In Accounting Jobs in Saskatchewan (NOW HIRING)

Primary Purpose: The Accounting Assistant, Journal Vouchers delivers effective financial administrative support and accounting assistance to external and internal stakeholders through a customer service approach. The accounting assistant is accountable to minimize instances of ineligibility and non-compliance with the requirements of funders, university guidelines and accounting procedures.  As an integral component of the financial compliance program, this position enhances financial administration to add value and advance service delivery to support the university's core mission of teaching, learning and research.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Manager, Financial Operations, Administration, the accounting assistant is a member of a team of professionals who support financial reporting, financial administration and compliance.  The position applies professional judgement based on the interpretation and application of established rules and guidelines to assist in completing financial information requirements of the university. This requires an ability to understand, interpret and apply university policies and guidelines, Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and external funding agreement requirements.

Work is analytical, complex, has a high consequence of error and could have direct and widespread negative impact to the university.  Work is deadline driven which requires the incumbent to have effective time management and multi-tasking skills to meet crucial deadlines.

The accounting assistant is required establish and maintain working relationships with college, department and unit financial officers, individuals who prepare transactions and the central administrative units responsible for processing the transactions to ensure the accurate and timely completion of institutional financial reporting.  This position works closely with a team of professionals through collaboration and workload balancing.

As part of a high volume, deadline driven office, this position will experience peak times with high workload.  The accounting assistant will work independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a variety of integrated team assignments/projects to ensure harmonization of the activities performed by the other accounting assistants.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Support the university's core mission of teaching, learning and research through improving the integrity and objectivity of the financial data within the financial system so decision makers can have accurate and reliable financial data.
• Primarily responsible for reviewing and approving journal accounting entries, to validate the entries are accurate which improves the integrity and objectivity of the financial data within the financial system.
• Reviewing financial data to ensure adherence to external and internal regulatory policies/practices and reporting regulations and standards.
• Support and assist in the preparation of the University of Saskatchewan's quarterly financial reports, annual audited financial statements and related working papers and of other types of required institutional financial and regulatory reports for internal or external purposes to ensure accurate and timely completion
• Develop understanding of and remain current in Canadian GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) so that financial transactions are appropriately evaluated
• Provide support for professional client-centred service through the delivery of advice on financial accounting and administration issues
• Communicate technical information to transfer knowledge to internal business processing units and non-technical users to strengthen internal controls impacting financial information.
• Develop, implement and maintain metrics that inform client centred training and knowledge transfer for continuous improvement
• Develop a collaborative working relationship with peers to facilitate knowledge transfer and understand appropriate departmental roles and responsibilities to support improvement of services.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with other offices we closely work with (RSEO, ConnectionPoint, SBAs, Colleges/Units) to help create a productive and positive environment to support the achievement of the university's core missions.
• Develop, implement and maintain process documentation specific to the accounting assistant position in order to provide a standardized and repeatable approach for accounting functions.
• Provide training to colleagues in the Financial Operations unit to contribute to a collaborative environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: An undergraduate degree with a major in accounting is required; a professional designation in accounting or working towards a professional designation is preferred.  A combination of education and experience may be considered
Experience: One to two years of directly related experience, ideally in a complex environment of a large organization. Possesses subject matter knowledge of operational processes and accounting practices with strong service orientation, innovative problem-solving abilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills and effective relationship-building capabilities.  Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is preferred.  Proficient with university information systems (e.g. Banner, People Soft, UnivRS), enterprise software programs and applications (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Word and SharePoint) is preferred.
Skills: Demonstrated experience with electronic spreadsheets is essential.  Effective written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated proficiency in presenting to small groups and one-on-one settings; demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment to meet deadlines and goals; possess effective interpersonal and organizational skills; effective decision making skills with the appropriate supporting facts and data required to support the decision; ability to identify and analyze complex issues, arguments and evidence in order to reach sound and balanced judgments. 

The University of Saskatchewan is a member of the top 15 universities in Canada.  It is also considered one of the best employers in Saskatoon.  Financial Operations is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.