Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Senior Accountant - Budget & Planning

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Job Overview
We are currently seeking a Senior Accountant - Budget & Planning to join our Finance team! This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking accounting professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Reporting to the Manager, Budgeting and Planning, the Senior Accountant - Budget & Planning is a key contributor to KPU's financial success and strategic growth. This role provides the opportunity to partner with leaders across the University to deliver expert financial analysis, reporting, planning, and operational support that drives informed decision-making and strengthens financial stewardship.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, solutions-focused professional who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working with complex financial data, and is passionate about continuous improvement. As a trusted financial partner, you will support the development, implementation, maintenance, evaluation, and enhancement of financial administration, systems, processes, and special projects in alignment with KPU policies, collective agreements, and regulatory requirements.

In addition to providing technical expertise, the Senior Accountant - Budget & Planning leads and mentors staff, builds strong relationships with stakeholders across Faculties and departments, and supports university-wide initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness and service excellence. This role also manages and coordinates strategic projects, contributes to institution-wide analysis, and plays an important role in ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and continuous improvement of KPU's financial operations. Working in an environment of evolving priorities and complex issues, including matters of a sensitive and confidential nature, the Senior Accountant - Budget & Planning holds broad accountability within their assigned functional area and contributes to advancing KPU's strategic objectives.

Education and Experience

Chartered Professional Accountant designation in good standing is required, however candidates working towards the CPA designation or candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training and work experience will be considered;
Minimum of two years progressive experience including supervisory and/or managerial experience, as well as a demonstrated ability of effective team management and change and/or systems implementation, resulting in improvements to service quality, staff productivity and systems efficiency;
Minimum of three years relevant experience in functional area applied for (Budget/Capital/Operations/Reporting/Research) as well as areas of financial administration, financial systems, projects and assurance;
Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong focus on customer service.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels.
Proven ability to exercise tact and diplomacy, confidentiality, and conflict resolution skills.
Solid understanding of and respect for the diverse values and culture of a university environment.
Strong knowledge of accounting procedures and financial reporting practices.
Demonstrated ability to summarize and present complex financial data in an organized and concise manner.
Strong computer skills, proficiency with spreadsheet programs, and demonstrated ability to use various financial software packages and databases to perform financial analyses and develop reports.
Ability to travel between campuses is required.

Competencies

Leadership: KPU employees inspire, coach, mentor, and support students, employees and KPU as a whole in achieving objectives.
Accountability: KPU employees demonstrate fiscal accountability and take ownership for their actions, decisions and results.
Continuous Improvement: KPU employees take a creative approach to opportunities, exploring unique ways to create optimal value for the KPU community.
Collaboration: KPU employees work in functional and cross-functional teams, coming together to solve complex issues and accomplish objectives that will benefit the KPU community.

Salary Information
The compensation range ($87,854 to $128,852) is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. Typically, initial salary placement is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum. This represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and approximately halfway of the salary range for a job with consideration given to internal equity.

Want to know more?
Click here to view the full job description.

Application Process
To apply for this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document via KPU’s Career Centre (click “Career Opportunities”, find the posting, then click “Apply Now”).

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The Search Committee will begin to shortlist after June 17, 2026, although the position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the first round of shortlisting, please apply by July 17, 2026.

Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Open Positions

Senior Accountant - Budget & Planning