Financial Analyst, Research Accounting, Finance

Position Overview

The Department of Research Accounting within Finance is currently a Full-time Temporary Relief Financial Analyst for approximately 18 months.

Research Accounting, a unit within the Finance portfolio, is responsible for the post-award financial administration of research and non-research funds at the University.  

This position reports to the Manager, Research Accounting, and will provide accounting and finance support and services to project holders, including project budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial analysis and reporting, coordinating the delivery of Research Accounting finance support to various stakeholders.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide accurate, timely and relevant information, data analysis and forecasts using Peoplesoft data warehouse and business intelligence tools.
• Coordinate the operational aspects of the financial processes within Research Accounting projects to ensure these processes are effectively planned, coordinated and communicated to stakeholders.  
• Ensure audit trails or supporting documentation for all financial transactions will be available when required by granting agencies.
• Assist in developing tools for staff (checklist/procedures) to facilitate efficiency and consistency in the financial review of project charges.
• Responds to and resolves complex process issues, engaging the respective manager as required.
• Support Research Accounting’s decision making process by compiling and performing meaningful financial analysis and ad hoc reporting on research projects.
• Work in partnership with stakeholders to continuously seek to improve financial processes and procedures within Research Accounting by working with finance process owners.
• Stay current on trends and approaches to financial management and processes through continued professional development.
• Provide advice of non-adherence to granting agency and University policies and guidelines and escalate when appropriate to ensure resolution.
• Develop documentation and financial reports for the various audits, reconciliations and special projects (working papers, activity summaries, project testing, variance and comparative analysis)
• Actively develops close partnerships with key client stakeholders, service providers, granting agencies as well as other University of Calgary departments including Information Technology, Human Resources, and operational management
• Contributes to the creation of operational plans to deliver the requirements for Finance within client environment
• Ability to initiate, implement and support new or modified approaches, practices and processes in the organization

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Canada designation (CPA, CA, CMA or CGA) and a related University degree, in business, finance, accounting or a related field. Individuals in the CPA Canada PEP program may be considered
• Knowledge and understanding of Public Sector Accounting Standards
• Three or more years of work experience in progressively more responsible role performing various accounting functions including budgeting, variance analysis, forecasting, complex reconciliations and financial analysis
• Strong interpersonal skills and capable of building and maintaining productive and supportive working relationships
• Proficient user of computer software applications, including large integrated enterprise resource planning systems, data warehousing and business intelligence tools 
• Consistent demonstration of the following skills:
  • Ability to coach and support others
  • Innovative and creative thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Strategic and critical thinking
  • Strong presentation and facilitation skills
  • Sound judgement and decision making
  • Ability to exercise influence and support change

Application Deadline: December 6, 2021 Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

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 classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 2 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

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.

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

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.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.