Junior Accountant - Research Financial Support

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Guelph is seeking a Junior Accountant in Research Financial Support based in Guelph, Ontario. You will support financial reporting for sponsored projects, prepare journal entries, and assist with grant tracking and compliance with university policies.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, you will work with researchers and colleagues in Financial Services to deliver accurate analyses, ad hoc reports, and timely budget monitoring, balancing deadlines in a collaborative, detail‑driven

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in accounting or related field.
• CPA on track to certify within 12–18 months.
• At least 1 year of related accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide analysis and ad hoc reporting on departmental expenses.
• Process journal entries for research grants.
• Maintain tracking of various research grants to ensure proper spend.
• Communicate with faculty and colleagues to support compliance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in accounting or related field

CPA on track to certify within 12–18 months

Tools

Fund accounting systems

Job description

Junior Accountant - Research Financial Support

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Requisition ID: 3058

Department:Research Financial Services
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from 11/30/2026to11/03/2028
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

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 – Research Financial Support 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:

• An Undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field, along with at least one (1) year of related experience. A professional accounting designation (CPA) or on track to certify within 12 – 18 months is required.
• Experience in an accounting role in an organization using fund accounting practices is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture;
• Superior attention to detail, focus and professional competencies in accounting practice 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 successful candidate will bring a positive, collaborative approach to their work and a commitment to excellence, helping ensure that the University effectively meets its reporting and compliance requirements for all research funding.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10595019
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: 11/03/2026
Closing Date: 11/10/2026