Financial and Administrative Assistant
Primary Purpose: This position will provide confidential and high-level support to Pewaseskwan and the Office of the Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness. The position will be instrumental in providing financial and administrative support and effectively aid in all aspects of Pewaseskwan and the strategic priorities of the Cameco Chair to the College of Medicine and the University.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness, with day-to-day direction from the Pewaseskwan co-leads and Executive Director, this position interacts with a diverse group of individuals including faculty, students, staff and the public. The incumbent works in a fast-paced, complex office setting, dealing with competing deadlines, multi-tasking, multi-directional high stakes communication in a highly confidential and nuanced environment faced with constant change and enhancement. Considerable discretion is a requirement as this position is privy to, and handles, highly sensitive and at times confidential information.
The successful candidate will be required to work in a complex and ever-changing environment, adapting to shifting priorities and timelines. They will contribute to a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment by actively engaging in self-awareness learning opportunities, relationship building and communication.
Accountabilities:
Finance and Administrative Support
- Provides research finance and administrative support for all projects for which the Pewaseskwan co-leads serve in a leadership role.
- Provides effective and efficient committee support to internal and external committees.
- Prepares, reviews and submits travel authorization requests as well as travel and expense claims and purchasing card statements.
- Plans and executes events, including managing invitations, agendas, catering, and venue bookings
- Coordinates travel logistics, such as booking flights and securing accommodations
- Prepares purchase requisitions, cheque requests, invoice requests and draft contracts or transfer agreements, as needed.
- Assists in the preparation of financial reports and other financial documentation.
- Investigates missing transaction information; tracks and follows up on action items.
- Maintains electronic files for audit compliance.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Ensures priorities and deadlines are met, correspondence is handled accurately, efficiently, professionally and confidentially.
- Works collaboratively with the other members of the the administrative support team and the research team to ensure all protocols are followed and that there is timely and robust documentation.
Qualifications:
Education: An undergraduate university degree is required. Training in project management would be an asset. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience providing support to senior level administrators, preferably in a complex and diverse fund-source organization, is required. General accounting experience in an office setting processing expense claims, cheque requisitions, account reconciliations and financial reporting is required. A background or experience in project management within an advanced education portfolio would be an asset.
Competencies:
Competenciesare attributes, behaviours, manner and style of how skills and knowledge are applied to the job. The competencies below are desired attributes which support the University of Saskatchewan’s Strategic Directions and People Values. All are applicable in varying degrees depending on the expectations of the job.
Leadership / Vision
The demonstrated ability to build a shared, compelling and credible vision of the future, influencing people to ensure outcomes that support achieving the vision; applicable to all jobs at all levels; a culture of leadership.
- Influences others to share and commit to a common vision
- Fosters positive work and learning environments
- Values and considers differing points of view before making a decision
- Makes timely decisions even when unpopular or difficult
- Holds others accountable for making and meeting commitments
- Provides continuous, honest and supportive feedback
- Supports development and continuous improvement
Support for Progress
The demonstrated ability to initiate, implement, and support innovation and institutional change and enhance programs and services.
- Challenges the status quo
- Advocates innovation and creativity, even when risk is involved
- Adapts and maintains productivity in an atmosphere of changing practices
- Demonstrates an optimistic attitude and strengths-based approach towards change
- Demonstrates emotional maturity and resiliency in difficult circumstances
- Engages and supports others in the change process
Results Orientation
Focuses on results and completing objectives within the framework defined by the University’s plans and policies.
- Readily accepts and responds to challenges
- Directly confronts problems and persists in finding solution
- Remains optimistic and persistent in the face of adversity
- Demonstrates courage rather than avoidance to resolve difficult issues
- Identifies shared interests to develop positive outcomes
- Celebrates successes and learns from mistakes
Personal Effectiveness
Demonstrates an ability to reflect, clarify and commit to what is important, take responsibility for growth and development, and contribute to positive and productive work and learning environments.
- Demonstrates integrity and ethical conduct, as understood in both Western and Indigenous ways, in words and deeds
- Keeps promises and commitments even when unpopular or difficult
- Seeks out and appreciates feedback, demonstrating a commitment to learning
- Accepts ownership and responsibility for outcomes
- Learns and recovers from setbacks / mistakes
- Takes responsibility for balancing work and personal commitments
Communication
The demonstrated ability to convey information and ideas to individuals in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand, retain, and respond to the message.
- Communicates clearly and ensures understanding
- Listens actively to understand others’ points of view
- Provides useful and valuable information to others
- Demonstrates an awareness of the effects of communications on others
- Understands and demonstrates the need for confidentiality and discretion
Relationship Building
The demonstrated ability to develop the rapport necessary to build, maintain and/or strengthen partnerships and relationships inside and outside of the University.
- Seeks out and promotes positive relationships
- Builds opportunities through collaboration and partnerships
- Demonstrates understanding, respect and concern for others
- Participates willingly and openly supports team decisions
- Proactively deals with conflict by openly addressing problems
Department: Medicine
Status: Term 2 years
Employment Group: CUPE 1975 - Restricted
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $28.72 - 37.60 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 5
Posted Date: 4/23/2025
Closing Date: 6/10/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan. 