Accounting Assistant, Business Operations
About The Position
The accounting assistant (reporting) provides post‑award financial administration for research projects at the university. This role involves maintaining financial activities for assigned research awards, such as interpreting funding agreements, preparing financial statements, and completing billings. This position supports researchers by offering guidance on project fund management and clearly presenting financial information to internal and external stakeholders. The assistant also contributes to operational excellence by developing procedures, supporting audits, and collaborating on process improvement initiatives. Collaboration across campus units and with external funders is central to maintaining effective financial stewardship of research funds.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting.
- Minimum of two years of related experience in project-level financial statement preparation, invoicing, accounts receivable follow-up and relationship management.
- Working knowledge of federal granting agency financial policies and administrative guidelines.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret financial regulations and institutional policies.
- Effective communication skills for translating technical information to varied audiences.
- Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office application and financial systems, such as Banner, FAST, PeopleSoft, UnivRs, and JIRA.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in audit environments is an asset.
Responsibilities
- Provides financial reporting and billings for a portfolio of research projects based on agreement requirements.
- Interprets funding agreements to determine reporting and billing obligations.
- Gathers and presents financial positions to stakeholders based on financial system data.
- Provides guidance to researchers on financial stewardship of their project funds.
- Communicates technical financial information to non‑technical users across campus to strengthen internal controls.
- Develops and maintains standard operating practices to support peer training and audit processes.
- Recommends projects aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in financial processes and implements approved initiatives.
- Supports audits of research awards and projects by guiding units through audit requirements, interpreting auditor requests, and providing expertise on fund accounting processes.
- Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders connected to assigned research awards.
- Provides training and knowledge-sharing to colleagues in areas of focus to support team development.
- Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
- Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
- Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
