Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Level: N

Please note, this is a 1-year temporary full-time contract opportunity covering a leave of absence.

Secondments are Welcome

Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

In support of the academic, research and service objectives of Western's community, Western Financial Services seeks to:

- provide excellence in financial management and reporting
- provide quality support, guidance and consultation
- promote effective stewardship of funds

Our vision is to be recognized as the strategic and innovative leader in financial services for higher education.

Responsibilities

The Accounting Assistant provides financial and administrative support to 8 financial officers in the Research Finance unit and manages several other unit-wide operational functions. An in-depth understanding of the complexities of the department operations, funding agency and financial issues, as well as the ability to assist with ongoing changes is required. The Accounting Assistant is the initial point of contact for researchers and administrative personnel, providing guidance and information related to financial transactions, account statuses, flow of funds, and financial reporting. The Accounting Assistant manages the delegated signing authority process for research projects, investigates and directs the deposit of funds, and handles Research Finance's generic email inbox.



The Accounting Assistant also responds to inquiries pertaining to sponsor guidelines and University policies. As a member of the Research Finance team this role directly supports our research community and Western's mandate to foster research excellence.

Qualifications

Education:

- 2 Year Community College Diploma in Accounting

Experience:

- 3 years of experience working in a financial/business environment
- Experience working at an educational institution preferred
- Experience working with PeopleSoft Financials preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Knowledge of accounting principles and practices
- Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications as required
- Well-developed organizational skills required to effectively handle multiple tasks and deadlines
- Ability to understand and effectively communicate internal and external policies, guidelines and practices to stakeholders
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to handle enquiries and resolve issues in a professional and timely manner
- Communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner and adapt communication style to suit the situation and the audience
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and follow through on work assignments
- Proven ability and natural inclination to interact with people in professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
- Ability to provide guidance and support to ensure compliance with processes in a way that is positively received




- Attention to detail with the ability to process information with high levels of accuracy while meeting deadlines
- Initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment with minimum supervision
- Analytical and problem solving skills to address and resolve non-routine challenges
- Adapts willingly to new or changing requirements and embraces new ideas
- Results-oriented with an ability to handle many tasks and maintain a high level of performance
- Ability to understand and effectively communicate internal and external policies, guidelines and practices to stakeholders
- Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Office, including spreadsheet design, word processing and database management, solid skills in Microsoft Excel

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Background Checks

Please note, successful applicants will be required to complete a credit check satisfactory to the employer.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone (phone hidden).

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

📌 Accounting Assistant II (Canada)
🏢 Western University
📍 Canada