Accounts Receivable Officer

Lakehead University; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakehead University is seeking an organized, analytical Accounts Receivable Officer to join its Financial Services team. The role focuses on invoicing, collection of non-student receivables, payment processing, and e-commerce administration, with supervision of student and part-time staff.

Responsibilities include monitoring outstanding accounts, supporting reconciliations, reporting, and providing guidance on AR procedures and payment systems across campus.

Qualifications

• University degree in business, accounting or related field.
• Experience in a university or post-secondary environment is considered an asset.
• Strong Excel and ERP/reporting software skills.

Responsibilities

• Invoicing and collection of non-student receivables across university activities.
• Oversee payment processing, reconciliation, and maintenance of e-commerce platforms (TouchNet, Global Payments).
• Coordinate new e-commerce website requests and support their setup and testing.
• Prepare reconciliation reports and support financial reporting and decision-making.
• Supervise student and part-time staff and promote a collaborative work environment.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independence

Education

University degree in business / accounting / related field

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Reporting software

Job description

Lakehead University is seeking an organized, analytical, and customer-focused Accounts Receivable Officer to join its Financial Services team. Reporting to the Assistant Manager, Accounts Receivable, this position is responsible for managing the invoicing and collection of non-student receivables, supporting payment processing and reconciliation activities, and overseeing the administration of campus e-commerce payment systems.

The Accounts Receivable Officer works collaboratively with departments across the University to support accurate financial reporting, timely revenue collection, and effective payment processes. The role also contributes to the development and implementation of e-commerce initiatives, provides guidance on accounts receivable procedures and payment systems, and supervises and supports student and part-time staff.

Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable and Collections

• Manage the invoicing and collection of non-student receivables, including accounts related to Conference Services, Athletics, Thunderwolves, LUCAS, and miscellaneous University activities.
• Monitor outstanding accounts, initiate collection activities, and follow up on overdue payments to support timely revenue collection.
• Respond to inquiries from individuals, organizations, vendors, and University departments, providing accurate financial information and resolving account-related concerns.
• Prepare monthly reports, year-end receivable listings, and other financial reporting as required.
• Analyze collection trends and recommend improvements to collection strategies and processes.

Payment Processing, Reconciliation, and E-Commerce

• Oversee and reconcile payment transactions, including cash, cheques, money orders, debit and credit card payments, and online transactions.
• Support the administration, maintenance, and testing of e-commerce platforms and payment systems, including TouchNet and Global Payments.
• Coordinate requests from University departments for new e-commerce websites and support their setup, testing, and implementation.
• Reconcile payment and deposit information, investigate discrepancies, and ensure accurate financial records and general ledger entries.
• Administer pre-authorized debit payments, maintain related records, and resolve failed or returned payments.
• Coordinate wireless payment terminal bookings and provide guidance to departments on payment processing, cash handling, deposit requirements, and reporting procedures.
• Assist with system testing, software updates, and implementation of new applications and financial systems.

Reporting and Systems Support

• Prepare and review reconciliation reports for student and non-student receivables.
• Analyze financial data and support reporting that informs operational and financial decision-making.
• Participate in system testing and troubleshooting, including Ellucian-Colleague updates and other payment system implementations.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls, and enhance the customer payment experience.

Staff Supervision and General Administration

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and support student and part-time employees.
• Assign work, establish priorities, provide guidance, and promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Process tuition waivers by verifying eligibility, approvals, budget codes, and applicable limits, and maintaining accurate records.
• Process student account refund vouchers and support collection campaigns, departmental deposits, and other accounts receivable activities.
• Provide backup support for front-line inquiries and other Financial Services functions as required.

Qualifications

• University degree in business, accounting, information systems, or a related field.
• Experience working in a university or post-secondary environment is considered an asset.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with financial systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, or reporting software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to review financial information, investigate discrepancies, and identify process improvements.
• Knowledge of accounts receivable, invoicing, collections, payment processing, and reconciliation practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear guidance and resolve concerns professionally.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders across an organization.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities, multiple projects, and deadlines.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to troubleshoot system and process issues.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately and working knowledge of applicable privacy requirements.
• Experience supervising, training, or mentoring employees is considered an asset.

AI may or may not be used for the screening purposes of this role.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] ext. 8334 or [e-mail] to make appropriate arrangements.