Financial Assistant

Simon Fraser University; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks vacation

Hybrid-work program

Defined benefit pension

Tuition waiver for employees and their

Professional development funding

Job summary

Simon Fraser University is seeking a Financial Assistant to support graduate scholarship funding, award payments, and departmental operating budgets. The role involves validating award data, resolving discrepancies prior to disbursement, and preparing financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will perform reconciliations of scholarships, fellowships and operating accounts, and assist students, faculty, and administrators with policy and funding

Qualifications

• High school graduation and one year of post-secondary education in a recognized accounting program.
• 3 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with graduate scholarship funding, award payments and departmental operating budgets.
• Prepare financial information and reports for internal/external users.
• Perform reconciliations of graduate scholarships, fellowships, awards and operating accounts for supervisor approval.
• Advise students, faculty and staff on interpretation of University policies and external funding regulations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Communication

Regulations interpretation

Education

High school graduation

Post-secondary accounting program

Tools

Excel

FAST

HAP

FINS

SIMS

Job description

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies directs the administration of more than 140 graduate programs across all three campuses and eight faculties. Our office supports the vision and leadership of the university through the Dean and Vice-Provost's role as well as through oversight and guidance of graduate admissions, adherence and equitable compliance to graduate policies, and administrative direction and training for procedures and systems. We also collaboratively facilitate support for graduate students, faculty members and graduate programs with individual and systemic issues and foster graduate student engagement and professional development activities.

About the Role

The Financial Assistant provides support for all budgetary and financial matters regarding graduate scholarship funding, award payments, and departmental operating budgets. Identifies, reviews, and initiates graduate award payments, validates the accuracy of student award data, investigates and resolves discrepancies prior to disbursement of awards every academic term. Prepares financial information and reports for internal and external users, reviews accounting records and investigates irregularities. Performs reconciliations of graduate scholarships, fellowships, awards, and operating accounts for approval by the supervisor. Acts as a resource and provides assistance to students, faculty, administrators, staff and external agencies’ personnel regarding the interpretation of University policies and procedures and external funding regulations.

Qualifications

High school graduation and one year of post-secondary education in a recognized accounting program. 3 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of formal education, certificate/program of study and experience is acceptable.

• An ability to work with database, spreadsheet, financial, payroll and student information management system applications (e.g. Excel, FAST, HAP, FINS, SIMS).
• High attention to detail.
• Good customer service and communication skills.
• An ability to understand and interpret regulations and policies.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 3338):

• 3 weeks' vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefitpension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Funding for professional development expenses*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

An Internal Candidate has been identified.

For external candidates, the starting salary is the first step of the salary range.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to facilitating accessibility within our application and interview processes. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].