Junior Accountant

Department: LSD Business Support
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

Laboratory Services is seeking a highly organized, client-service-oriented individual with a focus on detail and a continuous improvement mindset to fill the position of Junior Accountant.

Reporting to the Finance Supervisor, this role is pivotal in maintaining effective financial operations and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines. This position operates within the framework of University of Guelph purchasing policies and guidelines and is responsible for accounts receivable and payable activities for the division. The position requires on-site presence five days a week, as the organization is designated an essential service.

Duties and Responsibilities

The position’s main responsibilities include:

• A/P & Purchasing: The role is responsible for supporting labs within the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and the Agriculture and Food Laboratory (AFL) by sourcing scientific supplies and equipment, obtaining pricing information, and producing purchasing documents such as RFPs and system orders. This also includes authorizing purchases and payments up to specific financial limits and maintaining an updated CAPEX tracking sheet.
• A/R and Collections: The incumbent will work with Finance Coordinator to maintain a client database, process daily invoice batches, and manage payments and deposits, and uploading invoices to various web systems such as ARIBA and Tungsten. This includes reconciling payments to invoices, preparing journal entries, and identifying and monitoring delinquent accounts to initiate the collections process when necessary.
• Customer Services - Client Accounts: The position serves as a primary point of contact for client account and statement issues, resolving concerns to ensure client satisfaction. This involves monitoring outstanding accounts, investigating collection strategies, and maintaining the delinquent client list to manage risk.
• Manual Invoicing and General Accounting Backup: The role involves preparing manual invoices, uploading them to various web systems, and proactively resolving discrepancies. Additionally, the incumbent will provide backup support for key month-end activities, such as creating journal entries and generating reports, and assist with financial audits for both A/R and A/P.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in accounting or related field
• A professional accounting designation (CPA) is preferred, or the candidate must be actively working towards certification
• Experience in an accounting role for 12 months to 18 months in an organization using fund accounting practices and substantial experience in accounts receivable, accounts reconciliation, and general accounting activities. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a lab setting and a background in purchasing scientific equipment and services.
• Strong working knowledge of the entire financial account cycle, with a focus on month-end and year-end requirements
• Superior proficiency with computer software, including SAGE 300, spreadsheets, and databases
• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture
• Superior attention to detail, focus and professional competencies in accounting practices are required to manage discrete accounts with varying degrees of complexity and volume
• Familiarity with an academic environment and culture is an asset
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
• Brings a positive attitude and high energy level to their role every day as they complete their tasks ensuring that Laboratory Services Division is effectively managing its reporting and compliance requirements

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10924060
Classification: P&M FT- Band 02
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 10/23/2025
Closing Date: 11/06/2025