Accounts Payable Specialist

Duties:

As an integral part of the Accounts Payable team, the Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist will compile, organize, and process financial information relating to the proper recognition and payment of VIU's financial obligations. This position will work at our Nanaimo campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Adhering to a strict payment schedule, process Accounts Payable transactions in accordance with GAAP and AP guidelines.
• On an ongoing basis, use judgment and make decisions using past experience, education and best practices to properly identify the treatment of various transactions flowing through the Accounts Payable (A/P) ledger including prepaid expenses, accruals and holdbacks.
• Manage information attached to transactions in a confidential manner.
• Process AP transactions in accordance with all AP guidelines and external reporting requirements. Apply working knowledge of PST, GST and WCB obligations and self-assessment requirements. Analyze, investigate, and resolve errors and anomalies in transaction batches that have both reporting and financial impacts including taxes and other self-assessed remittances.
• Manage and organize bulk data for analysis and reconcile supporting documentation to calculated balances.
• Initiate and respond to internal and external requests for information pertaining to AP and purchasing card related issues.
• Accurately process large volumes of work for sustained periods to support the weekly payment schedule.
• Track and analyze expenditures and reallocate as necessary for accurate reporting on Statement of Financial Information.
• File, archive, and maintain storage of records.
• Communicate with students, staff, vendors, other Institutions and Government agencies as required.
• Participate in special projects as determined by the AP Manager.

Required Qualifications:

Two-year Accounting Diploma from an appropriately accredited institution. Minimum three years of AP experience in a finance office using an integrated AP system including year-end processing. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Must be a team player with excellent organizational, interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to deal with a wide variety of personalities with tact, diplomacy and patience.
• Must be able to apply critical thinking skills with the ability to analyze complex transactions in an accurate and timely manner. Ability to switch between detailed tasks quickly.
• Ability to handle pressure, work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated consistent attendance record due to large volume of work assignments and weekly payment deadlines.
• Demonstrated intermediate level proficiency in MS Excel, Word and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a Public Sector Environment
• Experience with an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system
• Experience with VIU's systems (i.e. Unit4 UBW/FIS)

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note: 

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students.  In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

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