Manager, Accounting

Manager, Accounting

Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP  Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (On-site)

woodwardandcompany.com

Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP is a national law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal services to Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations. We are seeking a highly skilled Manager, Finance and Accounting, to fill an existing vacancy and join a talented and dedicated team in our Victoria BC, office location, to support lawyers engaged in complex Aboriginal, environmental, and natural resources litigation.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Manager, Finance and Accounting is a hands‑on leader responsible for the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of the firm’s financial operations. The role oversees daily accounting activities, ensuring all transactions are properly recorded, reviewed, and supported, with a strong focus on staff review, general ledger integrity, and consistent execution across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, billing, and trust accounting.

The Manager leads the month‑end and year‑end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met and financial information is complete and reliable. The role also supports the preparation and delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for the executive team, lawyers, and the Governance Committee, providing accurate and meaningful financial insights for operational and strategic decision‑making.

This position plays a key role in developing Finance staff, elevating work quality, and strengthening overall team performance. It is an operationally focused role requiring strong technical accounting expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to guide staff effectively in a complex, multi‑jurisdictional environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Lead Financial Operations

• Provides day-to-day oversight of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, billing, trust accounting, and general ledger activities within the Finance team. Reviews staff-prepared transactions, journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper coding.
• Ensures consistent application of accounting procedures across AP, AR, billing, trust, and related entries. Maintains the integrity of the general ledger by identifying discrepancies early and working with staff to resolve and prevent recurring issues through training and improved processes.

Manage Month-End & Year-End Close

• Leads the month-end and year-end close processes, including review of journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, trust reconciliations, and working papers. Ensures all entries are accurate, properly supported, and reviewed prior to finalisation.
• Manages close timelines, resolves issues that may delay completion, and ensures a consistent and efficient close process. Coordinates year-end activities with the Director of Finance and external accountants.
• Assists with month-end real-time financial reporting for executive team, lawyers and the Governance Committee, ensuring timely, accurate, and relevant information is available to support decision-making.

Tax Compliance and Regulatory Filings

• Coordinates GST/HST, sales tax remittances, and other regulatory filings. Ensures that all supporting information is accurate, complete, and reconciled.
• Works with external accountants on tax filings, year-end working papers, and audit requirements. Maintains awareness of applicable tax obligations across jurisdictions.

Internal Controls and Policy

• Maintains practical accounting controls and review procedures across day-to-day operations to support accuracy and completeness. Ensures processes are consistently followed and that appropriate checks are in place.
• Identifies control gaps and recurring issues through transaction reviews and close processes and recommends practical improvements to the Director of Finance. The role focuses on operational controls and execution rather than formal policy development.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Supports improvements to accounting systems and workflows to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. Contributes to system implementations, including Elite 3E, by providing operational insight, supporting data accuracy, and assisting with team readiness.
• Helps streamline processes to reduce errors and improve reporting reliability.

Team Development and Mentorship

Trains, mentors, and supports Finance staff, in coordination with the Director of Finance, with a strong focus on improving accuracy, consistency, and understanding of accounting processes and trust requirements.

Provides feedback based on review findings, identifies training needs, and works with the Director of Finance to support the development of staff capabilities. Reinforces accountability and promotes a high standard of work across the team.

Law Society of British Columbia trust accounting rules and requirements

• Reviews trust transactions, reconciliations, and supporting documentation to ensure proper handling of client funds.
• Ensures monthly trust reconciliations (client ledger, trust bank, and pooled accounts) are accurate, complete, and performed on a timely basis. Maintains audit-ready records and supports internal and external trust compliance reviews.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to work in Canada.
• Degree or diploma in accounting required; CPA designation or equivalent experience and/ or education.
• Minimum seven years of experience in accounting or finance roles, with demonstrated progression in responsibility. Canadian or North American experience

• Two to three years of progressive experience in public accounting is considered an asset.

• Experience in a legal or professional services environment, including trust accounting, is preferred
• Minimum of two year supervisory and demonstrated leadership experience providing direction, coaching, and quality oversight to financial staff.
• Strong experience reviewing staff work, including journal entries, reconciliations, and GL activity
• Demonstrated expertise in month-end and year-end close processes
• Strong understanding of AP, AR, billing, general ledger, and trust accounting
• Experience with Law Society of British Columbia trust accounting requirements is an asset
• Advanced skills in Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Excel.
• Familiarity with ERP systems. Experience with Elite 3E or another legal practice management platforms is considered a strong asset.
• Ability to analyse financial data and maintain accurate forecasting models.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience supporting and developing junior team members.

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Accuracy
• Financial Controls
• Leadership
• Analytical Skills
• Workflow Management
• Technical Proficiency
• Cultural Competence
• Continuous Learning

Values

Excellence • Respect • Accountability • Trust • Ethics • Collaboration

Working Conditions

Fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment requiring prolonged computer use and occasional lifting of office equipment, boxes and documents. Overtime may be required, as well as travel. While the firm supports hybrid work, this role requires significant in‑office presence to support workflow and collaboration.

Why Woodward

Woodward is where meaningful work, strong relationships, and a great culture comes together. We offer a salary range of $75,000 to $90,000 per year (with consideration for education and experience), plus a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vacation and RRSP contributions, wellness, and professional development.

This is a full-time in-office role due to workflow and valued team collaboration.

How to Apply

To apply, send your cover letter and resume to: [email protected].

Woodward is committed to equity, inclusion and belonging, and human rights. We know that our diversity strengthens our values and shared responsibility in creating a respectful, and collaborative workplace.

Indigenous ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge preferred and Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

While only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, we thank all candidates for their time and interest in Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP.