Accounting Assistant (II) at McMaster University

Job ID
73454

Job Title Accounting Assistant (II)

Regular/Temporary Regular

Location
Central Campus

Open Date 12/22/2025

Job Type Short Term Employee

Close Date 01/10/2026

Employee Group Unifor Unit 1, Staff Favorite Job

Department Associate VP Student Affairs

Full/Part Time Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band Grade 5

Salary Range $24.19 - $34.04 (hourly)

Contract Duration 6.2 Months

Existing Vacancy Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Hours per Week 35

Target Number of Openings 1

Job Code JD0651

Posting Details

Schedule Monday-Friday, 35 hours per week, 8:30am-4:30pm. Evenings and weekends as needed
Education Level 2 year Community College diploma in Accounting or a related field of study
Career Level Requires 3 years of relevant experience
Expected Fill Date January 26, 2026
Union Group UNIFOR UNIT 1
Location McMaster Main Campus, Gilmour Hall 207, 3 days in office expected
Pay Grade and Range Grade 5, $24.19 to $34.04
Job Description Code and Title JD0651, Accounting Assistant (II)

Job Description

Unit/Project Description:
The Student Affairs Finance Office is a customer service team that provides financial, human resource, and administrative support for departments within the Student Affairs envelope. The team serves as a lead resource on matters relating to finance and human resources within Student Affairs. The office also manages the Student Affairs budget including the preparing of the annual budget report.

The Student Affairs Finanace Office is seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic candidate to process financial transactions in a timely and accurate manner and in accordance with University accounting guidelines, procedures and policies. This position requires strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will serve as a key liaison with department personnel and external customers in resolving any inquiries and issues.

Job Summary:
Responsible for applying a thorough knowledge and understanding of accounting policies and procedures to process financial transactions. Records, classifies and summarizes accounting data according to established procedures. Ensures accuracy and compliance with existing guidelines, policies, and procedures. Provides guidance and training to staff on proper accounting procedures and the use of financial systems.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Perform various analyses and reconciliations of accounts.
• Provide training and guidance to others on relevant accounting procedures and the use of financial systems.
• Generate reports and account statements and review for accuracy.
• Calculate, prepare and issue invoices, cheques, account statements and other financial statements according to established procedures.
• Receive, send, sort, verify, process and prepare various documents such as purchase orders, invoices, cheque requisitions, receivables, and payables.
• Process, verify, and balance financial records and business transactions, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Investigate discrepancies using established procedures.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing backup documentation related to audit items.
• Monitor and reconcile statements and participate in the reconciliation of accounts.
• Prepare and generate a variety of scheduled and ad hoc reports.
• Update, maintain, and verify information in a variety of spreadsheets and databases.
• Balance and control cash receipts, including floats, petty cash and cheques.
• Write a variety of formal notes and records using form letters and templates.
• Apply standard mathematical skills such as calculations, formulas, and equations to perform routine calculations.
• Answer inquiries via telephone, email, and in person that are specific in nature.
• Maintain filing systems, both electronic and hard copy.

Supervison:

• Provide direction to others in how to carry out work tasks.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff.

Requirements:
2 year Community College diploma in Accounting or a related field of study.
Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

• Advanced computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Practical experience in PeopleSoft (Mosaic) – Finance (A/R, A/P, GL, and JEs), HR (time entry, vacation tracking, recruiting), and Campus Solutions
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable University policies and procedures

Additional Information:
The incumbent must have exceptional organizational skills and strong communication skills. In addition, the incumbent must also have the ability to manage a number of tasks simultaneously with accuracy and attention to detail. We desire a strong team player with the confidence and ability to work independently as required
How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

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