Finance Manager (CMARC)

McGill University; Canada; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Montreal is seeking a Finance Manager to provide key financial analysis and advice. The role involves collaborating with various teams to optimize resource allocation and implement best practices. The successful candidate will manage financial transactions, conduct cost analysis, and ensure compliance with policies while working within a dynamic academic environment.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Defined contribution pension plan

Tuition waiver

Remote work options

Qualifications

• 3 years related experience with Bachelor's Degree.
• Extensive knowledge of accounting and financial management principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to CMARC leadership.
• Oversee financial transactions and ensure compliance with policies.
• Collaborate with teams to optimize resource allocation.

Skills

Financial Management

Communication

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Excel

Workday

Banner FIS

Crystal Reports

Job description

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Position Summary/Description

Reporting to the Director Operations, Office of the Vice-President (Research & Innovation), the Finance Manager will provide key financial analysis, professional advice, and recommendations aligned with the strategic focus and mission of CMARC. The incumbent will work collaboratively with CMARC leadership, staff members, researchers and other units across the University to optimize resource allocation, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement best practices. He/she will collaborate with all CMARC teams to deliver state-of-the-art animal care services to its users.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serving as a key advisor to the Director Operations by making recommendations on the accurate, transparent, and efficient use of funding and the development of a sustainable financial model for CMARC.
• Analyse financial data and evaluate financial scenarios for projects and initiatives and make recommendations to CMARC leadership.
• Keep abreast of new developments and trends in university administration and develop and implement new initiatives and projects in support the strategic direction (e.g. revenue generating opportunities, improved cost recovery)
• Conducts an annual cost analysis of CMARC operations in support of cost recovery through the setting of the per diem rates. Provide additional analysis in support of other cost recovery streams (Technical/ Veterinary Services, pharmacy items etc.)
• Identify opportunities to improve existing financial and administrative procedures and participate in the development of new policies, processes and guidelines with the aim of maximizing administrative/ operational efficiencies within CMARC. Follow through on their implementation.
• Provide guidance, training and advice to local users/members of CMARC on financial issues and applicable policies and procedures and ensure best practices are consistently understood and followed.
• Collaborate with all CMARC teams on creating operational and administrative efficiencies and ensure all operations align with allocated budgets.
• Ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations (internal and external).
• In collaboration with the Senior Finance Officer (VPRI), prepare CMARC budgets, trend forecasts and variance analysis. Analyze data and provide regular financial updates, reports and recommendations.

• Oversee the timely and accurate execution of financial transactions, including journal entries, budget transfers, advances, requisitions, expense reports, supplier invoices, procurement card transactions, and cheque deposits.
• Oversee prompt billing for services rendered. Reconcile AC with revenue with respect to all CMARC revenue sources.
• Develop, introduce and maintain cyclical controls for key financial activities: Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance and process controls on items such as MMP orders, account and activity code matching, census taking for billing, variances and over-expenditures. Investigate and analyze discrepancies or anomalies and communicate with
• relevant area to resolve issues.
• Supervise CMARC Finance and Admin team.
• Represent unit at internal and external meetings.
• Undertake special projects in support of creating financial and operational efficiencies.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of accounting and financial management principles. Experience in accounting, budget management and financial administration, ideally in a University context.
• Ability to manage people and communicate and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, senior management, researchers, vendors, suppliers and other external entities.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into a cohesive financial model and ability to develop and implement new processes and/or systems.
• Proven ability to manage special projects, including planning, execution, and evaluation, ensuring successful completion within scope and time.
• Advanced proficiency with computerized applications, including spreadsheets, databases, incl. Banner FIS, Crystal reports, Workday. Advanced excel skills required.
• Competency in Finance/ accounting systems, and data analysis software an asset.
• Ability to communicate in both English (written and verbal) and French (verbal)

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience with Bachelor's Degree /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 05) $70,820.00 - $88,530.00 - $106,240.00

Job Profile:
MPEX-FIN2B - Accounting - Professional 2

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Director Operations

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2025-05-30

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].