Research Finance Administrator, Research Accounting

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Full-time Regular Research Finance Administrator to support post-award financial administration of sponsored research. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, accounting experience, and knowledge of external agency guidelines.

Responsibilities include reviewing contracts, processing journal entries, reconciling project accounts, and preparing financial statements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in business, finance, or accounting.
• Enrollment in CPA Canada PEP program is an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years related accounting experience including journal entries, working papers and reconciliations.
• Experience with financial and research granting agency guidelines is an asset.
• Experience liaising with internal/external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Proficiency with ERP systems such as FIS/HRIS/RIS or similar.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed review of supporting documentation and external contracts to ensure eligibility and compliance.
• Review transactions with project holders and budget owners; reconcile project accounts and assist with closures.
• Advise on reallocation of expenses, salaries/benefits, revenue distribution and expenses.
• Assist in preparation and submission of financial statements and supporting working papers.
• Provide guidance and respond to time-sensitive information requests from internal and external users.
• Participate on project-related work on an adhoc basis.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in business, finance, or accounting

CPA Canada PEP program (asset)

Tools

FIS

HRIS

RIS

MS Excel

Job description

Description

Research Accounting under the VP Finance is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Research Finance Administrator.

Research Accounting is responsible for the post-award financial administration of all sponsored research and restricted funding at the University of Calgary. The Research Finance Administrator, Research Accounting reports to the Manager, Research Accounting. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, complex problem-solving skills, sound professional judgement and previous finance and accounting experience.

This position provides research accounting and finance support and service to project holders and other University stakeholders by ensuring that journal entries, sub-grant payments and project expenditures are processed in a timely manner and in compliance with external agency policies, guidelines and contracts, along with University policies, guidelines and finance processes.

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

• Perform detailed review of supporting documentation and external contracts to ensure eligibility and compliance;
• Work with project holders, budget owners and their staff to review transactions, reconcile project accounts, and assist with project closures;
• Review and advise on various types of project transactions, such as: reallocation of expenses, salaries/benefits, revenue distribution and payment of expenses;
• Assist in the preparation and submission of financial statements and supporting working papers as well as special purpose reports;
• Provide advice, guidance, and responses to time sensitive requests for information from both internal and external users; and
• Participate on project-related work on an adhoc basis

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in business, finance, or accounting
• Understanding of Public Sector Accounting Standards
• Enrollment in an accounting designation program (CPA Canada PEP program) is an asset
• Minimum of 3 years of related and progressive work experience performing various accounting functions including journal entries, financial working papers and account reconciliations
• Experience interpreting, applying and advising on financial and research granting agency guidelines and procedures is an asset
• Experience liaising and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word and Outlook)
• Proficiency with large integrated enterprise resource planning systems, including Financial Information System (FIS), Human Resources Information System (HRIS), and Research Information System (RIS), or similar systems
• Consistent demonstration of the following skills:
• Innovative and creative thinking
• Effective communication
• Strategic and critical thinking
• Sound judgement and decision making
• Ability to exercise influence and support change
• Ability to produce results quickly and accurately

Application Deadline: October 12, 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 2.

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.