Junior Accountant

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Junior Accountant for the Research Financial Services department. The role involves managing financial reporting and compliance for research funding, requiring attention to detail and strong analytical skills. Ideal candidates will hold a degree in accounting and be on track for CPA certification. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university program with a primary area of study in accounting.
• On track to obtain CPA certification within 12-18 months.
• Experience in an accounting role for 12 to 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide analysis and ad hoc reporting related to departmental expenses and research grants.
• Maintain accurate tracking of research grants and process journal entries.
• Communicate effectively with department faculties and provide enhanced services.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA (on track)

Job description

Location:

Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Financial Services

Requisition ID: 1457

Department: Research Financial Services

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

Research Financial Services provides assistance and guidance to meet the financial administrative requirements of sponsored research awards. We prepare financial reports for research awards while supporting the University community by ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures, government regulations and the requirements of all research sponsors. Our team consists of Senior Managers, Accountants and Financial Officers.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Research Financial Support, the Junior Accountant, Research Financial Support is key to the achievement of effective operations, including management accounting and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines. The Junior Accountant has a close working relationship with researchers, key positions in Financial Services, Office of Research Services, and Offices within the Colleges.

Duties And Responsibilities

This position is responsible for providing analysis and ad hoc reporting to Accountants, Research Financial Support, as it relates to departmental expenses, purchase orders and p-card transaction as well as the administration of the above. In addition, the position is required to accurately maintain tracking of various research grants and process the journal entries against the said research grants to ensure the grant funding is spent as per the budget. This position is also responsible for maintaining effective communication with department faculties and providing enhanced services.

The duties are complex, and the consequence of error is high, requiring a high level of attention to detail and involving considerable intellectual demands. The ability to work effectively in an evolving and innovative environment and the ability to balance competing deadlines, priorities and tasks is critical to being successful in the position. The successful applicant will work collaboratively within a team as well as independently and must have the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while balancing competing deadlines and multiple projects simultaneously. This position requires considerable professional judgment and superior communication skills. The need to be flexible to meet the expectations of members within the College(s), and beyond is required.

Requirements

• Requirements of this position include graduation from a four-year college or university program with the primary area of study in accounting, a professional accounting designation (CPA) or on track to certify within 12 – 18 months, plus some related experience.
• Experience in an accounting role for 12 months to 18 months in an organization using fund accounting practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture;
• Superior attention to detail, focus and professional competencies in accounting practices are required to manage discrete accounts with varying degrees of complexity and volume;
• Familiarity with an academic environment and culture is an asset;
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills;
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
  
  

The incumbent will also bring a positive attitude and high energy level to their role every day as they complete their tasks ensuring that the University is effectively managing its reporting and compliance requirements for all research funding.

Employee Type: Regular

Position Number: 10913979

Classification: P&M FT- Band 03

Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

• Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.
  
  

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 06/05/2025

Closing Date: 06/12/2025