Job Description

Position Overview The Research Accounting Team within Finance is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Research Finance Administrator. Research Accounting is responsible for the post-award financial administration of all sponsored research and restricted funding at the University of Calgary. The Research Finance Administrator, Research Accounting reports to the Manager, Research Accounting. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, complex problem-solving skills, sound professional judgement and previous finance and accounting experience. The role requires an understanding of technical financial concepts and ability to accurately interpret and apply requirements of external agency policies, guidelines and contracts. The incumbent must work well under pressure as this position is expected to handle frequently shifting priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and competing deadlines. Individuals must be able to work independently and accurately solve complex business issues using strong financial analysis skills and sound professional judgment. High attention to detail is required and ability to communicate effectively across all levels within the University and with external stakeholders is critical as inaccurate advice or information could have serious consequences to customers and/or the reputation of the University. This position works 35 hours per week from Monday to Friday; however, overtime may be required on occasion. This position is part of the AUPE Collective Bargaining Unit. This position provides research accounting and finance support and service to project holders and other University stakeholders by ensuring that journal entries, sub-grant payments and project expenditures are processed in a timely manner and in compliance with external agency policies, guidelines and contracts, along with University policies, guidelines and finance processes. Position Description Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Perform detailed review of supporting documentation and external contracts to ensure eligibility and compliance
• Review and advise on various types of project transactions, such as: reallocation of expenses, salaries/benefits, revenue distribution and payment of expenses
• Assist in the preparation and submission of financial statements and supporting working papers as well as special purpose reports
• Provide advice, guidance, and responses to time sensitive requests for information from both internal and external users
• Working with project holders, the Research Accounting Finance Administrator will provide accounting and finance support and services (e.g. processing of sub-grant payments, reallocation of expenses, validating expenses, closing projects etc.), including project financial analysis and ad hoc reporting on projects
• Provide accurate, timely and relevant financial information analysis using PeopleSoft data warehouse and business intelligence tools
• Ensure audit trails or supporting documentation for all financial transactions will be available when required by granting agencies
• Remain current on factors that would initiate change, such as University policies and procedures and granting agency regulations
• Flag non-adherence to granting agency and University policies and guidelines and escalate when appropriate to ensure resolution
• Provide accurate and timely completion of special assignments and projects, including reports on findings, recommendations and outcomes
• Implement and support change successfully
• Stay current on trends and approaches to financial management and processes through continued professional development

Relationship Management

• Foster and build collaborative, supportive relationships with stakeholders
• Actively develop close partnerships with key client stakeholders, service providers, external granting agencies as well as other University departments including IT, HR, and operational management

Change Leadership

• Ability to initiate, implement and support new or modified approaches, practices and processes in the organization
• Continually analyze the change process and make necessary adjustments to maximize effectiveness

Risk Management

• Contribute to an environment that fosters quality improvement and a culture of safety, dignity and respect for staff
• Commit to continually improving health and safety performance through promotion of culture supporting hazard assessment, risk management, incident identification, reporting and correction, and compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and safe work practices

Qualifications / Requirements:

• 4 year Bachelor's Degree in business, finance, or accounting
• Understanding of Public Sector Accounting Standards
• Enrollment in an accounting designation program (CPA Canada PEP program) is an asset
• Minimum of 3 years of related and progressive work experience performing various accounting functions including journal entries, financial working papers and account reconciliations
• Experience interpreting, applying and advising on financial and research granting agency guidelines and procedures is an asset
• Experience liaising and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word and Outlook)
• Proficiency with large integrated enterprise resource planning systems, including Financial Information System (FIS), Human Resources Information System (HRIS), and Research Information System (RIS), or similar systems
• Consistent demonstration of the following skills:
  • Innovative and creative thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Strategic and critical thinking
  • Sound judgement and decision making
  • Ability to exercise influence and support change
  • Ability to produce results quickly and accurately
  • Ability to work independently and organize and complete work with minimal supervision

Application Deadline: August 26, 2022 We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted. Additional Information This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 2. To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. About the University of Calgary The University of Calgary is Canada's leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation's most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada's top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do. As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca). We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.