Accountant, Research Financial Services

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario University Athletics is seeking an Accountant, Research Financial Support at the University of Guelph to provide proactive support to researchers in managing grants and ensuring proper charge of expenses. The role reports to the Sr.

Manager and requires CPA exposure, 3–6 years of experience, and strong MS Office skills. The position involves ensuring compliance with university policies, preparing financial reports, and coordinating with stakeholders to meet deadlines while supporting

Qualifications

• CPA designation preferred or in progress.
• 3–6 years related experience in financial management.
• Experience with developing financial frameworks and monitoring variances.
• Knowledge of current computer financial software and MS Office Suite; experience in public sector research financial management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the accounts within the responsible unit to ensure expenses are charged to eligible grants.
• Ensure grants are managed within allowable time periods and close timely.
• Work with service providers and maintain high levels of customer service to all stakeholders.
• Demonstrate management, supervision and coaching experience with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Skills

CPA

MS Office

Analytical skills

Communication

Supervision experience

Education

University degree

Masters preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Department:Research Financial Services
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

General Purpose

Research Financial Services provides assistance and guidance to meet the financial administrative requirements of sponsored research awards. We prepare financial reports for research awards while supporting the University community by ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures, government regulations and the requirements of all research sponsors. Our team consists of Senior Managers, Accountants and Financial Officers.

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Research Financial Support, the Accountant, Research Financial Support will ensure proactive support is provided to researchers in the daily management of research grants, ensuring expenses are charged appropriately, approvals are in place, and developing best practices to support various types of research funding. The annual amount of research revenue at the University of Guelph is approximately $185M.

Duties and Responsibilities

• This role will oversee the accounts within responsible unit to ensure expenses are charged to only eligible grants, grants are managed within allowable time periods, and grants close in timely manner.
• This rolewill work effectively in an evolving and innovative environment by balancingcompeting deadlines, priorities and tasks is critical to being successful in the position.
• Work with a teamof service providers and by providinga high level of customer service to all stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure compliance is maintained and all financial requirements are met in a timely and accurate manner.
• This rolewill have proven management, supervision and coaching experience, excellent organizational skills and strict attention to detail as well as the ability to prioritize and adapt to competing demands, while embracing a customer service philosophy.

Requirements

• University undergraduate degree (Masters preferred) and a professional accounting designation CPA (incumbent who have passed all the CPA exams and in the process of completing experience requirement will be considered).
• 3-6years related experience; experience with developing financial frameworks and monitoring variances
• Comprehensive knowledge of current computer financial software, MS Office Suite and experience in public sector research financial management required.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills, exercise initiative and communicate effectively with numerous stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the various sources of research funding and specific requirements is considered key to success in this role.
• Knowledge of higher education Policies and Procedures are considered an asset.
• Working tomanage reporting and compliance requirements for all research funding.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10914031
Classification: P&M FT- Band 05
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 09/11/2026