Research Financial Analyst

University of Waterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo seeks a Research Financial Analyst to manage a portfolio of research accounts, ensuring adherence to sponsor guidelines and university policies. You will communicate with researchers, pre-awards colleagues, and external sponsors to support financial reporting and account administration.

The role involves setting up new accounts, preparing financial statements, and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Key point of contact between researchers and research administrators for financial advice, guidance and queries pertaining to research accounts
• Communicate regularly and proactively with researchers in person, by e-mail or by telephone to discuss progress on their accounts
• Provide advice and assistance to researchers and their departmental/faculty administrators on sponsor guidelines or university policy as it pertains to research
• Communicate with external research sponsors regarding interpretation of guidelines or reporting requirements and resolution of specific project needs/concerns/issues
• Liaise with Office of Research pre-awards colleagues regarding clarifications or amendments to research agreements/contracts
• Liaise with other UW academic support units to ensure appropriate management of research funds

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.

Job Requisition ID: 2026-02809

Time Type: Full time

Employee Group: Staff

Job Category: Financial Planning and Reporting

Employment Type: Temporary

Department: Office of the Vice-President, Research and International - Research Finance II

Hiring Range: $61,954.88 - $77,443.60

Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Term: 2 years

This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity.

Internal posting closes on October 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm

Job Description:

The Research Financial Analyst (RFA) is responsible for the financial administration and management of a portfolio of research accounts for a specific group of researchers. These responsibilities include problem–solving with respect to the management and analysis of a portfolio of research accounts, preparation of financial statements, management of the relationship between and requirements of internal and external stakeholders and ensuring adherence to financial requirements/guidelines specified by sponsors and to University policies.

Key Accountabilities

Manage and Foster Relationships with Internal and External Stakeholders

• Key point of contact between researchers and research administrators for financial advice, guidance and queries pertaining to research accounts
• Communicate regularly and proactively with researchers in person, by e-mail or by telephone to discuss progress on their accounts
• Provide advice and assistance to researchers and their departmental/faculty administrators on sponsor guidelines or university policy as it pertains to research
• Communicate with external research sponsors regarding interpretation of guidelines or reporting requirements and resolution of specific project needs/concerns/issues
• Liaise with Office of Research pre-awards colleagues regarding clarifications or amendments to research agreements/contracts
• Liaise with other UW academic support units to ensure appropriate management of research funds

Financial Administration and Management of a Portfolio of Research Accounts

Set up of new research accounts

• Review, gain an understanding of and approve new research projects through the research awards management system (InfoEd)
• Liaise with Office of Research pre-awards colleagues regarding new or unusual areas of the research agreement
• Set up budget, overhead and encumbrance journal entries in accordance with specific requirements of the award agreement
• Notify the Principal Investigator (PI) of the key financial repor