Accounting Specialist

Job summary

The Accounting Specialist supports daily financial operations by processing payments, receivables, and disbursements while maintaining accurate financial records. They also prepare monthly reconciliations, assist with audit working papers, and provide support to staff regarding financial inquiries.

Job details

Technology is reinventing higher education, and at OCAS we play a vital role in helping shape this evolving landscape. We deliver dependable technology systems and business services to support our industry partners and create new pathways for learners exploring and applying to Ontario’s public colleges. Recently named a Waterloo Area Top Employer for the eleventh consecutive year, we’re looking for individuals who can bring their expertise and passion to our team. We’re looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Accounting Specialist to help deliver accurate, reliable financial services across OCAS and to our college system partners. As part of our Finance team, you’ll play an important role in supporting payments, receivables, reconciliations, reporting, and financial documentation. Reporting to the Finance Lead, you’ll support the day-to-day financial operations of the organization by processing payments, receivables, and disbursements; preparing monthly reconciliations; and maintaining financial records. You’ll also help improve finance processes so the team can work more efficiently and effectively. This is a full-time permanent position requiring three days each week in our Guelph office. In this role, you will: Process vendor invoices, prepare month-end accounts payable accruals, and support timely payment approvals through our financial system. Prepare and send invoices to customers and partner organizations, track revenue, and follow up on overdue balances to support timely payment. Prepare journal entries, complete monthly and quarterly account reconciliations, remit HST filings, and reconcile bank and credit card activity. Manage daily payment entries and reconciliations, process monthly settlement activities, and prepare reconciliations and payments related to transcript services, partner transactions, and voucher requests. Prepare audit working papers for assigned areas and support the Finance team with year-end audit documentation. Act as the main point of contact for staff questions about credit cards, expenses, payments, and purchase requisitions, and provide training and support on our financial system. Monitor shared Finance and partner inboxes, respond to our route inquiries as needed, and support the Finance team with reporting and other requests. You should have: A diploma or degree in accounting, finance, or a related field 3 to 5 years of relevant accounting or finance experience, or equivalent Strong Excel skills and experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to accurately process high volumes of transactions in a deadline-driven environment Strong verbal and written communication skills Proven ability to build and maintain working relationships with internal and external interest holders Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and take ownership of assigned responsibilities with general supervision Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek guidance or support Nice to haves: Actively pursuing a CPA designation or another accounting credential Experience with application processing, settlement accounting, or finance in the education sector Experience using MS Dynamics Business Central ERP System Familiarity with Accounting Standards for Not-For-Profit Organizations (ASNPO) Why OCAS? Enjoy a flexible hybrid work model, with three days each week in our Guelph office and two days working remotely Join a collaborative team that is passionate about technology, innovation, and continuous improvement Work in an environment where new ideas are welcomed and better ways of working are encouraged Start with 22 vacation days, plus a paid company shutdown during the holiday season Plan for the future with a defined benefit corporate pension plan Access comprehensive benefits, including vision, dental, extended health care, life insurance, and more Give back through paid volunteer time and opportunities to support local charities in your community Position reports to: Finance Lead The pay range for this position is $52,500.00 - $62, 500.00, depending on skills and previous experience. This position is being offered to replace an existing vacancy. OCAS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. While we thank all respondents for their interest, only those candidates being invited to interview for this position will be contacted.

What you’ll do

The Accounting Specialist supports daily financial operations by processing payments, receivables, and disbursements while maintaining accurate financial records. They also prepare monthly reconciliations, assist with audit working papers, and provide support to staff regarding financial inquiries.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a diploma or degree in accounting or finance along with 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. Strong proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP systems are required, with preference given to those pursuing a CPA designation.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid work model
• Vacation days
• Paid company holiday shutdown
• Defined benefit corporate pension plan
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid volunteer time

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• ERP systems · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Financial Reporting · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Microsoft Excel · Preferred
• Accounts receivable · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Data entry · Preferred
• Accounting · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Accounting
• Financial reporting
• Accounts payable
• Accounts receivable
• Reconciliations
• Journal entries
• HST filings
• Excel
• ERP systems
• Financial documentation
• Data entry
• Communication
• Time management
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
• Account Reconciliation
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Ability To Meet Deadlines
• Microsoft Excel
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Standard Accounting Practices
• Accruals
• Auditing
• Audit Working Papers
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Finance
• Financial Services
• Financial Systems
• Financial Statements
• Settlement
• Higher Education
• Innovation
• Invoicing
• Operations
• Purchasing
• Telecommuting
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Finance & Accounting
• Education
• Administrative
• Accounting Specialist
• Accounting Clerk
• Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks
• Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks