Accountant

University of Toronto•Toronto, ON

11d•CA$86,340 - CA$110,415•Hybrid

About The Position

Financial Services is part of a vibrant and expanding campus where diversity fuels innovation. It consists of a team of professionals who provide accounting, budgeting and procurement services to UTSC. As a centralized department, it is responsible for safeguarding university assets, ensuring compliance, developing financial models and conducting analysis in support of the University’s Academic mission. This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply. Reporting to the Manager, Accounting and Processing Support, the Accountant is responsible for providing operational and client support to Financial Services and all departments at University of Toronto Scarborough on matters of business finance inquiries and submissions. The incumbent works closely with their Manager, Business Officers and Department Managers to ensure business transactions are aligned with the generally accepted accounting principles, the University’s financial and purchasing guidelines and any related research guidelines associated with research grants. Related activities include: ensuring back-up documentation is provided and centrally retained for audit purposes; auditing all expense reimbursement requests; processing compliant requests, troubleshooting and resolving transaction errors within the University’s financial information system (FIS); and flagging and/or resolving complex requests that fall outside of standard guidelines and recommending options. The incumbent will work independently to resolve discrepancies and noncompliance issues. The incumbent provides analytical reports to provide support for tracking of expense reimbursements, banking reports and accounts receivable reports for the campus.

Requirements

University degree, preferably in a commerce or business administration program, and successful completion or in final stages of completion of a recognized professional accounting program such as CPA and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 4 years of related and demonstrated experience in compliance analysis, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and training in a public sector or higher education setting.
Demonstrated ability to apply accounting to effectively resolve financial issues, customer service issues, improve processes, analyze financial information and identify pertinent issues, and ability to communicate financial information to individuals with little financial knowledge/experience.
Strong knowledge of GAAP.
Conversant with relevant SAP or comparable ERP modules.
Ability to anticipate and mitigate associated financial risks or penalties.
Superb written and oral communication skills.
Advanced skill level using Microsoft Office suite with a strong emphasis on Excel.
Demonstrated high degree of aptitude for critical thinking coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated superior interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively, build consensus, maintain confidentiality, exhibit sensitivity to the needs and interests of a variety of stakeholders, and support the functioning of a diverse project team.
Strong organizational skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities.
Good business acumen and sound judgement skills to proactively troubleshoot and resolve issues in a timely and relevant manner or escalating where and when appropriate.
Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of University of Toronto policies and procedures and their application and sound working knowledge of FIS and RIS.
Diligent
Diplomatic
Meticulous
Possess a positive attitude
Problem solver
Resourceful

Responsibilities

Advising staff on accounting practices and University financial policies and procedures.
Interpreting and applying policies and procedures when making independent decisions.
Applying the University Guide to Financial Management and other applicable policies, agency and regulatory requirements.
Applying the generally accepted accounting principles to all financial tasks.
Identifying and analyzing data discrepancies and taking necessary actions to correct errors.
Implementing compliance monitoring functions and/or plans.
Fostering cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts.
Serving as a resource to a group or on a function.