What You Can Expect

As a Financial Compliance Officer with the BAO, you can expect a dynamic role championing adherence to regulatory guidelines. You will play a pivotal part in conducting audits, delving into financial data, and crafting strategies to safeguard against risks while upholding compliance standards. Prepare to engage in close collaboration with diverse teams, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and continuous learning.

This is a three-month contract position providing temporary coverage for the team during a busy operational period.

What You’ll Do

Education and Inquiries

• Communicate with trustees managing licensee establishment funds and offer guidance and support to the Registrar, Solicitors, Accountants, and Cemetery/Funeral establishment operators regarding legal requirements outlined in regulations.

• Respond to inquiries and provide education and support to stakeholders regarding trust accounts, funds and related matters including the interpretation and application of relevant regulations.

Audit & Assurance

• Regularly review yearly license reports, financial statements, trust fund transfer requests and audit reports to ensure accurate reporting methods and practices.

• Perform risk assessments and conduct the inspection and investigation on identified red flags of violations of regulations and/or complaints.

• Examine financial reports submitted by licensees to ensure completeness, certification, and compliance with statutory requirements.

Compliance

• Confirm trust account investments are compliant with the legislation regarding care and maintenance, prepaid trust money, trust accounts and trust funds.

• Exercise professional judgement and determine whether a licensee has contravened or failed to comply with regulations and report on the conduct and activities of the licensee.

• Aid senior management in reviewing complaints and non-compliance and follow up to ensure corrective actions align with Registrar's decisions, preparing related documentation.

• Recommend actions to senior management and the Registrar for non-compliance, suspected fraud, and follow-up on financial audits, as well as advise on license conditions based on trust account analysis.

Legal

• Prepare financial reviews, set up exhibits like accounting records and reports, and offer suggestions for applying license conditions, disciplinary actions, including license revocation, and potential prosecution.

• Assist Legal Counsel in the preparation and material for legal proceedings and giving expert evidence when required.

• Provide input, analysis, interpretation, and other expertise to support inspections and investigations conducted by inspectors and in support of licensing operations.

Administration

• Bring to the attention any incidents or developing trends in the Bereavement sector of concern that require consideration for further action or internal review of established policies.

• Maintain and ensure data integrity of BAO’s database with all financial compliance files and/or information and data including all activities, correspondence, actions, and outcomes.

• Assist with special projects and initiatives, as needed.

What You Bring to the Role

• 1 year to 3 years of progressive experience in accounting, with a focus on audit/assurance, financial investment methods and data integrity.

• Education in accounting, finance, commerce and/or equivalent work experience.

• Strong communication skills and ability to deal with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently or work effectively as part of a team environment.

• Knowledge and experience of intermediate Excel functions (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).

• Experience in the bereavement sector and/or trust accounts.

About the BAO

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) is a government delegated authority and not-for-profit corporation administering provisions of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 (FBCSA). Accountable to the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement and the government, the BAO is responsible for the protection of the public interest. The BAO regulates, ensures compliance with the law, provides resources and services to licensed:

• Funeral establishment operators, directors and preplanners;

• Cemetery, crematorium and alternative disposition operators;

• Transfer service operators; and

• Bereavement sector sales representatives across Ontario.

The BAO is wholly funded by licensee fees (not tax dollars).

The BAO offers a casual work environment, flexible work hours, and a competitive compensation and benefits package. The BAO is an equal opportunity employer and committed to fostering an accessible and inclusive environment for employees and licensees. If you require any accommodation for the recruitment/interview process (including alternate formats of materials, or accessible meeting rooms or other accommodation), please let our HR department know and we will work with you to meet your needs.