Accounting Assistant - Saskatoon, Canada - University of Saskatchewan

University of Saskatchewan

Verified Company

Saskatoon, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Accounting Assistant:

The University of Saskatchewan one of the top Canadian research-intensive institutions, which annually receives hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding.

Financial Operations is the university unit responsible for supporting world class research by providing a wide range of administrative activities to ensure the university meets its obligations for financial reporting and stewardship of these funds.

Financial Operations is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.

Primary Purpose:

Deliver highly effective post award financial administration, accounting, and financial reporting for research awards to support the university's vision of being an outstanding institution of research.

In addition, this position has the opportunity to provide expertise to campus research personnel in the financial management of their research funds including providing information and education to ensure effective and efficient financial stewardship.

Accountabilities:

Manage and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Provide timely financial reporting and billings for a portfolio of research projects.
Interpret funding agreements to determine statement and billing requirements.
Using the integrity of the financial system's data to present the financial position of a research project to internal and external stakeholders.
Provide guidance and knowledge to campus research personnel relating to financial stewardship.
Communicate technical information and transfer knowledge to internal business processing units and nontechnical users to strengthen internal controls impacting financial information.
Develop and maintain standard operating practices for this position that can be used for peer training and audit requests.
Conceive, manage, and complete projects aimed at increasing process effectiveness and efficiency.
Provide support for audits of research awards/projects.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement of professional skills.

Education:

A relevant university degree with a major in accounting is preferred; however, working towards completing a degree is an asset.

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience:
Two to three years of directly related experience, ideally in a complex, diverse, and inclusive environment, is required.

Directly related experience for this position is defined as having experience in the preparation of an operating financial statement at the project level rather than the entity level, issuing invoices and the follow up activities related to outstanding A/R, and taking a client-centered approach to relationship management.

Additionally, experience in the audit field, which demonstrates a curiosity mindset and being comfortable asking "why" is considered to be an asset.

Skills:

Utilizing a curiosity mindset, be selfmotivated and take initiative to continuously learn to broaden skills, expand perspective and knowledge base.
Critical thinking through being able to identify and analyze complex issues, arguments and factual evidence surrounding an issue to reach sound and balanced judgments.
Creative problem solving through using an innovative approach to generate ideas, find fresh perspectives, and evaluate information in an innovative way to produce effective solutions to a problem with the appropriate supporting facts and data.
Rigorous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial information under review while managing competing deadlines and goals.
Working knowledge of federal granting agency policies and financial administration guides pertaining to areas like grant funds, reporting and supporting evidence and administrative matters.
Proficient with university financial information systems and tools (e.g., Banner, FAST, About Us, UnivRS, JIRA), and demonstrated skills using computers and Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio). Must have the capability to learn university information systems.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly articulate the nature of compliance issues and the reasons that may be causing them to small groups and oneonone settings.
Translate technical information to understandable formats for a variety of different users.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment to meet deadlines and goals.
High degree of professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential situations and information with demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Department:
Financial Operations

Status:
Term Until June 30, 2024 with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group:

ASPA

Shift:
Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30 Flexibility can be discussed with and potentially approved by the hiring manage