Financial Assistant

**About Western**: **Please note, this position is intended to be filled by internal reappointment** 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**: The Don Wright Faculty of Music is situated in a research-intensive university, a community that enables students to grow artistically and academically. Our students are among 600 of the brightest and most talented young artist-scholars who come to student in one of the many undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the Faculty. With the faculty and staff, they are committed to excellence in creative and scholarly work. **Responsibilities**: The Financial Assistant is accountable for the accuracy and timely implementation of daily financial transactions, monthly bookkeeping reconciliations, and year-end accounting procedures for the Faculty of Music, in accordance with Western Finance, Payroll and Procurement policies, procedures and guidelines. The Financial Assistant will act as a first point of contact for financial and payroll inquiries and will manage the administration of travel and other expense reimbursements, accounts payable, accounts receivable, visa reconciliations and payroll functions for part-time staff and guests to the Faculty. The Financial Assistant is also responsible for managing and reconciling all faculty research grants to ensure compliance and accurate allocation of the funds within the Western Research and the granting agency guidelines. **Qualifications** **Education**: - 2 year community college diploma in accounting or financial administration **Experience**: - 2 years’ experience in a bookkeeping, financial administration or accounting role; preferably in an academic setting Skills, Abilities & Expertise: - Knowledge of general office procedures - Knowledge of accounting principles and practices - Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications as required - Detail oriented with an ability to process information with high levels of accuracy - Communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner and adapt communication style to suit the situation and the audience - Customer service skills with a desire to achieve results in a timely manner - 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 - 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 maintenance, word processing and database management - Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve departmental results **Western Values Diversity**: 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 519-661-2194. **Please Note**: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.