Finance Assistant in Toronto, Ontario at Christie Ossington Neighborhood Centre

Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre (CONC) is a multi-service community organization supporting individuals and families through shelter, housing, food security, and community-based programs across Toronto. Our work is rooted in dignity, respect, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. We strive to create a workplace where staff feel supported, valued, and able to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interest in community-based work, we encourage you to apply.

Position Overview

The Finance Assistant plays an important role in supporting the financial operations of Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre (CONC) by ensuring financial transactions are processed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with organizational policies, internal controls, and established accounting practices. The position contributes to the integrity of the organization's financial records through the timely administration of accounts payable, maintenance of financial documentation, and the provision of administrative support to the Finance Department.

Working under the direction of the Finance Manager, the Finance Assistant collaborates closely with the Finance Coordinators and employees across the organization to support effective financial administration, regulatory compliance, and excellent internal customer service. The incumbent exercises sound judgment when reviewing financial documentation, identifying routine discrepancies, safeguarding confidential information, and escalating issues requiring further review.

This position is well suited to a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who is interested in developing their finance and accounting skills in a collaborative environment and takes pride in delivering accurate, reliable, and responsive financial and administrative support that contributes to the organization's mission and operational success.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Administration

• Process vendor invoices, employee expense claims, and payment requests in a timely manner, ensuring transactions are complete, appropriately coded, supported by required documentation, and processed in accordance with organizational policies and established timelines.
• Receive, review, and verify vendor invoices and employee expense claims for completeness, accuracy, required approvals, and supporting documentation before processing.
• Follow up with vendors, managers, and employees regarding missing information, approvals, receipts, coding discrepancies, or payment inquiries.
• Prepare cheque requisitions and code expenditures to the appropriate general ledger accounts, programs, and funding sources for review and approval.
• Accurately enter accounts payable transactions into the accounting system while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Prepare bi-weekly payment runs, including cheques, electronic funds transfers (EFTs), and other approved payment methods.
• Prepare vendor payments for distribution, mailing, filing, and record retention.
• Maintain vendor files and assist with updating vendor information to ensure records remaina ccurateand current.
• Maintain organized accounts payable records and supporting documentation in accordance with organizational policies, audit requirements, and document retention practices.

Financial Administration Support

• Process and maintain records related to organizational credit card transactions and supporting documentation for reconciliation and review.
• Maintain records and supporting documentation relating to capital asset purchases and capital expenditures.
• Assist with month-end and year-end activities by preparing routine schedules, gathering supporting documentation, and organizing financial records.
• Prepare supporting reports, schedules, and documentation requested by the Finance Coordinators, Finance Manager, or Director of Finance.
• Gather, organize, and maintain documentation required for annual audits, funder reviews, and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper financial filing systems to support efficient retrieval of financial information.
• Support document retention and records management activities in accordance with organizational policies and legislative requirements.
• Assist with finance projects, system improvements, and process enhancement initiatives as assigned.

Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support to the Finance Department, including filing, scanning, photocopying, shredding, and document management.
• Maintain finance department forms, templates, and administrative records.
• Coordinate the distribution, collection, and storage of financial documents and correspondence.
• Assist with administrative activities related to property management and facility operations, as assigned.
• Participate in departmental meetings, training sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties consistent with the scope of the position as assigned by the Finance Manager or Director of Finance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary education in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, finance administration, or a related area is considered an asset; relevant co-op, internship, placement, or student experience will be considered.
• Experience working in a non-profit, charitable, housing, social services, or community-based organization is considered an asset.

• Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial record-keeping practices, with an interest in developing knowledge of financial processes and internal controls.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, and the ability to learn accounting and financial management systems.
• Demonstrated initiative, willingness to learn, and openness to feedback and coaching.
• Strong data entry, recordkeeping, and document management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Shown ability to organize work, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet established deadlines.
• Safeguards financial and organizational information with professionalism, discretion, and a strong commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and provide responsive internal customer service.

Additional Information

This posting is intended to fill a current vacancy.

CONC may use technology to support elements of the recruitment process.

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

Equity and Accommodation

CONC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including those from equity-deserving groups. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment process.