Job Summary

The Senior Financial Accountant, Projects and Policy is responsible for the financial reporting pertaining to complex areas of accounting, review and implementation of accounting policy and accounting for significant, complex, and non-routine transactions. The incumbent contributes to the administration of financial activities, including assisting with the production of accurate consolidated and non-consolidated financial records in alignment with the United States (U.S.) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Main Responsibilities
Corporate Accounting
• Conduct month-end closing of certain areas of accounting, including preparing account reconciliations and maintaining forecasts and budgets
• Direct controls of the aforementioned processes in accordance with the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)
• Compile and maintain month-end checklists and binders, including financial statements disclosure in designated areas
• Assist team members during quarterly and annual close process
• Collaborate with auditors to provide information and clarification during internal and external audits
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the organization

Projects and Policy
• Assist with identification, analysis, and implementation of newly issued accounting pronouncements and related financial statement disclosures
• Support the accounting review of significant, complex, and non-routine transactions that the Company is engaged in and those initiated by various regulatory bodies in Canada and the U.S.
• Communicate financial impacts to Managers and Senior Managers, and executive leadership when appropriate
• Collaborate on special projects that have an accounting implication, acquisitions, and divestitures
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of existing processes
Foreign Currency Risk Management
• Assist in the management of the Company's foreign currency hedging strategy
• Assist with preparation of underlying foreign exchange hedge documentation in alignment with GAAP and direct controls over hedging processes in accordance with SOX
• Conduct foreign exchange month-end closing and reporting process including preparation of various reconciliations and quarterly roll of unrealized and realized foreign exchange
• Engage in discussions with Treasury, as well as internal and external auditors
Benefit Plan Reporting
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements for the Company's various Canadian and U.S. benefit plans in accordance with their respective financial frameworks
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders concerning the production of the financial statements
Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions 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 stress. The position requires discretion in handling confidential matters.
Requirements
Experience

Accounting
• Minimum 4 years of experience at a Chartered Professional Account (CPA) firm or relevant industry experience
Education/Certification/Designation
• Bachelor's Degree of Commerce in Accountancy
• CPA Designation
Competencies
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Communicates with impact
• Solves problems to create value
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Applies critical thinking
• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
• Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)
Technical Skills/Knowledge
• Time management and project management
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP accounting policies and securities commissions' reporting regulations in Canada and the U.S.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word), including Visio and Business Objects
• Knowledge of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations' (COSO) internal control framework
• Ability to leverage technology to improve and drive results
• Knowledge of SAP, Business Warehouse, Workiva, and TM1 systems and applications
Organizational Impact
Decision Making & Impacts

The Senior Financial Accountant, Projects and Policy makes decisions autonomously depending on the nature and complexity of issues under consideration. Additionally, due to the complexity and financial value of issues, the incumbent requires approval from the Assistant Comptroller, Vice-President (VP) or the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The role impacts various functions and business units, including consulting on most complex business transactions such as stock-based compensation structure, pension decisions, legal agreements, dispositions of assets, and acquisitions.
Level of Interaction/Influence

The Senior Financial Accountant, Projects and Policy interacts with individuals internal and external to CN. Within the organization, the incumbent liaises with Treasury, Taxation, Financial Planning, Acquisition and Integration, Information and Technology (I&T), Network Operations, Supply Management, Human Resources, Law, Engineering and Safety and Environment to ensure compliance with CN's accounting policies and control procedures. Outside of CN, the role communicates with actuaries to review key assumptions and actuarial practices, as well as methodologies, auditors, Surface Transportation Board, and Canadian Transportation Agency to ensure that audits are completed efficiently.
Employees Supervised/Organizational Structure

The Senior Financial Accountant, Projects and Policy reports to the Manager, Projects and Policy. The role has no supervisory responsibility.