Accounting Assistant - International (6-Month Temporary)

The Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Semá : th First Nation and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.

Why Abbotsford?

Located under an hour from Vancouver, the Abbotsford School District is settled in the heart of the beautiful Fraser Valley and surrounded by spectacular mountain views.

Why the Abbotsford School District?

Every day, in every classroom and office at Abbotsford School District, our employees provide a world-class, innovative educational experience for over 19,000 students. We provide a workplace that fosters creativity, inspires excellence, and challenges everyone to embrace growth.

Working in public education is both challenging and rewarding, but at the Abbotsford School District we truly believe that every one of our employees has the opportunity to help children learn, grow, and succeed.

Position Summary

This position is a temporary contract position until July 17, 2026.

Under the general direction of the Senior Manager-International Student Program, the Accounting Assistant International Student Program maintains accounting responsibility for the general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash receipts and purchasing system for the International Department. This position provides daily assistance, customer service, and a wide range of administrative and accounting support to stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner.

Providing a wide range of administrative support to the Manager - International Student Program, Program Coordinator, Recruiter, Homestay Coordinator, International Student Liaisons, and agents. In addition, this role provides daily assistance to students, parents, staff and the international public in a professional and courteous manner. This position works closely with the Finance department ensuring accuracy in accounts payable / accounts receivable. This position manages homestay parent and student information, as well as agent commissions and refunds.

The job involves maintaining confidentiality in all matters of the school district and current, proficient knowledge of the documentation practices and detailed procedures for BC Medical Services, Private Insurance Providers, Country of Origin documentation requirements, School District Policies and Ministry of Education Legislation.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES :

Performing all regular daily and monthly accounting duties, including (but not limited to) :

• Receipting money and entering student fee information; this includes (but not limited to) the collection of student fees including tuition, medical coverage, school and homestay fees;
• Tracking unpaid student fees and following up with parents and / or international agents on the collection of these fees;
• Verifying documents for accuracy before processing, ensuring supporting documents are included, and expense or invoices submitted are in accordance with accounting practices and district policies and procedures;
• Preparing, coding and entering information into the computerized accounting system; creating and processing invoices for payment and preparing journal entries where needed;
• Preparing reports and reconciliations for all accounting activities;
• Maintaining accurate records of purchasing cards, homestay accounts, students with MSP or private insurance coverage and providing updates as requested;
• Calculating fees as per International and agency contracts; liaising with the Homestay Coordinator about current payees for homestay fees.
• Preparing for financial audits and providing all information when requested.
• Confirming any renewals or extensions with all students, agents, parents, International Education Assistants and schools; coordinating any student withdrawals and notifying the appropriate contacts.
• Providing friendly, professional customer service and prompt assistance, including responding to emails or telephone inquiries, providing tours and information for visiting international agents and parents about the program, student or application progress, and payments.
• Assisting the International Student Program by performing other related job duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Grade 12 diploma, or equivalent, supplemented by completion of a by 1 year of business training that includes courses in Accounting I and II; computerized accounting, or other related certifications may be considered. Database computer applications such as Excel or Access should be at an intermediate level. A minimum of 3 years of recent work experience in an administrative position, including one year of bookkeeping experience is also required. A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License. As well, incumbents also require the following :

Proven ability to determine, judge and select appropriate courses of action in accordance with established policies and procedures;

Understanding and awareness of cultural diversity;

Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, self-motivate, and meet deadlines;

Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to provide service and relationship to the public and School District in a professional, respectful, positive and courteous manner;

Proven ability to establish and maintain positive, effective work relationships in a team environment at all times;

Proven ability to use tact and discretion and maintain confidentiality in matters pertaining to the School District;

Working knowledge of WHMIS and WorkSafe BC occupational health and safety regulations and the demonstrated ability to work in a manner that recognizes personal safety and the safety of others;

Ability to be flexible, adaptable and resilient to change;

Ability to explain complex or simple instructions or information clearly to others;

Working knowledge of and experience working with relevant policies and procedures of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Ministry of Education, BC Medical and Private insurance providers, Internet and Internet-based programs;

Current working knowledge District Procedures and Administrative Policies, and the Freedom of Information and Personal Protection Act (FOIPPA);

Proven ability to understand cultural diversity and communicate effectively when language barriers are often present;

Proven ability to understand the needs of international students, their parents and agents;