Accountant

Adler University; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A university in Canada is seeking an Accountant for the Vancouver Campus to perform professional accounting functions, support budget preparation, and lead month-end activities. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in accounting, CPA designation preferred, and at least five years of experience. Responsibilities include financial reporting, account reconciliations, and maintaining accounting records.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in accounting, including month-end closings.
• Experience in higher education or not-for-profit settings preferred.
• CPA designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare specialized financial reports and analyses for management.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and related journal entries.
• Support annual operating and capital budgeting.
• Maintain an organized filing system for accounting records.

Skills

Strong knowledge of accounting principles

Highly analytical with attention to detail

Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Integrated financial systems

Job description

Under the general direction of the AVP, Finance, the Accountant performs professional accounting functions for the Vancouver Campus and leads other staff in month‑end and year‑end closing activities. The role exercises independent judgment and analytical skill in completing assignments in a diverse and dynamic environment, providing both specialized and general accounting support. The Accountant also supports the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets for a three‑campus, two‑country university system and analyzes budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with institutional procedures and objectives. The Accountant leverages industry knowledge and best practices to promote the mission and vision of the Finance Department and the institution, and supports culture development and management efforts.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in accounting, including month‑end closings, within an integrated accounting system environment.
• Experience in higher education or not‑for‑profit settings preferred.

Certifications / Licenses

• CPA designation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and internal controls.
• Highly analytical with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, problem‑solving, and follow‑up skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound independent judgment.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, Macros, data analysis).
• Skilled in preparing detailed reports and financial analyses on a timely basis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and integrated financial systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

General Accounting (40%)

• Prepare specialized and complex financial reports, statements, and analyses for management.
• Recommend corrective or strategic actions when accounting data reveals concerning trends or variances.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and related journal entries; distribute reports and outstanding check lists.
• Code and post cash receipts weekly; ensure accurate and timely entries to the general ledger.
• Prepare and record monthly journal entries, including accruals, prepaid expenses, and deferred revenue.
• Assist the AVP, Finance, in preparing Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A) reports and variance explanations.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for the Vancouver Campus and coordinate consolidation with the Chicago Campus.
• Ensure tuition, fees, and scholarships are accurately posted; calculate deferred revenue and tuition adjustments.
• Maintain fixed asset schedules and calculate depreciation.
• Prepare debt schedules and related journal entries.
• Oversee month‑end close processes for staff involved in accounting activities.

Account Reconciliations (25%)

• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations for assigned accounts.
• Investigate and resolve unreconciled items promptly; elevate issues to the AVP, Finance, as needed.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and automation.
• Collaborate with internal departments to prevent recurring reconciliation issues.
• Assist in preparing reconciliation and roll‑forward schedules for annual audits.

Budgeting and Reporting (20%)

• Support the annual operating and capital budgeting process for the multi‑campus system.
• Analyze budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Develop ad hoc analyses, charts, and visuals for board and financial presentations.

Documentation and Data Maintenance (10%)

• Maintain an organized filing system for accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Review and update accounting procedures annually for relevance and accuracy.
• Support the development and documentation of accounting policies and internal controls.

Other Duties and Special Projects (5%)

• Participate in automation and process improvement initiatives.
• Respond to inquiries from Vancouver auditors regarding intercompany transactions.
• Maintain GL coding structure and provide guidance for payroll‑related entries in UltiPro.
• Provide training and guidance to campus staff on accounting and financial procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment (Physical Demands)

• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity.
• Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.
• This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Compensation Range

$80,000.00 - $95,000.00

Universal Core Behaviors

Commitment to Adler’s Mission

• Acts with personal integrity, honesty, compassion, and integrity in all professional responsibilities.
• Aligns professional actions with Adler’s commitment to community‑rooted education, research, and impact.
• Contributes to a culture that advances health, well‑being, and community connection – locally and globally.
• Respects and values colleagues and community partners.

Accountability and Excellence

• Demonstrates results‑oriented focus and commitment to quality.
• Consistently meets deadlines and delivers work of high professional standard.
• Prioritizes service and responsiveness.
• Seeks opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and resource use.
• Takes ownership of performance, seeks feedback, and accepts responsibility for actions.

Communication

• Communicates with respect, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Demonstrates active listening and comprehension.
• Expresses ideas clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms.
• Keeps colleagues informed in a timely and transparent manner.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Actively contributes to and engages with colleagues, partners, and communities.
• Builds relationships rooted in respect, empathy, and trust.
• Demonstrates curiosity, courage, and integrity in guiding work and decisions.
• Makes thoughtful, informed decisions that balance short‑term needs with long‑term impact.
• Works cooperatively with colleagues to achieve collective goals.

Adaptability and Lifelong Learning

• Approaches challenges with proactive problem‑solving.
• Commits to lifelong learning by continuously developing skills, knowledge, and effectiveness.
• Supports and adapts to evolving needs in the work environment.

Partnership with Supervisor

• Engages supervisors as partners in achieving goals.
• Fosters open, respectful communication to maintain alignment and clarity.
• Seeks guidance and feedback when appropriate while demonstrating initiative and accountability.

Adler University is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. In accordance with the British Columbia Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodation will be provided to applicants throughout the recruitment process upon request.