The Canadian Union of Public Employees is welcoming applications for two temporary positions of Bookkeeper (Accounts Payable), to work within the Accounting Branch of the Finance and Administration Department at CUPE’s National Office in Ottawa, Ontario. These assignments are expected to continue for a period of two months, with a possibility of extension.

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Applicants must have several years of bookkeeping experience, thorough knowledge of general accounting procedures and above average computer skills in MS Word and Excel. Experience with database software is desirable. Good organizational skills, above average oral and written communication skills in English and good business math skills are essential, as well as a high degree of accuracy and self-motivation.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the general direction of the Director of the Accounting Branch or designates, applicants must be able to perform the following duties, among others, with a minimum of supervision and under tight deadlines:

  • Sort, process, verify, and record transactions, which may include invoices, cheques, deposits, expense claims, strike pay, and/or payroll remittances with timeliness and accuracy.
  • Maintain accurate records by verifying and/or making the appropriate calculations, investigating inconsistencies, reconciling discrepancies, and making required adjustments.
  • Maintain relevant supporting documents where required, which may include items such as approvals and vouchers.
  • Perform accounting/statistical functions, which may include recording and tracking information, making mathematical calculations, generating statistics, compiling tables, posting transactions and adjustments, balancing transactions, and preparing year-end summaries.
  • Set up, compose, type, proofread and process to completion, various documents that may include correspondence, reports, forms, and other documents, as required.
  • Generate reports that may include the use of various accounting applications and may require generation of statistics, spreadsheets, tables, statements, and year-end summaries
  • Research, compile, and analyze relevant material which may include the drafting of responses to inquiries and/or advising on procedures such as credit card usage and expense claims, where required.
  • Conduct information recording, gathering, processing and dissemination functions, which may include: data collecting, inputting, and updating of databases, performing data searches and inquiries, and generating reports.
  • Execute general mail and email functions including receiving, processing, responding to or forwarding incoming mail and may require processing of outgoing mailings and/or courier deliveries.
  • Respond to or direct telephone inquiries to appropriate staff members.
  • Complete filing functions using manual and/or electronic file systems, updating reference materials, and archiving, where required.
  • Assist other bookkeepers, accountants, and assistant accountants, as required.
  • Operate office equipment, such as computer, photocopier, fax, calculator, and other office equipment.
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Two years work experience as a bookkeeper, ideally in a union environment.
  • Business or Community College graduate from a relevant program, or equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of:
    • general accounting procedures;
    • Excel and various accounting software.
  • General knowledge of:
    • CUPE political and organization structure;
    • Internet research techniques;
    • and understanding of trade union values and principles;
    • and understanding of diversity and inclusion principles;
    • databases and data management;
    • role-based operational focus, where required.
  • Ability to:
    • speak and write at an above average level in English;
    • communicate and collaborate effectively in a respectful and cooperative manner with the public, and with diverse CUPE staff, members, contractors, etc.;
    • perform relevant mathematical functions;
    • work with minimal supervision;
    • maintain confidentiality;
    • meet deadlines and/or establish priorities while working in a high-pressure work setting;
    • work with a high degree of accuracy;
    • exemplify good organizational skills;
    • solve problems, identify, and correct discrepancies, and follow guidelines, where applicable;
    • keyboard/type at 50 wpm;
    • use advanced MS Office Suite and learn new software.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and COPE Local 491.

WEEKLY SALARY RANGE:               $1,617.25 to $1,649.38

Persons interested should click APPLY TO WORK FOR US, select National Office and Finance, follow all required steps, and submit a cover letter and resumé no later than April 15, 2026. Please mention Temporary Bookkeeper in the subject line.

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CUPE is committed to fostering a representative workplace and a culture grounded in respect, diversity and inclusiveness at all levels of our organization to ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse CUPE membership and the diverse communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity-deserving groups, including women, Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates on any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the selection or recruitment process. Please inform us if you require accommodations by contacting us at hr@cupe.ca. (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority.)