The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD's staff of more than 300 people, plus over 100 associates and consultants, come from across the globe and from many disciplines.

Overview

The accounting assistant will be a member of the general accounting team. They will be responsible for assisting the junior and senior accounting managers in maintaining the financial accounting records of the Institute. They will also work closely in coordination with the project financial analysts and controller, and they will report to the junior accounting manager.

Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Prepares vouchers for approval, which includes entering vendor number, expense code, and GST calculations.
• Keys in and posts accounts payable vouchers into Sage for processing payments.
• Files paid invoices.
• Matches supplier invoices with purchase authorizations.
• Matches invoices received with consulting contracts and project contracts, ensuring appropriate authorization has been received and issues payment.
• Ensures invoiced goods and/or services were received.
• Ensures price and terms were as quoted, reconciles invoices with supplier statements, and delivers payments to banks and businesses.
• Will address any accounts payable-related issues or conflicts regarding late payment, inquiries regarding payments, invoices, or approvals.

Expense Claims and Travel Costs

• Matches travel charges with approved travel authorizations and vouchers travel billings for payment.
• Receives and processes staff expense claims.
• Matches vouchers with expense claim forms.
• Calculates GST.
• Ensures claims have been properly signed.
• Verifies accuracy of expense claim forms.
• Completes code expense claims for accounting distribution of charges.

Payments

• Prepares payments for signature with voucher package.

Other

• In respect of general ledger functions, enters transaction reclassification between codes input.
• Prepares monthly payment batches.

Banking

• Maintains working relationship with banking personnel.
• Prepares the daily e-deposit for cheques online as required.
• Brings cheques over CAD 250,000 to the bank for deposit.

Other General Accounting and Finance Duties

• Backup support for other accounting assistants with the following duties:

• • Issuing payments to suppliers/associates
  • Preparing vendor payments

Mailroom Functions

• Applies postage to regular mail and small parcels

Perform other duties as assigned.

Overtime is required from time to time.

Qualifications

• Diploma or certificate in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in an accounting or bookkeeping role, with a focus on accounts payable or general ledger entries.
• Experience with accounting software, preferably Sage, is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles, particularly around accounts payable, expense claims, and bank reconciliation.
• Familiarity with financial software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks) and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of GST and other tax calculations related to accounts payable.
• Ability to verify details, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy in accounting entries and reconciliations.
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in accounting software (preferably Sage) and advanced Excel functions, including data entry, formulas, and basic spreadsheets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with vendors, banks, and internal stakeholders professionally and effectively.
• High level of accuracy in processing payments, verifying documents, and handling financial records.
• Ability to resolve payment issues and other accounting-related inquiries with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable with taking on new tasks as needed, including mailroom functions and support for other accounting staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively within the accounting team, supporting and backing up colleagues as required.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with sensitive financial and employee information.

Location: Winnipeg (Hybrid with possible 1-2 days/week in office as needed)

Salary: CAD 44,000–CAD 48,000 (based on education and experience)

Start Date: ASAP

Closing Date: November 22, 2024 at 4 pm CST

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (one page)
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional; right-click to download)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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