Regional Programs Specialist, Prairie

The CPA has an exciting opportunity for a Regional Programs Specialist in our Events and Regional Programs Department. This intermediate position coordinates, administers, and markets the CPA products and services in the assigned regional areas. Primary emphasis is the offering of professional development that provides payroll training and education to the payroll community (CPA members and non-members). The incumbent will develop regional initiatives in the Prairie Region to retain existing members, and promote the services of the CPA in order to increase membership. The incumbent will also support the Manager, Events and Regional Programs, management team, other CPA staff and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in implementing the strategic operational plan, mission and values of the CPA.

Key Responsibilities:  

Programs & Seminars

• Plans, administers and executes multiple regional seminars and events using approved guidelines including:

• Marketing and promotion of professional development seminars.
• Developing a yearly program and seminar plan with input from regional branches/Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) (i.e., volunteers) as approved by management as part of the annual operational plan.
• Developing a full annual event planning timeline covering all logistical meeting components.
• Contract negotiations (hotels, AV, printing, mailing house, speakers, etc.).
• Ensuring appropriate on-site representation through management of Subject Matter Experts and other resources.
• Ensuring that speakers perform at or above national standards and that all seminar evaluations are processed.

Networking Events

• Manages and administers the regional networking events (National Payroll Week (NPW) Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)/Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Recognition luncheons, Certification Information Sessions, Network & Share Sessions) including:

• Planning and delivery of a program that is consistent with the National communication standards.
• Spearheading activities consistent with regional objectives.
• Contract negotiations (hotels, AV, printer, mailing house, speakers, etc.).
• Ensuring appropriate on-site representation through management of Subject Matter Experts and other resources.

Conferences & Trade Show

• On-site support for one week at National Conference and Trade Show under direction of Manager, Events & Regional Programs; and local support (i.e., conference committee) approximately every four years when National Conference is held in the region.
• Plans and manages a Regional Conference and Trade Show when requested.

Financial

• Prepares and executes an approved annual operational plan and budget, ensuring that all standards and policies are adhered to.
• Preparation of detailed, fully transparent, budget analysis to account for revenues and expenses for each event.
• Actual budget reconciliation post event detailing variance rationale.
• Processing, coding and approving invoices.
• Assists in collecting difficult outstanding accounts.
• Actions and reconciles quarter-end and year-end process with Finance.
• Manages the operational performance of the region.
• Identifies new revenue opportunities and ensures the resources are used efficiently and effectively.

Marketing/Membership

• Acts as a CPA ambassador by actively promoting CPA products and services at seminars, events and trade shows.
• Contributes to ongoing regional membership growth and retention program initiatives to attain high levels of membership retention and new member growth.
• Ensures that regional sponsors of events are treated in a consistent, professional and equitable manner.
• Identifies new opportunities for market development and member retention.
• Provides CPA representation and support to the Regional Councils.
• Actively engages in converting non-members attending seminars into members.
• Provides input to Communication and Marketing department on content and volume of promotional materials.

Business Development/Advocacy

• Contribute to the advocacy initiatives in the Region and expanding government contacts.
• Collaborate with the Certification and Communication and Marketing departments to promote awareness of the CPA, certification and seminar programs and other benefits with existing and potential members, strategic alliances and other stakeholders.
• Actively increase CPA Certification awareness in the Region.
• Expand Regional Certification delivery relationships at post-secondary institutions (i.e., universities, private/public colleges and the CEGEPs)
• Enhance strategic relationships with professional accounting and HR firms and associations and the offering of CPA Education programs to them.
• Representing the CPA at meetings as authorized by the Manager.
• Other duties as assigned by the President/Manager (e.g., participation on task forces or committees).

Administration

• Manages the regional operations in accordance with National Office processes and standards.
• Prepares a quarterly report that is included in the President’s report to the Board of Directors.
• Liaises with the National Office resources to coordinate national education, training and marketing initiatives.
• Provides support to regional committees, task forces, branches and SMEs as required (e.g., responsibilities at Professional Development (PD) seminars and other events).
• Maintains financial results, correspondence, and event summaries.
• Utilizes cascading objectives and operational plan to make decisions and tracks metrics performance.
• Maintains current information on CPA By-laws, policies and direction, and is a source of information for volunteers.
• Liaises with staff Subject Matter Expert Coordinator and Manager regarding volunteer recruitment and retention.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education – University degree or College diploma (business and/or marketing would be an asset).
• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) certification (or working towards) would be an asset.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of event planning experience.
• Knowledge of business accounting and planning procedures.
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Office: (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and oral and written communications
• Have proven knowledge of planning procedures
• Be willing and able to travel as required.
• Ability to work independently.
• Team player with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Resourceful and dynamic; able to adapt to change and thrive in a demanding environment.
• Takes a proactive approach to anticipating and preventing problems and when problems occur.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency, and achieves results within established timelines
• Builds rapport and develops alliances with a broad range of people
• Diplomacy.
• Presents a professional, polished image in representing the CPA.
• Self-starter and flexible.

Company Information:

The Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) is the national association that has represented employers’ payroll interests since 1978. The CPA is an influential organization, affecting payroll practices in hundreds of thousands of small, medium and large employers across the country. With more than 20,500 members in Canada and abroad, the CPA is recognized as the pre-eminent source of knowledge and information for anyone who administers a Canadian payroll; delivering certification, professional development programs, and products and services that enable payroll practitioners to enhance operations, meet new legislative requirements and utilize emerging technologies.

You’ll love working for the CPA because:

• We reward competitively for your skills and contribution
• You will be eligible to receive a performance incentive based on your contribution and Association results
• We offer comprehensive Group Benefits & RRSP programs
• We are conveniently located in downtown Toronto
• You will enjoy seasonal floater days, personal paid days
• We encourage you to continuously develop your talents and toolkit through exciting projects and our professional development program
• You will be part of a talented & enthusiastic team!

To Apply:    Interested candidates should forward their resume and cover letter to:

Nicole Dionisio

HR Coordinator

The Canadian Payroll Association

hr@payroll.ca

The Canadian Payroll Association is committed to diversity and employment equity and welcomes all applications from qualified individuals.

The Canadian Payroll Association is an equal opportunity employer; as such, accommodation is available to applicants that may require it. Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact Nicole Dionisio, HR Coordinator at Nicole.Dionisio@payroll.ca or at 416-487-3380 ext. 140 to discuss requirements.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.