Financial Analyst, Research Accounting

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Calgary is seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Financial Analyst, Research Accounting to support research accounting finance across campus. The role reports to the Manager, Research Accounting and requires strong analytical capabilities, problem-solving, and a solid accounting background.

The analyst will handle project accounting, budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis on research and non-research projects, ensuring adherence to policies and strong internal controls.

Qualifications

• CPA Canada designation or CPA-eligible (CPA Canada PEP).
• A related university degree in business, finance, accounting or a related field.
• Knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience including budgeting, variance analysis and forecasting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build productive relationships.
• Proficient with large ERP systems, data warehousing and BI tools.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Research Accounting team and financial reporting for sponsored research, endowment income, and restricted funds.
• Ensures research revenue and non-research revenues are accurately accounted for in the financial system.
• Develops, tests, implements and maintains complex reporting applications and reports.
• Keeps up to date with funding agency guidelines and requirements.
• Performs business and systems analysis and provides guidance on changes to tools, processes and controls.
• Acts as a resource to management to provide accurate, reliable, timely special reports.
• Provides information to internal and external users as requested.
• Contributes to project-related work as part of a team.

Skills

CPA designation

Analytical skills

Budgeting & Forecasting

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in business finance accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Data warehousing

BI tools

Job description

Research Accounting within the VP Finance & Services is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Financial Analyst, Research Accounting for approximately 1 year. The Analyst, Research Accounting reports to the Manager, Research Accounting, and plays an important role in the delivery of Research Accounting Finance support to stakeholders across campus. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, complex problem solving skills, sound professional judgement and diverse finance and accounting experience.

The Financial Analyst provides accounting and finance support and service to project holders, coordinating the delivery of Research Accounting finance support to various stakeholders. The Analyst will provide support with all aspects of project accounting, financial analysis and reporting, including budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis on research and non-research projects while adhering to polices and guidelines and promoting strong internal control and best practices.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Supports the Research Accounting team and the financial reporting of the University's sponsored research, endowment income and other restricted funds
• Ensure research revenue and non-research revenues are accurately accounted for within the University's financial system.
• Develop, test, implement and maintain complex reporting applications and reports.
• Remain current on various funding agency guidelines and requirements.
• Perform business and systems analysis and provide advice on business issues including changes to application tools, existing systems, processes, procedures, reporting and control functions.
• Act as a resource to management to provide accurate, reliable and timely special reports.
• Provide advice and guidance and respond to requests for information from both internal and external users.
• Perform as part of a team on project-related work as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Canada designation (CPA, CA, CMA or CGA). Individuals in the CPA Canada PEP program may be considered.
• A related University degree, in business, finance, accounting or a related field.
• 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
  • Sounds judgement and decision making
  • Ability to exercise influence and support change

Application Deadline:

November 23, 2026

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.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About The University Of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p 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's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, 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 academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.