Accounting Assistant

Financial Operations is responsible to provide research billing and financial statement support for researchers’ funding through the life cycle of the research project. Financial Operations is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.

Primary Purpose: Deliver highly effective post award financial administration, accounting, and financial reporting for institutional and individual research projects to support the university’s vision of being an outstanding institution of research. This position will also provide support to those who perform financial and contract administration of projects, grants and contracts and assists the accounting functions of financial reporting with a focus on research accounting.

Attention to detail is critical to the success of this position as the work is analytical, complex and has a high consequence of error. Effective time management and organizational skills are essential as this position’s workload is extremely high where there are always competing priorities which can impact the ability to meet critical deadlines.

Accountabilities:
Interpret funding agreements to ensure grant and contract financial reporting and billings are compliant with sponsor terms and conditions and completed in a timely manner.
Ensure adherence to fund accounting to support the integrity and objectivity of the financial data within the financial system so that decision makers can have accurate financial data
Communicate technical information and transfer knowledge to internal business processing units and non-technical users to transfer knowledge and strengthen internal controls impacting financial information
Develop and maintain standard operating practices for this position that can be used for peer training and audit requests.
Conceive, manage, and complete projects aimed at increasing process effectiveness and efficiency.

**Qualifications**:
Education: a relevant university degree with a major in accounting is preferred; however, working towards completing a degree or the CPA program is an asset. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience: Two to three years of directly related experience, ideally in a complex, diverse and inclusive environment of a large organization is required. Experience in auditing and preparing related working papers is an asset.

**Skills**:Utilizing a curiosity mindset, be self-motivated and takes initiative to continuously learn to broaden skills, expand perspective and knowledge base.
Critical thinking through being able to identify and analyze complex issues, arguments and factual evidence surrounding an issue to reach sound and balanced judgments.
Creative problem solving through using an innovative approach to generate ideas, find fresh perspectives, and evaluate information in an innovative way to produce effective solutions to a problem with the appropriate supporting facts and data.
Rigorous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial information under review while managing competing deadlines and goals.
Working knowledge of federal granting agency policies and financial administration guides pertaining to areas such as use of grant funds, reporting and supporting evidence and administrative matters.
Proficient with university financial information systems and tools (e.g., Banner, FAST, About Us, UnivRS, JIRA), and demonstrated skills using computers and Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio). Must have the ability to learn new information systems.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly articulate the nature of compliance issues and the reasons that may be causing it to small groups and one-on-one settings.
Translate technical information to understandable formats for a variety of different users
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment to meet deadlines and goals.
High level of professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential situations and information with demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

**Salary**: $46,358.67 - $97,034.38 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental insurance
- Life insurance

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

- Bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Albany WA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (preferred)