Financial Assistant

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: Level N

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is a leading Canadian Centre of outstanding education and research shaping health care for the next generation. The Schulich Dentistry team strives to obtain international recognition through excellence in dental education, research, and patient care. To foster that vision, Schulich Dentistry develops the knowledge and skills in dental professionals to provide exemplary care to the diverse communities that we serve and to influence the future of undergraduate and postgraduate dental education through scholarly inquiry, innovation, and research. The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is the largest Faculty on campus and employs over 2,000 part-time and full-time faculty and over 1,000 staff.

The Financial Assistant is accountable for the implementation of daily procurement and financial transactions for multiple complex budgets on behalf of the Director, Dentistry Operations reporting to the Administrative Officer, in accordance with Western's financial, procurement and funding agency policies, procedures and guidelines. The role researches and resolves a variety of complex, and sometimes competing, financial inquiries and requirements across multiple clinics, academic, administrative and research operations, escalating to the Administrative Officer as required. The Financial Assistant is responsible for the procurement of equipment and specialized dental supplies and repairs, including the annual student kits. The Financial Assistant is a key member of the administrative team who is accountable for supporting the development of annual budgets and reports to aid in financial decision-making, performing monthly and year-end reconciliations, and providing oversight and approval for travel, equipment expenditures and supplies. The role supports research account transactions and assists with the preparation of financial statements and reports in compliance with granting agency guidelines.

Education:

• 2 year community college diploma in accounting, financial administration or business management/administration

Experience:

• 2 years of experience in a bookkeeping, financial administration or accounting role; preferably in an academic setting

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of general office procedures and accounting principles and practices with the ability to process and reconcile accounts
• Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications as required
• Ability to explain financial information, policies and procedures effectively to individuals who may have little financial knowledge including patients with regard to their financial obligations
• Detail oriented with an ability to process information with high levels of accuracy
• Communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner and adapt communication style to suit the situation and the audience
• Customer service skills with a desire to achieve results in a timely manner
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and follow through on work assignments
• Proven ability and natural inclination to interact with people in professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to provide guidance and support to ensure compliance with processes in a way that is positively received
• Results-oriented with an ability to handle many tasks and maintain a high level of performance
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate internal and external policies, guidelines and practices to stakeholders
• Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Office, including spreadsheet design, word processing and database management
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve departmental results
Familiar with applications used by Western preferred (such as PeopleSoft, Mustang Market)

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.