Accounting Specialist
About This Role
Now Hiring: Accounting Specialist
Employment Terms: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: May 2026
We are seeking an Accounting Specialist to join our Finance Office. This mid-level position is crucial to the daily financial operations of the school and the Foundation. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of non-profit GAAP and general ledger management, with specialized experience in Blackbaud systems, Student Billing, foundation financial reporting, and fund accounting.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
Financial Reporting for The College and Foundations
- Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and non-profit accounting standards.
- Perform variance analysis comparing Actuals to Budget.
- Supervise all asset reconciliations and month-end journal entries.
- Guarantee the accuracy and reliability of financial data and reports.
- Contribute to the development of the annual budget (Operating and Capital) and long-term financial forecasts.
- Generate Actual vs Budget reports and other documentation for Department Managers.
- Support the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports for foundation programs and funding projects.
Raiser’s Edge & GL Reconciliation
- Manage the monthly reconciliation process between the Advancement Office’s donor database (Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge) and the Finance Office’s General Ledger (Financial Edge NXT), ensuring the accurate matching of gifts, pledges, and payments.
- Oversee journal entries and fund accounting activities for the Foundation, including working papers, mark-to-market adjustments, and the timely preparation of precise financial reports with necessary documentation.
General Accounting
- Administer all aspects of the general ledger, encompassing journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end closing activities.
- Ensure that all transactions, such as tuition, grants, donations, and other income, as well as expenditures, are accurately recorded and classified.
- Undertake special projects as requested by the Finance Manager and VP Finance.
Internal Controls and Processes
- Collaborate with the Finance Manager to review internal controls, ensuring that financial processes comply with regulations, minimize risks, maintain reporting accuracy, and safeguard assets.
- Offer recommendations for the enhancement of internal control systems and checks.
- Keep process documentation current.
Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, including reconciliations to ensure prompt and accurate invoice and payment processing.
- Support the Finance Manager in managing tuition billing and collections, ensuring adherence to school policies.
Audit & Compliance
- Work alongside the Finance Manager and VP Finance to facilitate the annual audit process.
- Aid in the preparation of materials for the audit, such as working papers and supporting documentation.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, reporting requirements, and internal policies.
Tax & Compliance
- Ensure the timely and accurate preparation and submission of all non-payroll tax returns for the college and the foundations.
- Stay informed about regulations that impact the financial operations of the school.
Special Projects
- Assist in the implementation of financial system upgrades.
- Help the Finance Manager and VP Finance in developing improved financial reports to enhance oversight and decision-making.
- Participate in ad hoc projects as necessary.
Job Requirements
Experience, Knowledge, and Competencies:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- 3–5 years of relevant accounting experience (Mid-Level).
- Progressing towards a professional accounting designation such as CPA is a plus.
- Strong understanding of Non-Profit Accounting standards and fund accounting.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs).
- Direct experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT (preferred) and Student Billing modules.
- Experience in an Independent School or University environment.
- Familiarity with Smart Tuition or similar tuition management systems.
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office; advanced Excel skills are a significant advantage.
- Knowledge of Google Drive, Google Docs, and Gmail is essential.
- Ability to navigate intricate financial systems and reporting tools.
- Capability to communicate financial concepts to non-financial faculty and staff.
- High integrity and the ability to handle confidential information, including financial data related to students and families.
- The role serves as a secondary contact for student billing and revenue management, addressing questions regarding tuition statements, incidental charges, and financial aid credits.
- Maintain effective communication with department heads and the Advancement Office to provide budget-versus-actual reports and reconcile donor gifts and pledges.
What We Offer
- Outstanding opportunities for professional development, including workshops, networking events, leadership programs, and visits from experts and scholars.
- Flexibility to adjust statutory holidays to respect diverse religious and cultural practices.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with health care and lifestyle spending accounts.
- Pension plan, generous vacation days, self-funded sabbaticals, and parental leave top-up.
- Significant support for personal and family well-being and mental health through the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- Paid volunteer time off to engage in meaningful community service.
- Social events for staff and their families.
- A collaborative and supportive team atmosphere.
- Free on-campus parking.
About UCC
Upper Canada College (UCC) is committed to fostering a more just and inclusive world through dialogue and collaboration. With an emphasis on equity and fairness, students learn how our individual differences strengthen our community. An academically rigorous curriculum is complemented by talented faculty, exceptional co-curricular activities, and cutting-edge facilities. The UCC experience is grounded in five core values: learning, pluralism, service, community, and well-being. A primary objective of UCC is to promote diversity and inclusivity, acknowledging that a complete learning community requires the inclusion and elevation of diverse voices. UCC is dedicated to nurturing belonging, advocating for justice and peace, and addressing systemic forms of oppression. UCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, and historically marginalized groups. UCC honors pluralism by valuing differences, recognizing similarities, and amplifying diverse perspectives.
This position is newly available. Compensation will be based on qualifications and experience, with a salary range of $66,746 to $83,433. Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to careers@ucc.on.ca by Thursday, April 2, 2026. We appreciate all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Artificial intelligence tools may be utilized at various stages of the recruitment and selection process. For more information about UCC, please visit ucc.on.ca and https://careers.ucc.on.ca/