Accounting Assistant

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (Hybrid schedule)

Education Level

2-year Community College diploma in Accounting or related field of study.

Career Level

Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

UNIT/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to Manager, Finance, the Accounting Assistant (II) works closely with the Financial Coordinator in ensuring the effective and efficient processing of over $6 million in operating expenses for the Hamilton (DSB) and Burlington (RJC) campuses. The DeGroote School of Business Finance Team in the faculty is responsible for over 80% of the non-salary expenses in the DeGroote School of Business.

The Accounting Assistant (II) is part of a team that supports the finance and budget-related activities within the Faculty. The incumbent will also assist faculty researchers in processing travel claims, invoices etc. in support of their research programs, when necessary.

The work is voluminous and requires keen attention to detail to ensure financial transactions are completed accurately.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for applying a thorough knowledge and understanding of accounting policies and procedures to process financial transactions. Records, classifies and summarizes accounting data according to established procedures. Ensures accuracy and compliance with existing guidelines, policies, and procedures. Provides guidance and training to staff on proper accounting procedures and the use of financial systems.

PURPOSE AND KEY FUNCTIONS:

• Perform various analyses and reconciliations of accounts.
• Provide training and guidance to others on relevant accounting procedures and the use of financial systems.
• Generate reports and account statements and review for accuracy.
• Calculate, prepare and issue invoices, cheques, account statements and other financial statements according to established procedures.
• Receive, send, sort, verify, process and prepare various documents such as purchase orders, invoices, cheque requisitions, receivables, and payables.
• Process, verify, and balance financial records and business transactions, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Investigate discrepancies using established procedures.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing backup documentation related to audit items.
• Monitor and reconcile statements and participate in the reconciliation of accounts.
• Prepare and generate a variety of scheduled and ad hoc reports.
• Update, maintain, and verify information in a variety of spreadsheets and databases.
• Balance and control cash receipts, including floats, petty cash and cheques.
• Write a variety of formal notes and records using form letters and templates.
• Apply standard mathematical skills such as calculations, formulas, and equations to perform routine calculations.
• Answer inquiries via telephone, email, and in person that are specific in nature.
• Maintain filing systems, both electronic and hard copy.

SUPERVISION:

• Provide direction to others in how to carry out work tasks.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2 year Community College diploma in Accouting or a related field of study.
• Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at -HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.