Programs Financial Manager

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

The Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph is seeking an experienced Financial Manager to support its externally funded programs, focusing on SF4C. This 0.5 FTE temporary role reports to the Director of Programs and collaborates with program managers to provide financial administration, reporting and analysis, while aiding procurement and contract administration.

Applicants should bring strong financial skills, sound judgment and a service-oriented approach to navigate complex funder

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related discipline.
• CPA designation or equivalent education and experience.
• At least three years of relevant financial experience in university/public-sector/externally funded environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day financial administration including transactions, expense claims, invoicing, receivables and account reconciliation.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, revenues and commitments and prepare financial reports, forecasts and variance analyses.
• Identify and resolve financial discrepancies, risks, ineligible expenses and emerging budget pressures.
• Interpret and apply University, Tri-Agency and funder policies and requirements.
• Support procurement and the financial administration of funding agreements, contracts and service agreements.
• Maintain audit-ready financial records and track reporting obligations.
• Collaborate with University units, funders, partners and program teams to resolve issues and provide financial guidance.
• Improve financial tracking, reporting and administrative processes.

Skills

CPA designation

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance

CPA designation

Tools

Excel

Financial reporting systems

Job description

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Office of the VP Research

Requisition ID: 2875

Department: Arrell Food Institute

This position is classified under the Grant & Trust Professional Group

Temporary part-time from 09/21/2026 to 09/20/2028

(Less than 24 hours a week)

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Arrell Food Institute (AFI) at the University of Guelph is seeking an experienced financial manager to support its portfolio of externally funded programs, with a primary focus on Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C), a national initiative funded through the Government of Canada's Lab to Market program. Reporting to the Director of Programs and working closely with AFl's team of Program Managers, the Financial Manager will provide financial administration, reporting and analysis, while supporting procurement and the development and administration of agreements and contracts with partners and service providers. The successful candidate will bring strong financial skills, sound judgment and a practical, service-oriented approach to navigating complex institutional and funder requirements. This is expected to be a 0.5 FTE position.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day financial administration, including transactions, expense claims, invoicing, receivables and account reconciliation.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, revenues and commitments and prepare financial reports, forecasts and variance analyses.
• Identify and resolve financial discrepancies, risks, ineligible expenses and emerging budget pressures.
• Interpret and apply University, Tri-Agency and funder policies and requirements.
• Support procurement and the financial administration of funding agreements, contracts and service agreements.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready financial records and track reporting obligations.
• Work with University units, funders, partners and program teams to resolve issues and provide practical financial guidance.
• Improve financial tracking, reporting and administrative processes.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related discipline.
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation or equivalent education and experience.
• At least three years of relevant financial experience, preferably in a university, public-sector or externally funded environment.
• Strong experience with budgeting, forecasting, reconciliation, financial reporting and variance analysis.
• Experience interpreting financial policies, funding agreements and expenditure requirements; familiarity with Tri-Agency requirements is an asset.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial reporting systems.
• Experience supporting procurement, contracts or service agreements is an asset.

Employee Type: Temporary

Position Number: 10927954

Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, P&M FT- Band 05

GTP Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

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: 08/27/2026

Close Date: 09/09/2026