Employment type: full time The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) invites applications for the position of Staff Accountant and Payroll Administrator. COU is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and will work actively to ensure equal opportunity to all applicants. The Council of Ontario Universities is the forum for Ontario’s universities to collaborate and advocate in support of their shared mission to the benefit and prosperity of students, communities, and the province of Ontario. Our work advances postsecondary education through collective advocacy, sector collaboration, and a range of shared services for our members, Ontario’s 21 universities. The COU Secretariat is a collaborative team of professionals where each employee contributes directly to the success of the organization. Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, the Staff Accountant/Payroll Administrator is responsible for preparing and processing a bi-weekly payroll, accounts receivable and e-resources purchases reconciliations. This position also assists the Finance Department with special reports and projects as required. COU invites applications from experienced professionals with backgrounds in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. We offer a competitive total compensation package and a close-knit and collaborative work environment in the heart of downtown Toronto’s Discovery District. The hiring salary range for this position is $56,950-$63,356/year (remuneration commensurate to relevant skills and experience) plus a comprehensive benefits package. Key Responsibilities: Prepares and processes bi-weekly payroll for all employees (approximately 55 employees); issues ROE’s. Prepares remittances of all applicable employment-related taxes paid to government agencies (CPP, EI, payroll taxes, EHT, etc.) and payments to insurance companies for group benefits. Manages payroll year-end; processes and files year-end reports (T4/T4A, etc.); prepares monthly payroll survey Provides quarterly forecast and annual budget for taxable and non-taxable benefits. Ensures various tax tables are updated when changes are required. Responsible for AR function including preparation of invoices for billing of member institutions, processing cash receipts and follow-up of outstanding amounts. Responsible for monthly e-resources purchases reconciliations. Provides back-up coverage for Accounts Payable. Assists with preparation of audit materials and special reports and projects as required. Education and Experience: Minimum 2 years of payroll administration and AR/AP experience. Post-secondary education in Business, Accounting, Payroll or Human Resources. Has obtained or working towards NPI’s Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Certificate. Thorough knowledge of Ontario payroll legislation and applicable tax laws. Good general accounting skills plus in-depth experience in processing payroll. Skills: Good knowledge and experience working with accounting applications (e.g. Sage 300, ADP Payroll) Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), fast and accurate keyboarding skills, and basic math/accounting. Attention to detail is essential. Highly organized with the ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines. Effective communication skills. Service-oriented with diplomatic phone manner for responding to member inquiries and diligent problem investigation and follow-up. Ability to work in a team environment and interact regularly with all departments. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous improvement and modeling inclusive behaviours. Role Status: This position is open due to an existing role becoming vacant. Those qualified are asked to submit a cover letter with resume, outlining your experience and suitability for the position, to CSrecruit@cou.ca by 5 p.m. on October 30, 2026. Information regarding COU is available at www.cou.ca . COU is an Equity-Focused and Equal Opportunity employer, committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as part of its core values. EDI is a vital component of COU’s strategic priority to achieve organizational excellence. COU will foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion by enhancing and developing programs, policies, and training that supports and educates our employees. We recognize and appreciate the transformative power of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from individuals who identify as members of equity-deserving communities. COU is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment process to applicants with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require an accommodation during this process, please inform COU of your requirements. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Land Acknowledgement The land on which the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) operates in the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishnabek Nation and Haudenosaunee, and the treaty land of the Mississaugas of the Credit. The territory is the subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Anishinabek and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land . COU recognizes the historical and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples to our society, the historical and continuing injustices that Indigenous peoples endure, and the need for truth and reconciliation. COU is committed to forging a sustainable relationship with Indigenous partners based on principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity, and inclusion, towards making historic and significant progress in advancing the process of reconcilia