Financial Analyst, Research Accounting

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Financial Analyst in Research Accounting under VP Finance to support project budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and financial reporting for campus-wide grants.

The role demands strong analytical capabilities, experience with ERP systems, data warehousing and BI tools, and the ability to manage complex transactions and deadlines while ensuring compliance with university policies and sponsor requirements.

Qualifications

• CPA Canada designation (CPA, CA, CMA or CGA) and related University degree.
• Knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards.
• Three or more years in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and financial reporting for research projects.
• Use Peoplesoft data warehouse and BI tools for data analysis and forecasting.
• Coordinate financial processes within Research Accounting projects and communicate with stakeholders.
• Provide audit-ready documentation and support for audits and external reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

CPA Canada designation

University degree in business/finance/accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Data warehousing

BI tools

Job description

Description

Research Accounting within VP Finance is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Financial Analyst for approximately 16 months

The Analyst, Research Accounting reports to the Manager, Research Accounting The Analyst position 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 role is complex due to the technical financial concepts, understanding of agency policy and guidelines, and high analytical nature of work. This position is expected to deal with shifting priorities and operate in a highly complex environment with multiple and competing deadlines. The incumbent must work well under pressure and be able to communicate effectively with all levels of the institutional and with external stakeholders. Individuals must be able to act independently and solve complex business issues while demonstrating flexibility and strong financial analysis skills. There is a high impact of errors as inaccurate advice or information could have serious consequences to customers and/or the reputation of the University. Professional judgment in reviewing own work and the work of team members is required.

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

• Working with project holders, the Analyst will provide accounting and finance support and services, including project budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial analysis and reporting, ensuring accurate accounting within the University's financial system..
• 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 restricted and projects.
• Work in partnership with stakeholders to continuously seek to improve financial processes and procedures within the Research Accounting by working with finance process owners.
• Assist with educating team members in Research Accounting on finance processes and financial planning and analysis.
• Stay current on trends and approaches to financial management and processes through continued professional development.
• Remain current on factors that would initiate change, such as University policies and procedures and granting agency regulations.
• Provide advice of non-adherence to granting agency and University policies and guidelines and elevate when appropriate to ensure resolution.
• Recommend changes to procedures, processes and reporting activities, which may include advising and/or leading project teams established to evaluate and implement improvements.
• Provide accurate and timely completion of special assignments and projects, including reports on findings, and including recommendations and outcomes.
• Implement and support change successfully.
• Develop documentation and financial reports for the various audits, reconciliations and special projects (working papers, activity summaries, project testing, variance and comparative analysis).
• Perform other tasks or duties as assigned.

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: September 16, 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 ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

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.