Finance Analyst

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square, Edmonton.

As one of the top 5 research universities in Canada, the University of Alberta's research and innovation spans many fields and disciplines. Our researchers’ expertise and strength attract over $600 million annually from various research funders and partners including federal and provincial governments, industry, foundations, and other organizations.

Under the direction of the Manager - Institutional Programs, the Finance Analyst will provide financial account support. Unlike most funding programs where the accountability rests with an academic staff member, most of the funding programs to be handled by this position rest with the University, namely the Vice-President (Research) and delegates. One of the main sponsors of programs handled by this position will be the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The total funding to date from CFI and its matching partners is in excess of $631 million. Including matching projects, there are approximately 226 active CFI related projects. In addition to the CFI, this position will provide financial account support to other sponsors as determined by the supervisor.

The Finance Analyst performs multiple tasks associated predominantly with the post-award, day-to-day administration of research funding provided to the University by CFI and its matching partners. The position involves continual monitoring of a high volume of complex research projects for levels of expenditures, overall accuracy and completeness of transaction entries to ensure that matching requirements are met. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for early identification of problems and requires the ability to investigate discrepancies and perform analyses.

This position will liaise and provide support and guidance to sponsors, staff within other teams of the Research Services Office and the university community. This position is responsible for using professional judgment to ensure that University and sponsor procedures, guidelines and policies (which are consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)) are applied at all times. In this functionally-based service environment, the position is expected to act independently and in a team environment to ensure quick and efficient services are delivered both internally and externally.

The Finance Analyst must possess strong accounting, analytical, and communication skills, coupled with demonstrated technical skills (PeopleSoft, Excel, etc.). The Finance Analyst is expected to provide analyses, reports, and other financial deliverables within stringent time frames.

• Prepares, signs off and submits claims to sponsors in multiple currencies that reflect expenses incurred under research projects;
• Prepares, signs off and submits complex financial statements to sponsors requiring the application of consolidation principles, foreign currency translation, accrual accounting;
• Investigates and resolves financial discrepancies in the accounting records such as those related to:
  • Budgets
  • Revenue
  • Billings/Accounts Receivable
  • Expenditures
  • Project financial statements
• Administration and processing of subgrants;
• Assists with the monitoring, investigating and collecting past due accounts receivable items;
• Provides assistance with establishing financial requirements to staff who negotiate agreements;
• Reviews and interprets financial terms and conditions of funding awards to complete financial reporting requirements;
• Prepares and submits general ledger journal entries for approval;
• Applies internal policies and procedures to ensure proper recognition of revenue that will ultimately be reflected in the financial statements of the University;
• Identifies system related errors or issues and recommends solutions;
• Develops and implements updates to RSO training/development/presentations for the University community;
• Performs detailed analysis and closes research projects once all terms and conditions have been met;
• Assesses expenditures for eligibility and adherence to budget;
• Participates in User Acceptance Testing for systems development as required;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• An Accounting Designation, an Undergraduate degree in a related discipline, or a business or accounting diploma, combined with current enrolment in a professional accounting program, is required.

• A minimum of two years of financial experience in a research administration setting is preferred.

• Strong communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Superior time management skills; ability to provide timely and efficient service.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to make timely decisions and act on individual initiative.

• Knowledge of research policies, procedures, and guidelines for the major sponsors and the University of Alberta is an asset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.