Senior Accountant

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and technically strong Senior Accountant - Financial Reporting to join our Finance team

Reporting to the Manager, Financial Reporting, this role serves as a key subject matter expert in financial reporting, accounting standards, and regulatory compliance, supporting KPU’s commitment to financial integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement.

The Senior Accountant plays a critical role in the preparation and analysis of complex financial reports and statements, ensuring compliance with Public Sector Accounting Standards, statutory requirements, and KPU policies. This position provides expert guidance on accounting treatment and financial reporting matters, conducts technical research and analysis, develops accounting position papers and recommendations, and supports organizational decision-making through clear and concise communication of complex financial issues.

This position is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who thrives in a complex environment, enjoys solving technical accounting challenges, and can confidently translate accounting standards into practical business guidance. The successful candidate will bring strong financial statement preparation experience, a deep understanding of accounting principles and reporting requirements, and the ability to navigate evolving priorities while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and professionalism.

Education and Experience

• Chartered Professional Accountant designation in good standing is required, however candidates working towards the CPA designation or candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training and work experience will be considered;
• Minimum of two years progressive experience including supervisory and/or managerial experience, as well as a demonstrated ability of effective team management and change and/or systems implementation, resulting in improvements to service quality, staff productivity and systems efficiency;
• Minimum of three years relevant experience in functional area applied for (Budget/Capital/Operations/Reporting/Research) as well as areas of financial administration, financial systems, projects and assurance;
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong focus on customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels.
• Proven ability to exercise tact and diplomacy, confidentiality, and conflict resolution skills.
• Solid understanding of and respect for the diverse values and culture of a university environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting procedures and financial reporting practices.
• Demonstrated ability to summarize and present complex financial data in an organized and concise manner.
• Strong computer skills, proficiency with spreadsheet programs, and demonstrated ability to use various financial software packages and databases to perform financial analyses and develop reports.
• Ability to travel between campuses is required.

Competencies

• Leadership: KPU employees inspire, coach, mentor, and support students, employees and KPU as a whole in achieving objectives.
• Accountability: KPU employees demonstrate fiscal accountability and take ownership for their actions, decisions and results.
• Continuous Improvement: KPU employees take a creative approach to opportunities, exploring unique ways to create optimal value for the KPU community.
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