Financial Officer Recruitment and Development (FORD) Program

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Only applications received directly via the System (https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/psrs-srfp/applicant/page1710?toggleLanguage=en) will be accepted.

If you do not clearly demonstrate how you meet all screening criteria, your application will be rejected. Your application may also be rejected if it has incomplete information. We will not contact you to request information that is missing from your application.

INFORMATION SESSION
A bilingual information session will be held to help applicants navigate the process. This event will take place on February 14th between 2 P.M. and 3 P.M. Click on the link on the day of the event to access the presentation.

https://tinyurl.com/47zx9ds8

Looking to make a difference?
Passionate about your work?
Love a challenge?
Want to become a CPA?

If you answered YES we have the job for you! We are recruiting entry-level financial officers to work in various federal government departments and agencies and participate in the Financial Officer Recruitment and Development (FORD) Program.

As financial advisors working in Federal departments, we support the delivery of programs and initiatives that have a real impact on our fellow Canadians. From supporting National Parks to assisting Canadian Forces operations at home and abroad to rolling out education, health or crime prevention programs in Canadian communities, we do it all!

As a participant of the FORD Program, you will gain a wide range of experience working on different teams. This experience counts towards your CPA practical experience. We offer financial support as well as mentors and other support as you move through the CPA professional education program. This established program has been successfully running for over 40 years and some of our senior management are FORD graduates!

Are you interested? Let’s get to the nuts and bolts of the program:

- 30-month development program for entry-level finance professionals (FI-01);
- Financial support to complete the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), offered by CPA provincial or regional bodies (The CPA PEP may be offered in English only in certain cases);
- Paid study leave - significant personal effort may be required to pass exams. Successfully passing these exams is required to qualify as a CPA and remain in the FORD program;
- Work up to 3 different areas of finance that count towards the required CPA practical experience;
- Eligible for promotion after 24 months upon successful assessment of FI-02 competencies;
- Onboarding and networking sessions;
- Assigned mentor to coach you throughout the program.

Still wondering whether you should apply?

Here are some additional reasons:

- A dynamic, respectful, equitable and accessible work environment, where we strive to innovate and improve the lives of Canadians
- A commitment from senior management to build a community that is reflective and more representative of the Canadian population. We want all members of our community to feel that there is a path for their professional growth. We care about diversity and inclusion!
- Ability to move around within the Federal government. It’s actually encouraged!
- Flexible work arrangements
- Competitive salaries and benefits

Duties

Finance in the Public Service is more than just numbers. Below are some examples of finance areas and tasks:

Accounting Operations
• Performs financial activities
• Interacts with supervisors and clients to obtain information, review transactions and resolve routine problems
• Participates in the development of financial plans, reports, controls or financial management tools
• Applies guidelines to process transactions, researching information, analyzing financial data, and preparing draft reports or segments of reports

Resource Management
• Ensures the validity of financial information to support budget allocations and expenditure and revenue controls
• Monitors transactions and maintains up-to-date financial and business information
• Extracts financial information and provides input into the preparation of reports, presentations

Financial Policy
• Participates in the development of financial policies, procedures and standards
• Assists in the development of financial planning, situational and strategic analysis documentation
• Supports others in providing advice related to financial policy

Financial Systems
• Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of financial and materiel management systems
• Maintains user access and authorizations in financial systems
• Provides support to users in their daily activities and application of the system
Check out the Finance Community website for more information:
https://communaute-financiere.canada.ca/

Work environment

Make a difference by working for Canada’s largest employer: The Government of Canada!

Canada’s public service is diverse, innovative, and dynamic. Finance professionals within the public service are making a difference in the lives of Canadians every day and are continually engaged in projects and initiatives to improve how we serve Canadians.

Finance professionals are a part of community that offers a breadth of rewarding careers in many locations, with great opportunities for learning and development. Whatever you are passionate about, Canada’s public service has a career path where you can make a difference.

Learn more about making the most of your finance career with the Government of Canada. https://finance-community.canada.ca/en

Intent of the process

A partially assessed pool of candidates resulting from this process will be established on behalf of federal government departments and agencies. There will be approximately 50 positions to fill from this pool.

Candidates who are appointed at the FI-01 level through this process will have the opportunity to be assessed at the FI-02 competency level twenty-four (24) months following their start date. By applying to this process, you consent to your personal information related to your application being shared with other government departments interested in staffing similar positions.

Positions to be filled: 50

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education:

Applicants must:
• Have obtained or will obtain by June 1, 2023, a degree with a specialization in accounting, finance, business administration, commerce or economics from a recognized post-secondary institution
Proof of Canadian equivalency for degrees obtained outside of Canada must be provided at the time of the interview.
- Degree: Unless it is otherwise specified (e.g., Master’s degree), the term “degree” refers to a baccalaureate as established by educational authorities.
• Provide proof of eligibility for the CPA PEP* by June 1, 2023.
The prerequisite courses (taken through CPA preparatory courses or post-secondary institution programs) for admission to the CPA PEP must be completed .

Please note that the FORD Program is a developmental program for individuals who wish to obtain an entry-level financial officer position and pursue a professional accounting designation. As such, applicants who have accumulated 16 months or more of CPA practical experience as of June 1, 2023, or applicants who already hold a professional accounting designation as of June 1, 2023, will not be considered for this position.
*or CPA Specialized Graduate Diplomas

Degree equivalency

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Various language requirements

Information on language requirements

Competencies:

- Adaptability: Constructively adapts one’s style in the face of ambiguity, uncertainty and risk. Approaches new situations with an open mind, versatility and agility;

- Collaboration: Aware of, and responsive to, the needs of stakeholders (client, management, colleagues) and environmental context;

-Communication: Transmits information, verbally and written, in a way that the message is understandable to the target audience, including virtual communication stemming from new workplace realities such as telework

- Results Driven: Delivers well informed, effective solutions or options that are innovative and based on due diligence. Is savvy, able to think critically and solve problems to deliver well informed advice and strategies for results.

- Strategic Lens: Aligns responsibilities with organizational priorities to reflect the strategic direction of the Public Service and position the sector and/or the organization for effective results;

For more information on the competencies, please visit: https://finance-community.canada.ca/en/fi-01-competencies

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

-In support of achieving a diverse workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-declare as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and women.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Reliability Status security clearance - as a minimum or other levels of security up to Top Secret.

Please note that the security clearance levels are not used at the screening stage. The hiring department is responsible for the security clearance process.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

We will communicate with you about this process by email. As a result, you must update your Public Service Resourcing System profile if it changes. Applicants should use an email address that accepts messages from unknown senders (some email systems block such messages). If you do not respond to our communications, we will interpret this as your withdrawal from the process.

• Reference checks may be sought.
• An interview may be administered.
• A test may be administered.
• You must provide proof of your education credentials.
• Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.