St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc.
ACCOUNTING CONSULTANT - RFP
Overview: The St. Paul’s College Foundation is seeking the services of an accountant who will provide accounting services and oversight to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Director of Community Development and the Rector of St. Paul’s College. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the financial accounts of the Foundation are handled properly and that the Foundation is in compliance with tax regulations, charitable submissions, and filings. The accountant will orchestrate and manage the annual audit, treasury functions, budgeting processes, and the timely payment of all Foundation expenses.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Oversight and Compliance:
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Deliver comprehensive financial oversight and guidance to the Board of Directors and the Rector.
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Ensure compliance with all rules and regulations related to tax-related matters, charitable submissions, and regulatory filings.
Audit and Budget Management:
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Coordinate and manage the annual audit and budgeting processes and provide information as required.
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Provide the finance and investment committees with accurate and organized financial reports and information.
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Assist in maintaining the financial health and integrity of the Foundation.
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Assist in assessing the financial needs of St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc.
Monthly Responsibilities (8 hours/month):
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Provide oversight on financial control; including basic bookkeeping associated with maintaining a general ledger.
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Record bank and investment account transactions.
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Update budget and find spreadsheets.
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Record monthly journal entries and maintain shared Excel spreadsheet.
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Reconcile balance sheet and income statement accounts.
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Reconcile Fund transactions and balances.
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Reconcile accounting and database data.
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Prepare financial statements.
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Manage cash flow and initiate account transfers.
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Initiate and/or approve cheques to be prepared.
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Manage financial and accounting files, backups, and documentation.
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Prepare quarterly reports for the Board, including the Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and Statement of Cash Flows.
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Attend Finance and Investment Committee meetings, if required and upon request.
Annual Responsibilities (50 hours/year):
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Prepare and submit GST reports.
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Prepare and submit the T3010, T1235 and T1236 CRA returns.
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Prepare Manitoba Scholarship and Bursar Initiative reports.
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Prepare for and assist with budget preparation.
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Communicate and update approved gifting information to St. Paul’s College.
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Review and reconcile donations and donor tax receipts.
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Calculate and record capitalized income.
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Record year-end journal entries.
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Prepare draft financial statements.
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Prepare audit package for external audit.
Special Requirements:
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Assist with policy development, database software systems and other software updates as required.
Qualifications:
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Minimum required designation: Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
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Demonstrated passion for the non-profit sector and an understanding of fund accounting.
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Commitment to staying current with best practices and evolving standards in accounting, finance, and the charitable sector.
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Proven ability to provide strategic financial insights and support to charitable and executive leadership.
Support Structure:
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The Accounting Consultant is supported by three key individuals at St. Paul’s College who work closely with the St. Paul’s College Foundation and its Board of Directors: the Director of Community Development (who handles much of the Foundation’s administrative activities), the Database and Administrative Coordinator, and the Confidential Assistant to the Rector (college president).
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Proponents Must Submit
A covering letter shall be provided with the proposal with a clear understanding of the services to be provided.
The letter must include the name(s) of the person(s) who will be authorized to make representations for the firm, their title(s) and telephone number(s). The person signing the covering letter must be authorized to bind the Proponent. Proponents must respond to the items listed below in the order they are presented. The proposal should include a table of contents identifying the topics by page number. Proposals, as a minimum, should include:
1. Company Profile and Contact: A brief profile of your firm (1 to 2 pages) indicating the scope of its practice, the range of activities performed by the firm such as auditing, tax service, accounting or management services. Please identify the contact person for the firm, phone number and email address. If applicable, state the head office address as well as the address and phone number of any local office that will be providing the accounting services.
2. Experience with Not-For-Profit Entities: List current and past clients and indicate the number of years your firm has been serving not-for-profit entities. Describe your familiarity and experience with ASNPO accounting and auditing standards.
4. Accounting Services: Please provide your understanding of the work that will be required. This would include the approach to be used to gain an understanding of the Foundation’s needs as well as its structure and systems.
5. Fee Proposal: Please provide a schedule of fees and rates.. Out of pocket expenses shall be clearly stated to be either part of the fees or estimated separately. An indication shall be given in the proposal as to how fees for accounting work would be billed.
6. References: Three references of clients the Proponent has served within the last three years should be provided. Include numbers of years of service and a contact name, telephone number and email address for each reference.
Selection Criteria
Experience and Qualifications
The Proponent must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for evaluation pursuant to this RFP:
l. The assigned staff for accounting services must hold a valid CPA designation and have previous experience in performing similar services to other clients.
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2. Demonstrate an understanding of the Foundation's significant accounting needs.
3. Have sufficient staffing, resources, and expertise to provide the required accounting services.
4. Demonstrate a commitment to providing reasonable continuity of experienced and qualified personnel.
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
Proposals that comply with the above requirements will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria
1. Understanding of Engagement
2. Not-For-Profit Accounting Experience
3. Personnel Qualifications and Experience
4. Ability to Provide Accounting Services
5. References
6. Schedule of Fees
Awarding of Contract
The decision regarding the hiring of the Accountant rests with the St. Paul’s College Foundation.
Notice in writing will be provided to the successful Proponent. The subsequent execution of an engagement letter or similar shall constitute the making of the Contract for Services. The Proponent will not assign or transfer this contract or any part thereof.
Submission Format and Process
A copy of the proposal must be sent electronically or submitted in a sealed envelope, by courier or in person, to:
Ms. Lisa McCausland, Director of Community Development
St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc.
70 Dysart Road
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M6
Deadline for submissions is 4:00 pm local time, Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
All proposals submitted will be irrevocable for sixty (60) days following the closing,
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All questions shall be submitted in writing via email to Lisa McCausland, Director of Community Development at email address: spcfoundation@umanitoba.ca. The responses to all questions will be shared with all proponents.
Prior to the award of the contract by the St. Paul’s College Foundation, proponents are prohibited from contacting any elected or appointed officer or employee of the Foundation or St. Paul’s College other than the above designated contact person. Any such communication will result in disqualification of the proposal from further consideration.
