Accounting Assistant II

The Accounting Assistant II is responsible for providing purchasing support and assistance for accounting services to the Utilities Department. This position services as the primary contact for purchasing support within the department. This position will also support the Utilities Finance and Accounting branch by performing a variety of accounting duties, including preparation of invoices to external customers, assistance with operating and capital budget activities, reporting on the department's expenditures, and assisting with financial month ends.

This posting is for 1 Temporary full-time position up to 18 months

Key Responsibilities:

• Purchase a wide variety of supplies, materials, and equipment from pre-approved suppliers or direct sourcing  
• Process and coordinate the department’s day to day purchasing activities such as creating Purchase Requisitions, receiving on Purchase Orders, and maintaining the standing purchase order spreadsheet
• Review Purchase Requisitions to ensure appropriate coding is in place
• Coordinate with respective stakeholders to ensure all required documentation is in place for the purchase of goods and services
• Act as liaison with Project Managers, supervisors, and staff to ensure all corporate, department and municipal purchasing policies, processes, and guidelines are met
• Track Project invoices including recording and release of Project Holdbacks where applicable
• Ensure Purchase Orders are closed in the system as required
• Review applicable reports from the Financial and Strategic Services department
• Responsible for entering, coding, and tracking employee expenses made on a corporate Purchasing Card on behalf of department employees
• Ensure expenses are recorded accurately and in accordance with applicable County policies and procedures
• Assist in the annual operating and capital budget development activities, including compiling information and spreadsheets for reviews, making updates in the budgeting software, reviewing historical trends, updating and creating templates, organizing documents and creating links in SharePoint
• Prepare monthly invoices for third party customers
• Assist with financial year-end processes, especially as it relates to purchases and tracking of invoices, and analyzing required accruals for expense accruals
• Assist Supervisor, Utilities Accounting with month-end and year-end period closing ensuring correct fiscal period for purchases

Qualifications and Skills:  

• High school diploma with 5 years of related experience  
• Post-Secondary Accounting Diploma with 3 years accounting experience is preferred  
• Purchasing courses would be considered an asset
• Experience in a municipal utilities environment is an asset
• Knowledge and experience with computer skills in financial software, Microsoft Outlook, and Excel to utilize, analyze and process pertinent information accurately and productively
• Organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with suppliers, union field staff, supervisory staff, management, and internal/external department staff
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written
• High level of accuracy and strong attention to detail  
• Analytical and research skills
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check  

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, collaboration, and accountability.  

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage    
  • Health and wellness spending account    
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs  
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. This role may be eligible to participate in our hybrid work program.  

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.  

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

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