Accounting Technician

Job Description

True North

As the largest post-secondary institution in northern Alberta, Northwestern Polytechnic is a natural point of convergence for knowledge, skills, creativity, and collaboration. Striving to spark and empower success, NWP’s mission is geared towards both individual and collective progress. NWP offers a wide variety of engaging and in-demand academic programs in certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, and degrees. We exist wholeheartedly for the domestic and international students who call our campuses home, the distinctive communities and industries we serve, and the staff and faculty who honour us with their expertise and insights every day. While our potential as one of Alberta’s newest polytechnics is ever-growing, we recognize the importance of having authentic and highly effective contributors by our side. We are currently recruiting individuals who are inspired by opportunity, driven by results, and aligned to NWP’s core values of being responsive, innovative, and connected.

The Role

Reporting to the Manager, Accounting Operations, the Accounting Technician performs a broad range of accounts receivable, accounts payable, business services reporting support, and general accounting activities. The position supports accurate, timely financial processing; internal and external reporting; forecasts; budgets; reconciliations; customer and vendor service; policy compliance; and reliable financial information for Northwestern Polytechnic.

Duties will include:

• Process and apply payments received from students, customers, sponsors, and other parties; balance and reconcile payment activity and deposits.
• Prepare and process customer invoices, account adjustments, internal transfers, statements, and refunds, ensuring appropriate coding, authorization, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor and reconcile accounts receivable balances and aging; investigate discrepancies, follow up on overdue accounts, and apply account restrictions or escalate collection concerns in accordance with established procedures.
• Respond to account inquiries and provide clear guidance to students, employees, sponsors, and customers regarding charges, payments, refunds, forms, and financial procedures.
• Review and process supplier invoices, purchase order invoices, expense claims, honoraria, and other payment requests for completeness, accuracy, authorization, coding, tax treatment, and Adherence to institutional policies, procedures and established accounting practices. Create and maintain supplier records and payment information, complete required validation and documentation controls, and respond to supplier and internal payment inquiries.
• Prepare and process scheduled electronic and other payment runs; review payment exceptions and remittance information; investigate discrepancies; and coordinate corrections or follow-up.
• Administer procurement card and purchasing processes, including reviewing statements, receipts, coding and approvals; identifying duplicate or non-compliant claims; and supporting requisitions, purchase orders, vendor inquiries, receiving documentation, and related backup activities.
• Assist with the preparation of internal financial reports, schedules, and analyses that support operational decision-making, including compiling information provided by Senior Business Advisors, managers, and other Financial Services staff.
• Support external reporting requirements by gathering, validating, entering, and reconciling financial data for government, grant, statistical, and other required submissions.
• Support the institutional forecast process by maintaining schedules, compiling forecast information, preparing supporting reports, and assisting with variance analysis.
• Support annual budget process by assisting with data entry, compiling budget information, and preparing reports and schedules for review.
• Prepare routine journal entries and account reconciliations, investigate variances, correct errors, and maintain complete supporting documentation.
• Support month-end and year-end activities by reviewing transactions, compiling schedules, and providing accurate information for financial reporting and audit requirements.

What We Offer

Finding your fit in one of our specialized schools or departments means a bright future with competitive compensation, attractive benefits packages, reliable networks, high quality of life, and unparalleled learning community experiences. If you are looking to transform the post-secondary landscape with polytechnic education, research, and partnerships, Northwestern Polytechnic is your employer of choice.

Job Requirements

The successful candidate will have a Business Administration Diploma, Accounting Diploma or an Accounting Technician Certificate. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Necessary skills and attributes to be successful in this role include:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to build strong relationships across the organization; and
• A high level of integrity, professionalism and accountability.

How to Apply

Only applications received electronically via the Northwestern Polytechnic website will be considered.

We review all applications to select candidates whose qualifications and experience most closely meet our needs.

Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. For general inquiries, please contact HR at [email protected] .

Thank you for applying to NWP!