Finance Officer

Description:

Under the supervision of the Associate Director, Research Financial Management Services, the incumbent is responsible for implementing a sound financial structure to execute efficiently and accurately the financial management of this prestigious $165M, Canada First Research Excellence Grant. This position will also be liaising with more than 50 external partners that are implicated in this large-scale research grant ensuring all financial reporting is executed with utmost accuracy and on a timely basis, including tracking of both cash and in-kind contributions. External sponsors are holding all Canadian universities highly accountable for the management of research funding. Controls and compliance requirements continue to be at the forefront and sponsors expect rigorous financial management of the research funds entrusted to the university. This this position is also responsible for monitoring expenditures as well as variance analysis and spending trends. Ensures that the financial administration is carried out in accordance with Sponsor’s agreement, award notices as well as the University’s policies and procedures

Primary Responsibilities:

• Set up a financial structure to ensure the seamless financial administration of this large scale $165M CFREF grant
• Responsible for consolidating the financial reporting to CFREF, external partners and other governing committees
• In collaboration with the Managing Director (CFREF), ensures transfers of funds to partners per set agreements
• Prepare and automate various schedules and reconciliations
• Analyzes problems, determines course of action, and provides advice to team members on problem resolution
• Reviews internal exception reports and ensures that problems are rectified on a timely basis
• Identifies and makes recommendations to the Managing Director regarding the development and implementation needs of new reporting requirements
• Provides support in implementing any new process changes as dictated by the granting agency as a result of audits
• Works in partnership with all units within Financial Services, Office of Sponsored Research, Faculties/departments as well as other appropriate units within the University
• Analyze, prepare, and review statistical and financial data for inclusion in internal and external reports
• Compile data for, and prepare regularly scheduled and special accounting reports, analyses, and statements
• Develop internal procedures and documentation
• Participate at meetings, make recommendations, and provide solutions