ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT (II)

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University invites applications for a Finance role within the Department of Surgery. You will support operating, clinical and research finances as part of a team including budget analysts and a finance coordinator.

The position focuses on applying accounting policies, processing transactions, generating reports, and supporting audits. Strong Excel and reconciliation skills are essential.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform analyses and reconciliations of accounts.
• Generate reports and review for accuracy and completeness.
• Process, verify, and balance financial records and transactions.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing backup documentation.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Reconciliation

Process Improvement

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Continuous improvement

Education

2 year College diploma in Accounting

Job description

Joining the Department of Surgery Finance team consisting of two budget analysts, financial coordinator and work/study student. This role will support each section of the department: operating, clinical & research.

About the Department of Surgery

Over its 50+ year history, the McMaster Department of Surgery has maintained a steadfast commitment towards thinking big and making it possible. We are a Department with 11 surgical divisions and Royal College residency training programs; together, we are poised to unleash a future fueled by a creative mindset and powered by our people. The successful candidate will be bring a positive, solutions-focused mindset, as we collectively work towards achieving the Department Vision.

This Vision is based on 6 core tenets:

C.R.E.A.T.E.

• Culture that includes
• Research that impacts
• Education that inspires
• Advancement for all
• Transformation through innovation & entrepreneurship
• Excellence in patient care

About McMaster University

At McMaster University, our people are our most valuable asset. We strive to attract, develop, and retain the talented faculty and staff, and to foster

inclusive excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of each individual. McMaster is recognized as one of the top employers

in the Hamilton/Niagara region and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers.

Working at McMaster University brings a robust total rewards package, which is more than just a salary. The elements and structure of the total rewards

packages vary by employee group but include:

• Employer Paid benefits including Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance;
• Pension Plan Options & Post-Retirement Benefits;
• Training, coaching and professional development opportunities;
• Employee tuition assistance for development and education
• Opportunity to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning;
• Progressive paid annual vacation plan

Please see Total Rewards Overview for Unifor, Local 5555, Unit 1 for more Information.

https://hr.mcmaster.ca/resources/unifor-unit-1-total-rewards-overview/

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.
• 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.

Requirements

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

Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets

Advanced Excel Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, lookups (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP), data analysis, reporting, and spreadsheet automation.

Reconciliation Experience: Proven ability to perform detailed account, balance sheet, and transaction reconciliations with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Process Improvement Mindset: Demonstrated experience identifying inefficiencies, streamlining workflows, improving controls, and implementing process enhancements to increase accuracy and productivity.

Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities with the capacity to analyze large datasets, identify discrepancies, and provide actionable recommendations.

Attention to Detail: Highly organized with a commitment to accuracy and quality in financial and operational processes.

Continuous Improvement Focus: Proactive in seeking opportunities to improve reporting, workflows, and team processes.