Accounting Assistant

Role Overview

• Performing accounting duties related to accounts payable and receivable, purchasing, internal control and in researching, analyzing and reconciling to general ledger, ensuring compliance with established corporate policies, procedures and practices
• Performs accounting duties such as reviewing, researching, analyzing and reconciling accounts, reallocations, setting up purchasing documents, working papers spreadsheets for procurement and general ledger reconciliations
• Prepares journals, invoices and other financial information for the division
• Processes vendor invoices for certification and ensures compliance with Divisional signing authority limits
• Performs, maintains and monitors accounts receivable activities such as MAP recoveries, and prepares, reviews, and posts journal entries
• Creates purchasing related documents such as Purchase Requisitions, Purchase Order Amendments, Contract Release Orders and Divisional Purchase Orders
• Liaises with Divisional staff to resolve outstanding parked documents
• Sets up and maintains relevant spreadsheets; as required for client support
• Researches and analyzes financial information
• Reviews financial system reports, i.e. variance, cost center, miscellaneous accounts, makes comments or corrections as necessary
• Reviews and ensures the various related accounting journal entries are processed and reconciled to SAP in a timely manner
• Coordinates projects and assignments
• Directs staff and provides training, advice and guidance as needed
• Provides assistance on accounting and financial related matters to the Divisional units
• Provides interpretation of policies, by-laws, agreements/contracts and council reports to the public and departmental staff
• Prepares calculations and analysis of data and compiles data for pre-paid and amortization expenses
• Creates/generates ad hoc reports from various sources for analysis and billing purposes
• Ensures internal controls for Purchasing Card (Pcard) and other financial functions are maintained in accordance with City By-laws and policies and makes recommendations regarding processes and improvements
• Responds to enquiries regarding payroll and personnel matters in accordance with Collective Agreements and City policies
• Prepares payroll reports for Division
• Coordinates with the Auditors
• Prepares and processes period end and year-end accrual and closing journal entries

Requirements

• Completion of a professional accounting designation or Bachelor's Degree in Business/Accounting or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience in the accounting/payroll field.
• Considerable experience using SAP S/4 HANA and SAP Ariba specific to purchasing related transactions.
• Considerable experience in the analysis, investigation and processes related to payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable and general ledger.
• Considerable experience analyzing financial data, and preparation of reports using Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Advanced knowledge of current accounting procedures and techniques pertaining to the function.
• Ability to prepare detailed correspondence, memoranda, summaries, financial statements, and documentation requiring the interpretation and application of a wide range of administrative accounting practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills and client related focus with the ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff, divisional operating management, agencies and the public clients.
• Ability to perform complex detailed computation and calculations.
• Ability to work under time constraints and to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to plan, organize and manage work independently with minimal supervision and co-operatively as a member of a team.
• Ability to work overtime as required to meet deadlines.