Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

We are currently seeking an Accountant to join our Financial Services team.  This Accountant reports to the Manager, Financial Operations.

Job Overview

The primary function of the Accountant is to support the development, implementation, maintenance, evaluation and improvement of financial administration, financial systems, processes, projects and ad hoc requests in accordance with KPU policies, collective agreements and statutory requirements. 

The Accountant manages and coordinates special projects in support of KPU’s strategic initiatives. This role is responsible for the staff performing the above functions to support Faculties/divisions as well as University-wide analysis. The duties of this position frequently involve issues and data of a sensitive nature and are often undertaken in an environment of changing priorities and external influences. The Accountant has University-wide responsibilities and accountability with specific focuses in their assigned functional area.

Education and Experience

• Chartered Professional Accountant designation in good standing is required
• Minimum of two years progressive experience including supervisory and/or managerial experience, as well as a demonstrated ability of effective team management and change and/or systems implementation, resulting in improvements to service quality, staff productivity and systems efficiency;
• Minimum of three years relevant experience in Operations as well as areas of financial administration, financial systems, projects and assurance;
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
      
  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong focus on customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels.
• Proven ability to exercise tact and diplomacy, confidentiality, and conflict resolution skills.
• Solid understanding of and respect for the diverse values and culture of a university environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting procedures and financial reporting practices.
• Demonstrated ability to summarize and present complex financial data in an organized and concise manner.
• Strong computer skills, proficiency with spreadsheet programs, and demonstrated ability to use various financial software packages and databases to perform financial analyses and develop reports.
• Ability to travel between campuses is required.
   

Competencies 

• Leadership: KPU employees inspire, coach, mentor, and support students, employees and KPU as a whole in achieving objectives.
• Accountability: KPU employees demonstrate fiscal accountability and take ownership for their actions, decisions and results.
• Continuous Improvement: KPU employees take a creative approach to opportunities, exploring unique ways to create optimal value for the KPU community.
• Collaboration: KPU employees work in functional and cross-functional teams, coming together to solve complex issues and accomplish objectives that will benefit the KPU community.

Please click here for a more detailed job description.
 

Salary Information
The above compensation range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position.  Typically, initial salary placement is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum.  This represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position.  In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and approximately halfway of the salary range for a job with consideration given to internal equity.

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Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more! 

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.