and Accounting Conventions

• Ensure the definition, analysis, and implementation of newly issued accounting recommendations and related financial statement publications
• Support the accounting review of significant, complex, or non-routine transactions concluded by the Company or issues raised by regulatory bodies in Canada and the United States
• Communicate financial implications as needed to senior management and the executive team
• Collaborate on special projects related to accounting, such as acquisitions and divestitures
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of existing processes

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

• Assist in managing the Company's foreign exchange coverage strategy
• Assist in preparing underlying foreign exchange coverage documents in accordance with GAAP and lead the control mechanisms of the coverage processes in accordance with the SOX Act
• Execute the month-end and reporting processes related to foreign exchange, including the preparation of reconciliations and the quarterly rolling of unrealized and realized exchange rate gains and losses
• Discuss with Treasury as well as with internal and external auditors

Social Benefits Reporting

• Assist in preparing financial statements for the Company's various social benefits programs in Canada and the United States, in accordance with the respective financial frameworks of each of these programs
• Collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders for the production of financial statements

Work Conditions

This position involves standard work conditions and a normal work schedule from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the position, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, tolerate pressure, and manage stress. The position holder must demonstrate discretion in handling confidential matters.

Experience

• Accounting
• At least 4 years of experience in a professional accounting firm (CPA) or relevant experience in the field

Education, Certification, and Designation

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting
• Master's degree in Accounting
• CPA designation

Skills

• Ability to demonstrate agility and drive change
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to solve problems to create value
• Collaboration with others and information sharing
• Use of critical reasoning
• Knowledge of the company and industry trends
• Proficiency in both French and English, both spoken and written

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Time and project management
• Expertise in applying GAAP accounting conventions in the United States and the rules and regulations of securities commissions, both in Canada and the United States
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word), Visio, and Business Objects
• Knowledge of the COSO internal control framework
• Ability to use technology to improve productivity and achieve results
• Knowledge of SAP, Business Warehouse, Workiva, and TM1 systems and applications
• Impact on the Company

Decision-Making and Impact of Decisions

The Senior Financial Accountant or Senior Financial Accounting Manager - Projects and Accounting Conventions makes decisions autonomously based on the nature and complexity of the issues at hand. Additionally, depending on the complexity and financial value of the issues addressed, the position holder must obtain approval from the Assistant Controller, Vice President, or Head of the Finance Department. The position holder influences various functions and business groups, including providing advice on complex business transactions such as equity-based compensation structures, retirement decisions, legal agreements, and asset disposals and acquisitions.

Degree of Interaction or Influence

The Senior Financial Accountant or Senior Financial Accounting Manager - Projects and Accounting Conventions interacts with CN staff and external individuals. Within the company, the position holder ensures compliance with CN's accounting conventions and control procedures, coordinating with the following groups: Treasury, Taxation, Financial Planning, Acquisition and Integration, Information and Technology, Network Operations, Procurement Management, Human Resources, Legal Affairs, Engineering, and Safety and Environment. Externally, the position holder communicates with actuaries to review key assumptions and actuarial practices and methodologies, and with auditors, the Surface Transportation Board, and the Canadian Transportation Agency to ensure that audits are conducted effectively.

Supervision of Staff/Organizational Structure

The Senior Financial Accountant or Senior Financial Accounting Manager - Projects and Accounting Conventions reports to the Director of Projects and Accounting Conventions. This position does not involve any supervisory responsibilities.

About CN

CN is a leading railroad that generates sustainable value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders, with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, customers, and communities it serves, CN safely transports over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods annually across North America. CN's extensive rail network spans over 30,000 km (nearly 20,000 miles), connecting the east and west coasts of Canada to the south of the United States. Since 1919, CN and its affiliates have contributed to the prosperity of communities and sustainable commerce. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to social responsibility and environmental management programs.

At CN, we are committed to building the safest, most inclusive, and most sustainable railroad in North America, reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often hesitate to apply if they believe they do not meet 100% of the job requirements.

To all potential candidates: even if you do not meet all the requirements listed in a job posting, we encourage you to apply.

If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternative document formats)