Junior Accountant

Description:

University of Alberta Properties Trust (UAPT) was established by the University of Alberta (UA) to develop or redevelop lands not central to its primary teaching and research mission. UAPT operates as an independent incorporated trust, with UA as its sole shareholder. It is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by a dedicated staff. UAPT collaborates with various stakeholders to develop entrusted lands, including the City of Edmonton, local neighbourhoods and communities, urban planners, engineers, architects, and the UA itself. The profits generated from these activities are reinvested into UA to support its core mission.

Job Overview:

UAPT is looking for a Junior Accountant to join our team in a newly created position. Reporting to the Office Manager, the Junior Accountant will manage the accounts payable processes and related reconciliations. This role involves ensuring accuracy, timely reporting, and effective communication with vendors and stakeholders.

Additionally, the Junior Accountant will support project accounting for land development and construction. Responsibilities include processing payments, allocating costs, analyzing variances, and tracking financial information. The Junior Accountant will also maintain and recommend improvements to accounting, financial, and other digital business systems used for financial purposes within the organization. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage full Accounts Payable cycle: set up vendors, process invoices, verify contract terms, maintain PO system, and reconcile vendor statements.
• Ensure accuracy in AP records, prepare reconciliations and expense reports, support month-end close, and handle job costings for project invoices.
• Communicate with vendors to resolve invoicing and payment issues promptly.
• Handle project-related payments and cost allocations, support financial tracking, assist with variance analysis, and provide reports to development managers.
• Maintain and improve accounting and business systems, troubleshoot issues with providers, and ensure accurate documentation of accounting processes.
• Collaborate with teams to optimize systems, support data integrity, gather requirements, and drive process improvements through better system integration and understanding.
• Assist with analysis and reconciliations and support quarterly and year-end processes.
• Handle communication with stakeholders and provide general administrative support across the organization.

Qualifications:

To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate the following:

• Post-Secondary in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field preferred. Or College diploma in a related discipline with minimum two years relevant and practical demonstrated accounting experience.
• Practical knowledge of land development, real estate or construction would be an asset.
• Experience in accounts payable, job costing and project reporting with strong accounting knowledge.
• Skilled in MS Office and accounting software like QuickBooks, with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to map processes and analyze data flow.
• Self-motivated, quick to learn new systems, and committed to continuous improvement.

This position will primarily work in an office environment, with the potential for partial work from home, working with computers and remaining sedentary for longer periods of time.

What do we offer?

This full-time, permanent position offers a minimum starting salary of $50,000 - $65,000 (starting salary is negotiable within this range based on suitable experience and qualifications), a 35-hour work week Monday to Friday. The benefits include employer-paid dental care, extended health care, and vision care. It also offers life insurance, an employee assistance program, and paid time off. Employees can access an employer-funded group RRSP plan with a matching contribution. Work from home options are available.