Accounting Assistant – Research Accounting

Financial Operations is responsible to provide research billing and financial statement support for researchers’ funding through the life cycle of the research project.  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 institutional and individual research projects to support the university’s vision of being an outstanding institution of research.  This position will also provide support to those who perform financial and contract administration of projects, grants and contracts and assists the accounting functions of financial reporting with a focus on research accounting.  

Nature of Work:Reporting to the Manager, Financial Operations; however, is expected to work as a member of a team of professionals who assist in completing billing and financial statements as outlined in the terms and conditions in research agreements.  This requires an ability to understand, interpret and apply external funding agreement requirements, university policies and guidelines and Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles  

Attention to detail is critical to the success of this position as the work is analytical, complex and has a high consequence of error. Effective time management and organizational skills are essential as this position’s workload is extremely high where there are always competing priorities which can impact the ability to meet critical deadlines. 

Accountabilities:

• Interpret funding agreements to ensure grant and contract financial reporting and billings are compliant with sponsor terms and conditions and completed in a timely manner.
• Ensure adherence to fund accounting to support the integrity and objectivity of the financial data within the financial system so that decision makers can have accurate financial data
• Communicate technical information and transfer knowledge to internal business processing units and non-technical users to transfer knowledge and 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.

Education: A relevant university degree with a major in accounting is preferred; however, working towards completing a degree or the CPA program 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 of a large organization is required.  Experience in auditing and preparing related working papers is an asset. 

Skills:

• Utilizing a curiosity mindset, be self-motivated and takes 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 such as use of 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 ability to learn new 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 one-on-one 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 level of professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential situations and information with demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Department: Financial Operations

Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $49,301.00 – 77,033.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1

Posted Date: 9/28/2022

Closing Date: 10/11/2022

Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask’s Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan’s health and safety requirements for faculty, staff andstudents in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.