Accounts Payable Specialist

Position:

Accounts Payable Specialist

Reports to:

Controller

Position Group:

Operations

Term:

Permanent, full-time

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) is a premier co-educational day school nestled in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains just outside of the City of Calgary on a 200+ acre campus. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, STS offers all three IB Programmes from Kindergarten through to Grade 12.

In addition to the global perspective offered by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the School offers an extensive co-curricular program in a technology-rich environment. Students take advantage of the amazing natural setting including a small pond, forest, and extensive trail system to complement their academic learning.

STS combines the rich traditions from its 120 years of history with innovative and research-based instructional practices where students pursue lives of purpose, flourishing emotionally, physically, and intellectually.

STS values pluralism. We are committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all.

Position Overview

STS is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to play a key role in Finance and Operations. Reporting to the Controller, the Accounts Payable Specialist enters, updates, and maintains the Accounts Payable systems while providing superior attention to detail, customer service, communication skills, and business acumen. In addition, this role supports month-end and year-end processes through the preparation of monthly reporting, account reconciliations, and the maintenance of accurate financial records and supporting documentation. The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for ensuring accounting files are organized, complete, and audit-ready, while maintaining the integrity of vendor and financial data. The Accounts Payable Specialist will also be responsible for liaising with the school's contracted bussing provider as well as the parent community.

The successful candidate will have experience working in a computerized accounting system and will be in continuous pursuit of efficiency, including exploring relevant Artificial Intelligence opportunities. Additionally, the successful candidate will be a highly motivated and collaborative professional who can easily adapt in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Core Areas of Responsibility

Accounts Payable (75%)

· Prepare, maintain, and analyze accounts payable records and supporting documentation to ensure accurate and timely processing of transactions. 

· Receive, review and verify coding, and accurately enter vendor invoices into the accounting system, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures     before processing payments.

· Reconcile school Visa bills and validate codes for Visa bills to ensure posting to appropriate accounts. 

· Maintain float and petty cash including distribution of cash, receiving receipts and balancing funds.

· Prepare, process, and distribute cheque payments, wire transfers, and electronic funds transfers (EFTs) while ensuring payment accuracy and adherence to payment         schedules.

· Reconcile vendor statements and accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies as required.

· Prepare GST returns and related journal entries as required.

· Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations, accruals, reporting, and audit support.

· Support annual financial statement audits and other regulatory audits, including WCB, CRA, and Alberta Education requirements.

· Assist with budget vs. actual and monthly reporting to budget leaders.

· Maintain organized and accurate vendor files and accounts payable records, ensuring documentation is appropriately filed and readily accessible for audit and reporting purposes.

· Analyze accounts payable processes and identify opportunities for process improvements, enhanced internal controls, increased efficiency, and compliance with payment terms.

· Provide assistance to other accounting staff as needed.

Bussing/Transportation program (25%)

As a rural school, bussing is paramount to the everyday needs of the school. There are 22 bus routes that provide transportation for families who send their children to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. A portion of this role will support the bussing portfolio, ensuring bussing information is kept current and communication with key stakeholders is proactive.

· Responsible for daily communication and contact between the school and the Southland Bus liaison. This includes:

        o   Routing development with the transportation company.

        o   Monitoring the school’s Bussing email for consistent parent engagement and communication.

        o   Maintain updated route changes and ensure they are shared with key stakeholders.

        o   Track and report weekly student attendance on buses.

        o   Maintain the bus route spreadsheet to ensure accurate billing of student expenses.

        o   Maintain the transportation company’s bus cost spreadsheet.

Qualifications and Experience

· 3-5 years of experience in an Accounts Payable position.

· A Diploma with a focus on accounting is considered a strong asset.

· Experience with Sage Intacct is considered a strong asset.

· Computer skills in accounting software, word processing, excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Outlook.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Attention to detail, accuracy of computer information.

· Impeccable organization skills.

· Maintains strict confidentiality.

· Problem analysis and problem-solving skills.

· Relationship-building skills, particularly with vendors.

· Ability to work within a team as well as initiative to work independently.

· Demonstrate and uphold a strong commitment to health and safety.

Application Instructions

Applications must contain a cover letter, your resume, teaching philosophy statement (limited to one page) and the names and contact information for three work-related references, one of which must be a direct supervisor (your references will not be contacted without your prior consent).

Please submit your application through our recruitment module at https://recruiting.ultipro.ca/STR5005STCN

Applications must be submitted as one PDF document and will be reviewed as received and interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as the position may be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is selected.

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an equal opportunity employer and provides a welcoming environment for all employees and encourages diversity among staff and students as part of our commitment to the Alberta Human Rights Act.