Financial Assistant

Public Schools Branch; Stratford; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Schools Branch in Ontario is seeking a Financial Assistant III (Accounts Payable) to support the finance team with AP processing, financial record maintenance, SchoolCash, and internal controls. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information, with experience in Oracle FIS and Excel.

The successful candidate will collaborate with schools, departments, and vendors to ensure timely invoice processing, month-end activities, and audit support, while

Qualifications

• Diploma in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Recent and relevant experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, or general accounting functions.
• Experience working with computerized accounting systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounts payable principles, financial controls, and general accounting practices.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience handling confidential financial information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Process and verify vendor invoices for accuracy, coding, approvals, and compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Prepare and process accounts payable via the Oracle FIS system.
• Respond to vendor and employee inquiries related to accounts payable matters in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate vendor records and ensure supporting documentation is complete and properly retained including tracking expenses within financial databases.
• Reconcile vendor statements and investigating discrepancies to ensure timely resolution.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and payment schedules to ensure obligations are met within established timelines.
• Assist with month-end and year-end financial processes, and audit support.
• Receive, review, and distribute incoming financial documentation as required.
• Provide support and guidance to school-based staff in the use of SchoolCash.
• Working closely with schools, departments, and vendors to resolve issues and ensure smooth processing of transactions.
• Provide backup support for other Accounts Payable functions, including matching purchase orders to invoices.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of accounts payable processes and internal controls.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Multitasking

Communication Skills

Confidentiality

Education

Diploma in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

OracleFIS

Job description

The Financial Assistant III (Accounts Payable) plays a key role within the Public Schools Branch, ensuring accounts payable transactions are processed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with established financial policies and procedures. This position supports the Finance team through accounts payable administration, financial record management, SchoolCash support, and the maintenance of effective financial operations and internal controls.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Process and verify vendor invoices for accuracy, coding, approvals, and compliance with established policies and procedures;


• Prepare and process accounts payable via the Oracle FIS system;


• Respond to vendor and employee inquiries related to accounts payable matters in a timely and professional manner;


• Maintain accurate vendor records and ensure supporting documentation is complete and properly retained including tracking expenses within financial databases;


• Reconcile vendor statements and investigating discrepancies to ensure timely resolution;


• Monitor outstanding invoices and payment schedules to ensure obligations are met within established timelines;


• Assist with month-end and year-end financial processes, and audit support;


• Receive, review, and distribute incoming financial documentation as required;


• Provide support and guidance to school-based staff in the use of SchoolCash;


• Working closely with schools, departments, and vendors to resolve issues and ensure smooth processing of transactions;


• Provide backup support for other Accounts Payable functions, including matching purchase orders to invoices;


• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of accounts payable processes and internal controls;


• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must have a Diploma in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution;


• Recent and relevant experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, or general accounting functions;


• Experience working with computerized accounting systems;


• Demonstrated equivalencies may be considered;


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel;


• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;


• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines;


• Demonstrated knowledge of accounts payable principles, financial controls, and general accounting practices;


• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills;


• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently and as part of a team;


• Experience handling confidential financial information with discretion and professionalism.

Assets:

• Experience using OracleFIS;


• Experience working in a public sector or educational environment.

Note: Please ensure the resume/application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided on the resume. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest, however only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Essential Skills:

• Computer Use
• Numeracy
• Problem Solving

Soft Skills:

• Attention to Detail
• Critical Thinking
• Dependability
• Reliability

Hard Skills:

• Accounts Payable
• Administrative Support

Digital Skills:

• Microsoft Excel
• Oracle

Languages:

• English