Senior Research Accountant

Trent University; Peterborough; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Peterborough seeks a financial expert to oversee research fund administration. The role includes ensuring compliance with regulations, preparing financial reports, and mentoring the financial team. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, a professional accounting designation, and at least five years of accounting experience, ideally in a post-secondary environment. Proficiency in financial systems is essential. This position promises a collaborative work environment and strong financial oversight opportunity.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible accounting experience including financial statement preparation.
• Experience in a post-secondary institution or public sector organization is preferable.
• Knowledge of Tri-agency funding eligibility and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial administration of research funds and ensure compliance with funding agency requirements.
• Prepare financial reports and assist in year-end financial statements.
• Lead and mentor Research Finance Advisors and Research Accountants.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, or related field

Professional accounting designation

Tools

Datatel

eFin

Excel

Job description

Trent University is actively committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Trent University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process or require an accessible version of a document/publication, please contact [e-mail].

JOB PURPOSE:

Oversees the financial administration of research funds to ensure revenues and expenditures are accurate, well-documented, properly reported, and compliant with funding agency requirements, applicable legislation, and generally accepted accounting principles. Provides expertise to the Research Finance team ensuring that they have the tools and training to perform their roles effectively and efficiently. Builds strong working relationships with the Research Office, Researchers and Research Finance team to enhance financial reporting, support informed decision-making, and improve customer service. Provides financial guidance for pre-award submissions and risk assessments to identify potential financial implications of funding agency contracts. Supports the Assistant Director, Research Finance and Special Reporting with the preparation of the University’s year-end financial statements, Council of Financial Officers (COFO) Financial Report, various accountability reports required by external funders, and schedules for the external financial statement audit.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Monitor and Review Financial Information

• Ensure compliance with internal and external policy and procedures, regulations and contract restrictions including Research Tri Agency Guidelines, Income Tax Act, Sales Tax and Charity Legislation.
• Review, approve and recommend financial reports for signature prior to submission. Review and approve financial information and analysis prepared by team related to research accounts.

Provide Advice, Explain or Clarify Financial Policy and Practices

• Ensure decision makers understand the financial implications of eligibility of expenditures, project budgets and variances, procurement processes and HR/payroll issues specific to Research.
• Provide information and make recommendations on policy and procedures for the Research Office and Financial Services. Liaison with the Research Office to plan and coordinate responses to a changing funding environment.
• Enhance customer service to support the Research Office and Researchers in decision making through improved reporting and regular team meetings.

Financial Reporting

• Accountable for the financial administration of all Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grants, including financial reporting, and review and approval of budgets.
• Prepare working papers and schedules for external audit of Research and university research dollars for incorporation into the University financial statements.
• Prepare Research reporting required for the COFO Financial Report and other financial reports as required.
• Prepares institutional financial reports, required by external funders, including the Research Support Fund, and CFI Infrastructure Operating Fund, working closely with the Senior Director, Research and Innovation.
• Recommend when it is appropriate to write off receivables, based on the information and recommendation provided by Research Accountants.

Supervision, Training and Mentoring

• Lead Research Finance Advisors and Research Accountants, providing guidance, training, and assistance where necessary. Promote effective employee relations and encourage service excellence and productivity.
• Prioritize, organize, and assign regular duties and special projects, assist in the timely completion of job activities, and oversee the team’s daily activity, reporting back to the Assistant Director on a regular basis.
• Identify the need for staff resources and make effective recommendations regarding employee recruitment.
• Provide guidance and advice on escalated and challenging issues.
• Provide functional support on systems and promotes technology updates and changes.
• Liaise with other Financial Department team leaders and staff regarding research finance.

Electronic Systems and Processing

• Develop general reports as well as specialized reports for researchers and other users. Search and recommend improvements to the reporting and services required including system changes and development of forms, processes, and procedures as it relates to research.
• Provide support and advice for new electronic system implementations whenever research account holders will be the end users.

Support of Research Office

• Working closely with the Research Office, develop procedures to enhance efficiencies and customer service to researchers.
• Support the Research Office by providing financial feedback and advice related to research projects, including review of pre-award submissions and provision of risk assessment and potential financial implications of research funding agreements and contracts.
• Advise the Research Office on financing of internal awards based on fund availability, and support with the development of MOUs for internal financing agreements.
• Support the Research Office staff with the management of institutional funds, advising on the appropriate use and potential financial implications.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• Honours Bachelor’s Degree (4 year) in Finance, Business, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
• Professional accounting designation required.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including financial statement preparation, fund accounting, auditing financial information and reviewing and approving financial reports.
• Experience within a post-secondary institution or public sector organization is preferable.
• Strong knowledge of Tri-agency and other federal and provincial funding agencies’ grant eligibility and reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound professional judgment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, service‑oriented approach; self‑motivated, proactive, and an effective team contributor.
• Well‑developed organizational and time‑management skills, including the ability to prioritize, multi‑task, and work effectively under pressure.
• Adept in financial systems and software (i.e. Datatel, eFin, Access, Excel), with the ability to adapt quickly to new tools and processes.
• A satisfactory Criminal Record Check (“Police Record Check”), dated within the past six (6) months is required as a condition of employment.

SUPERVISION:

• Indirect reports: Research Accountants & Research Finance Administrators