Financial Analyst, Research Accounting

Description

The Research Accounting team within Finance is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Financial Analyst.

The Analyst, Research Accounting reports to the Manager, Research Accounting. The Analyst position plays an important role in the delivery of Research Accounting Finance support to stakeholders across campus. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, complex problem solving skills, sound professional judgement and diverse finance and accounting experience. The role is complex due to the technical financial concepts, understanding of agency policy and guidelines, and high analytical nature of work. The incumbent must work well under pressure and be able to communicate effectively with all levels of the institutional and with external stakeholders. There is a high impact of errors as inaccurate advice or information could have serious consequences to customers and/or the reputation of the University. Professional judgment in reviewing own work and the work of team members is required.

This key position provides accounting and finance support and service to project holders, coordinating the delivery of Research Accounting finance support to various stakeholders. The Analyst will provide support with all aspects of project accounting, financial analysis and reporting, including budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis on research and non-research projects while adhering to policies and guidelines and promoting strong internal control and best practices. Supports the Research Accounting team and the financial reporting of the University's sponsored research, endowment income and other restricted funds. Ensure research revenue and non-research revenues are accurately accounted for within the University's financial system. Develop, test, implement and maintain complex reporting applications and reports. Remain current on various funding agency guidelines and requirements. Perform business and systems analysis and provide advice on business issues including changes to application tools, existing systems, processes, procedures, reporting and control functions. Act as a resource to management to provide accurate, reliable and timely special reports. Provide advice and guidance and respond to requests for information from both internal and external users. Perform as part of a team on project-related work as required.

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

• Working with project holders, the Analyst will provide accounting and finance support and services, including project budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial analysis and reporting, ensuring accurate accounting within the University's financial system.
• Provide accurate, timely and relevant information, data analysis and forecasts using Peoplesoft data warehouse and business intelligence tools.
• Coordinate the operational aspects of the financial processes within Research Accounting projects to ensure these processes are effectively planned, coordinated and communicated to stakeholders.
• Ensure audit trails or supporting documentation for all financial transactions will be available when required by granting agencies.
• Assist in developing tools for staff (checklist/procedures) to facilitate efficiency and consistency in the financial review of project charges.
• Stay current on trends and approaches to financial management and processes through continued professional development.
• Develop documentation and financial reports for the various audits, reconciliations and special projects (working papers, activity summaries, project testing, variance and comparative analysis).
• Actively develops close partnerships with key client stakeholders, service providers, granting agencies as well as other University of Calgary departments including Information Technology, Human Resources, and operational management.
• Ability to initiate, implement and support new or modified approaches, practices and processes in the organization.
• Provides input into the department's business plans to determine resource requirements.
• Commits to continually improving health and safety performance through promotion of culture supporting hazard assessment, risk management, incident identification, reporting and correction, and compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and safe work practices.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Canada designation (CPA, CA, CMA or CGA) and a related University degree, in business, finance, accounting or a related field. Individuals in the CPA Canada PEP program may be considered.
• Knowledge and understanding of Public Sector Accounting Standards.
• Three or more years of work experience in progressively more responsible role performing various accounting functions including budgeting, variance analysis, forecasting, complex reconciliations and financial analysis.
• Strong interpersonal skills and capable of building and maintaining productive and supportive working relationships.
• Proficient user of computer software applications, including large integrated enterprise resource planning systems, data warehousing and business intelligence tools

Application Deadline: May 10, 2024

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.

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

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy 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.

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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ).

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.