Financial Analyst, Research Accounting

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

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Financial Analyst for approximately 14 months. The role involves delivering financial and accounting support for research projects, conducting complex financial analyses, and ensuring compliance with guidelines and policies. Candidates should be CPA designated with significant experience in various accounting functions, particularly in a research environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in accounting roles.
• Knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards.
• Proficient in large integrated ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide accounting and finance support including budgeting and variance analysis.
• Compile financial analysis and ad hoc reporting.
• Ensure accurate accounting and documentation for audits.

Skills

Analytical capabilities

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Strategic thinking

Creative thinking

Education

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Canada designation

Related University degree in business, finance, or accounting

Tools

Peoplesoft

Business intelligence tools

Job description

Research Accounting within Finance is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Financial Analyst for approximately 14 months.

The Financial 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.

This key position 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 policies and guidelines and promoting strong internal control and best practices.

Summary of Key Responsibilities :

• Provide accounting, finance support and services, including project budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial analysis and reporting, ensuring accurate accounting.
• Provide accurate, timely and relevant information, data analysis and forecasts using Peoplesoft data warehouse and business intelligence tools.
• Coordinate operational aspects of the financial processes within projects to ensure 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.
• Respond to and resolve complex process issues.
• Compile and perform meaningful financial analysis and ad hoc reporting on restricted and projects.
• Improve financial processes and procedures by working with finance process owners.
• Assist with educating team members on finance processes, 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 on non-adherence to granting agency, University policies and guidelines, and escalate 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.
• Develop documentation and financial reports for the various audits, reconciliations and special projects (working papers, activity summaries, project testing, variance and comparative analysis).
• Foster and build collaborative, supportive relationships with stakeholders.
• Develop close partnerships with key client stakeholders, service providers, granting agencies as well as other University of Calgary departments.
• Contribute to the creation of operational plans to deliver the requirements for Finance within the client environment.
• Recommend the operational use of Finance resources in providing the most effective and efficient delivery of financial services.
• Initiate, implement and support new or modified approaches, practices and processes.
• Provide input into the department's business plans to determine resource requirements.
• Contribute to an environment that fosters quality improvement and a culture of safety, dignity and respect for staff.
• Improve health and safety performance through promotion of culture supporting hazard assessment, risk management, incident identification, reporting and correction, and compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and safe work practices.

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 roles performing various accounting functions including budgeting, variance analysis, forecasting, complex reconciliations and financial analysis.
• Proficient user of computer software applications, including large integrated enterprise resource planning systems, data warehousing and business intelligence tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Capable of building and maintaining productive and supportive working relationships.
• 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 : December 27th, 2024

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 Inclusion Review Job Family, Phase P2A .

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.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples.

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

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