Accounting Assistant

The Law Society of Alberta (Law Society) regulates the legal profession in the public interest. In alignment with the Law Society’s vision, mission, and strategic plan, the Accounting department provides the Board of Directors (the Benchers), Committees (Audit, Finance and Insurance), management and all business units with timely, accurate and meaningful financial information and advice to support effective strategic and operational decision making. The department is responsible for the accounting records of three distinct but related entities: the Law Society, the Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association (ALIA), and the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED).

When assigned to Accounts Payable, responsibilities will include managing the purchase invoice to payment process, recording the transactions, managing the expense/invoice management system and assisting other team members as required.

When assigned to Accounts Receivable, responsibilities include accurate and timely recording of monies received, payments made, and related accounting functions, including the recording of investment transaction, if required.

This role also supports Accountants and the Accounting Coordinator in month-end reporting requirements and provides support to other accounting team members as required.

Success in this position requires the ability to operate within a fast-paced environment, excellent attention to detail in addition to effective organizational and communication skills and managing this for all entities.

Key Responsibilities:

As a member of the Accounting team, you will:

• Be proactive.
• Ensure vendors are paid accurately and in a timely manner.
• Provide reports as required.
• Assist with additional accounting functions as required.
• Ensure smooth AP processes using Continia/Business Central.
• Work to continually improve the existing processes.

Accounts Payable:

• Be responsible for the automated workflow process in Continia.
• Review submitted invoices for accuracy, coding, and appropriate approvals for input into the accounting system.
• Generate regularly recurring vendor payments for three entities.
• Generate rush cheques.
• Arrange for the review and authorization of payment batches bi-weekly.
• Assist with entering receipts during peak periods.
• Manage the expense & invoice management system to ensure timely remittance and approval.
• Prepare and enter invoices for ancillary services of the Law Society.
• Prepare general ledger journal entries as required.
• Be able to manage multiple priorities.
• Record investment transactions for all funds of the Law Society and ALIA (if required).

Accounts Receivable:

• Process electronic payment receipts for the three entities.
• Prepare and enter invoices for ancillary services for the three entities.
• Follow up on outstanding accounts receivables including fines and costs related to regulatory matters.
• Investigate to ensure payment receipts are applied to the correct customer and entity when payment source is unclear.
• Work closely with Billings Coordinator to ensure customer responses are dealt with in a timely manner.
• System testing as required for fee billings and system enhancements.
• Process refunds due to status change requests.
• Prepare general ledger journal entries as required.
• Prepare month-end general ledger account reconciliations.

Other

• Provide coverage and support to the Accounting Coordinator, other Accounting Assistant and team members.
• Assist Accountants with the preparation of month-end working papers for the monthly financial reports for the entities as required.
• Assist Accounting Coordinator and Accountants with day-to-day accounting-related matters as required.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in accounting.
• A minimum of three years of related accounting experience.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• The ability to meet deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to work both independently and as a part of the Accounting team.
• Strong orientation in customer service, both internal and external.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central and Continia is considered an asset.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Able and willing to work overtime during peak periods.

About the Law Society of Alberta

The Law Society of Alberta regulates the legal profession in the public interest by promoting and enforcing a high standard of professional and ethical conduct by Alberta lawyers. We derive our authority from the Legal Profession Act of Alberta and set out standards through a Code of Conduct and the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta. While we do not provide legal advice on specific cases, from our unique perspective as the regulator, we actively work with members of the justice system to improve the administration of justice for all Albertans.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive compensation package including employer-funded benefits and group RRSP plan contributions.
• Work-life balance benefits that allow you to balance your career and personal commitments.
• Access to a free onsite gym and tenant lounge.
• Private Reflection Rooms to observe religious or cultural beliefs, meditate, or take a mental health break.
• Professional development opportunities.

We also offer a flexible hybrid working environment. In-office attendance is required on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. You are also more than welcome to continue to work four or five days in the office if that is your preference. Having multiple in-office days allows room for collaboration, social connections, mentorship, and cross-departmental interaction, while remote days still allow you to manage your work-life balance effectively.

Additional Information

The Law Society of Alberta values diversity in its workforce and equal access to opportunity. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.