Financial Systems and Accounting Analyst

North Island College; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

North Island College seeks a Financial Systems and Accounting Analyst to manage a full range of accounting functions and finance-related system support. The role requires collaboration across departments and emphasizes ethical practices and adherence to college policies. The ideal candidate has a degree in Business Administration and significant accounting experience, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of accounting experience, preferably in post-secondary or public sector environments.
• Proven experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring finance-related systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform accounts receivable duties, including coding verification and maintaining records.
• Assist with system administration and testing of financial systems like Colleague.
• Reconcile bank accounts and resolve financial discrepancies.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Organizational Skills

Teamwork

Education

Post-secondary degree in Business Administration or related finance discipline

Tools

MS Office

Colleague

Job description

Reporting directly to the Director of Financial Services, the Financial Systems and Accounting Analyst (FSAA) is responsible for a full range of accounting functions and finance-related system support, including fixed asset accounting, bank reconciliations, accounts receivable, and systems integration. This position also involves supporting the administration, testing, and implementation of finance-related systems.

The FSAA ensures that the correct business functionality, requirements, and industry standards are addressed within the accounting processes and systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with staff across Payroll, the NIC Foundation, Office of the Registrar, Office of Global Engagement, faculty, and service departments. Additionally, the role involves working closely with IT Application Services to test and implement solutions involving process changes such as Colleague configuration adjustments and application development.

The FSAA conducts activities ethically and in accordance with College policies and procedures, embodying the Mission and Values of North Island College in their duties.

Position Competencies - Job Knowledge

• Judgment
• Teamwork
• Planning & Organization
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Duties & Responsibilities

Working as part of the Finance department, the FSAA will:

1. Perform accounts receivable duties, including coding verification, ensuring data accuracy, distributing documents, and maintaining a filing system.
2. Follow up on outstanding accounts receivable and prepare/send statements of account as needed.
3. Maintain professional relationships with customers, sponsors, and funding partners.
4. Liaise with College staff regarding invoicing and receivables status.
5. Resolve inquiries regarding invoicing and assist Registration Assistants.
6. Assist with system administration, support, and testing of finance systems such as Colleague, StarRez, WinPrism, and GL systems.
7. Reconcile balance sheet accounts, investigate discrepancies, and take corrective actions.
8. Reconcile bank accounts monthly.
9. Manage payment provider inquiries and errors.
10. Monitor payments, communicate with departments, and ensure proper transaction recording.
11. Implement solutions to correct financial errors and billing issues.
12. Verify and approve student disbursements, ensuring compliance with policies.
13. Review education contracts, prepare invoicing, or GL transfers.
14. Process T4A forms and distribute them.
15. Support Student Services, International Education, and Student Records with financial issues.
16. Assist the Office of Global Engagement with denied Study Permits, ensuring compliance and resolving issues.
17. Analyze revenues/expenditures for monthly deferrals/accruals, maintaining supporting documents.
18. Assist with banking functions, general ledger work, external reporting, fixed assets, and investments.
19. Prepare and file GST and PST remittances, maintaining knowledge of applicable tax rules.
20. Complete full cycle accounting for the North Island College Foundation, including quarterly financial statements.
21. Assist with year-end procedures and audits, including preparing supporting documents and financial statements.
22. Perform system testing prior to software updates.
23. Support system integration and collaboration across financial, operational, and student systems.
24. Provide system support and change management leadership during upgrades.
25. Perform relief Reception duties on a rotating basis.
26. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Services.

Required Education & Experience

• Post-secondary Degree in Business Administration or related finance discipline, including accounting courses.
• Minimum of five years of accounting experience, preferably in post-secondary or public sector environments.
• Proven experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring finance-related systems.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with large financial databases; Colleague experience is an asset.
• Knowledge of accounting standards (PSAB), especially in the public sector.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Superior organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to lead system change initiatives and training.
• Capacity to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to analyze financial data and provide recommendations.
• Understanding of system integrations and their impact on processes.
• Ability to manage competing demands.
• Knowledge of risk management principles related to financial systems and data security.
• Ability to develop operational workflows and procedures.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience with financial reporting and reconciliations.
• High initiative and proactive problem-solving skills.