Accounting Assistant

**Accounting Assistant**:
The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top Canadian research-intensive institutions. Annually, it receives hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding. Our Financial Operations team plays a vital role in supporting world-class research by ensuring financial compliance and effective financial management. Financial Operations is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.

**Primary Purpose**: In support of the university’s core research mission and financial stewardship, the Accounting Assistant (Compliance) primarily aids the Research Finance Compliance Analyst with implementation and maintenance of the research finance compliance program. The accounting assistant will also have the opportunity to provide support to researchers across campus by delivering highly effective post award financial administration, accounting, and financial reporting for research awards.

**Nature of Work**:Reporting to the Manager, Financial Operations, the incumbent is expected to work closely with a team of professionals. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the university adheres to financial compliance requirements set by agencies, university policies, and regulatory bodies. The accounting assistant will be expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and initiative, supporting the financial compliance program’s implementation and maintenance plan.

**Accountabilities**:

- To uphold financial integrity in research endeavors, monitor expenses to ensure financial activities adhere to funder terms, regulations and university policies and procedures.
- Collaborates with the Research Finance Compliance Analyst to manage and maintain essential resources for the compliance program.
- Establish and maintain processes and record keeping for transaction sampling and review.
- Facilitate established training sessions, ensure effective knowledge transfer.
- Provide ongoing support, guidance and client-centered service to university units who provide research financial administration (ConnectionPoint, Research Support Specialists, Finance SBAs) to maximize the university’s compliance of Tri-Agency awards.
- Transfer knowledge to researchers and other stakeholders including team members about changes in funder guidelines, university policies and procedures, and changes in central business processes.
- Track metrics on activities relating to work performed and overall data trends in approvals to inform procedure and policy development.
- Develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with researchers, research personnel and financial administrators to help create a productive and positive environment where all parties succeed in efficient research administration.
- Participate in reporting activities of Financial Operations keeping in mind that process improvement makes a lasting impact on the campus community supporting research growth.

**Education**:A relevant university degree with a major in accounting is preferred; however, working towards completing a degree is an asset. Experience supporting Tri-Agency research 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, is required. Related experience is defined as experience in the audit or research administration field.

**Skills**:
Curiosity and Initiative:

- Approach tasks with a curious mindset.
- Continuously learn and broaden skills.

Critical Thinking:

- Analyze complex compliance processes.
- Develop well-reasoned arguments.

Creative Problem-Solving:

- Innovate to address compliance challenges.
- Evaluate information from fresh perspectives.

Attention to Detail:

- Ensure accuracy and adherence to regulations.
- Manage tasks effectively.

Agency Knowledge:

- Understand federal granting programs and policies.
- Assist researchers and administration staff.

Tech Proficiency:

- Navigate university financial systems (e.g., Banner, FAST, JIRA).
- Excel macros expertise.

Effective Communication:

- Clearly convey compliance issues to diverse audiences.
- Translate technical information.

Independence and Professionalism:

- Work autonomously.
- Handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

**Department**: Financial Operations
**Status**: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
**Employment Group**: ASPA
**Shift**: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
**Full Time Equivalent (FTE)**: 1
**Salary**: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $52,050.00 - 81,328.00 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**: 11/6/2024
**Closing Date**: 11/13/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
**Number of Openings**:1
**Work Location**:May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask'