Research Operation & Financial Officer

InsideHigherEd; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 91,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in Ontario is seeking a Research Operations & Financial Officer to manage financial aspects of research initiatives. This role involves budgeting, operational support, and compliance management. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and substantial experience in financial management within a post-secondary setting. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement and a salary range starting at $91,677.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of related experience in financial and administrative support.
• Experience in a post-secondary academic environment preferred.
• Experience with AMS or similar information systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the financial management of budgets.
• Forecast and plan financial activities.
• Ensure compliance with university policies.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Analytical skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, or Accounting

Tools

MS Office Suite

Financial Information Systems

Job description

Research Operation & Financial Officer

Date Posted : 07 / 30 / 2025

Req ID : 44555

Faculty / Division : University of Toronto Scarborough

Department : UTSC : Office of Vice-Principal Research & Innovation

Campus : University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Position Number : 00037793

About us :

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place where diversity fuels innovation. Where ideas don’t stop at the borders of our beautiful, tree-lined campus. Discover our globally-renowned academic excellence, experiential learning opportunities, collaborative spirit and transforming research partnerships. As part of the University of Toronto, Canada's leading research university and one of the top research universities in the world, conducting cutting-edge, world-class research is part of the University of Toronto Scarborough’s (UTSC) DNA. The Office of the Vice-Principal, Research & Innovation is responsible for enhancing the overall research profile of UTSC locally, nationally and internationally.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members ( Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence ). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your opportunity :

Under the direction of the Manager of Operations, and the Senior Leadership team, you will provide financial, operational and administrative support towards the overall mission of the Office of the Vice-Principal Research and Innovation (OVPRI). The position will play a pivotal role in designing, overseeing and managing the financial aspects of our research and entrepreneurship operations, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to budgetary and compliance guidelines. Your responsibilities will include the development and implementation of financial strategies and budgets that support the growth and success of OVPRI, the Sam Ibrahim Centre for Inclusive Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership (SICIEEIL), and other OVPRI initiatives. You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, able to prioritize and manage tasks and timelines, and work well in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and multi-leader environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge research and innovation while fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem within the UTSC community and beyond.

Your responsibilities will include :

• Overseeing the financial management of budgets
• Forecasting and planning financial activities incorporating budgets with multiple sources of revenue and / or recoveries
• Applying the University Guide to Financial Management and other applicable policies, agency and regulatory requirements
• Liaising with contacts to ensure consistent administration procedures are followed
• Coordinating and guiding applicants through various phases of the research funding application process
• Producing complex statistical information related to applications and awards
• Implementing plans and process improvements for funding activities
• Analyzing and presenting statistical reports and / or financial information for management decision-making

Essential Qualifications :

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, or Accounting or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.

Minimum five years of related experience in financial and administrative support in a post-secondary academic environment. Experience in research environment is an asset

Experience with AMS (FIS, RIS, HRIS) or similar information systems

Excellent accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial and administrative management skills required

Advance proficiency in MS Office Suites and Financial Information Systems, with the ability to develop and produce complex statistical and / or financial reports

Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret and apply guidelines, procedures, and regulations in a variety of situations

Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills

Outstanding decision-making and judgement skills with the ability to effectively analyze issues and provide sound solutions

Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment

Assets (Nonessential) :

A Professional Accounting Designation or near completion of a Professional Accounting Designation

Experience with research finances, research grant reporting, and research infrastructure

Experience supporting multiple clients

Familiarity with University policies, procedures and their application (for example, Guide to Financial Management)

To be successful in this role you will be :

Adaptable

Diplomatic

Efficient

Motivated self-learner

Multi-tasker

Organized

Notes :

This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline .

Closing Date : 08 / 29 / 2025, 11 : 59PM ET

Employee Group : USW

Appointment Type : Budget - Continuing

Schedule : Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone :

USW Pay Band 14 $91,677. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $117,242. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation / Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category : Finance / Budget / Planning / Audit

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

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Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http : / / uoft.me / UP .

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail] .

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