Director of Finance

The Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation (OHIRC)

The Director of Finance is a key leader within the OHIRC finance team:

• Overseeing the accounting processes, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll services, banking, investment and post-award support for grants administration.
• Responsible for the financial systems, the development and management of operating budgets, the production of financial reports, accounting records, and supports efficient and effective policies, tools, processes, and internal controls to mitigate risks in compliance with all applicable standards.
• Provides high quality financial related information and recommendations to senior administration, directors and managers across the organization, liaises with external auditors, granting agencies, Ministry of Health / Ontario Health, Canada Revenue Agency, Statistics Canada and other agencies on financial matters.

Operations, Budget and Financial Management

• Oversee all activities pertaining to monthly, quarterly, and year end reporting, including variance analysis, financial statements, and research grant financial report submissions, to ensure that all reporting requirements are met.
• Responsible for the maintenance of timely and accurate financial statements and reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ensure the successful completion of the annual financial statement audit, pension audit as well as other audits that may be required from time to time (includes preparation of various working papers with support from the Manager of Finance).
• Provide financial accounting expertise in external financial reporting; write related accounting position papers and communicate issues and recommendations appropriately to the target audience.
• Participate / present in the Finance and Audit Committee meetings as needed (as well as other subcommittees such as Scientific Advisory Committee) to provide financial expertise.
• Ensure effective financial controls are in place, including cash / debt management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Actively seek to continuously improve processes and reporting with an objective of ensuring optimal levels of controls, availability of value-added information, process efficiencies and strong financial performance.
• Lead the development, maintenance and improvement of finance policies and procedures, providing guidance on the interpretation and implementation of these policies.
• Represent OHIRC and University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) interests in partnerships with other organizations such as the University of Ottawa (UoO), The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), granting agencies, etc.
• Ensure compliance with all OHIRC statutory requirements, including the annual CRA Charity Information return, withholding tax, Employer Health Tax (EHT), and GST/HST rebate filing.
• Perform other duties as required.

Post-Award Grant Finance and Administration

• Support OHIRC researchers in post-award administration and financial reporting to funding agencies, for strategic research grants, operational funds, contracts, and policy compliance.
• Oversee account creation in finance systems, budgetary controls, finance administration for expenses, transfers, salary re-allocations, and financial reporting for research grants and funds.
• Ensure the management and oversight of formal signing authority and approval processes, as well as oversight of researcher accountability for spending to budget in their research projects.
• Provide financial advice and assistance to researchers on post-awards funding changes, areas of research funds management, the relocation of funded research grants, and related contracts.
• Work closely with the Director of Research Services to provide financial advice on internal grant review, and post-award activities, and lead financial priority assessments to enable decision-making.
• Act as a main point of contact for post-award with research services, funding agencies, and auditors, and prepares financial reports for sponsors aligned with granting agency guidelines.

Special Projects

• Assist in or carry out other adhoc special projects, reconciliations, analysis or presentations as assigned for providing decision-making information on matters with a financial impact (business cases, banking, etc); providing consultation as needed.

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience in accounting, budgeting and analysis, preferably in a research or health care environment.
• Solid experience preparing timely and accurate financial statements, reports and KPIs, for stakeholders (e.g., the OHIRC Board, research leaders, the UOHI, and granting agencies).
• Extensive experience in dealing with financial planning and analysis, accounting, internal controls, audits, business planning, and investment management.

• In-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), current standards and practices for the Public Sector and Charitable, Not-for-Profit Organizations.
• Knowledge of HST / GST and the Charities Directorate related regulations, guidelines, and reporting requirements.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics 365 for finance, Microsoft Office 365, e.g. Word, Excel (pivot tables, vlookup), Power Point and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written, including excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated through collaborative and productive relationships with various stakeholders and partners.
• Results oriented with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and effectively manage time to successfully meet strict deadlines.
• Detail oriented but able to summarize financial information and highlight salient points in simple terms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of professional judgement in an objective and effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to direct, coach, mentor, support and develop teams.
• High energy and strong work ethic.
• Audit experience is a definite asset.
• Training in Process Improvement (PI) and lean methodology, or equivalent competencies (relevant combination of knowledge, strengths, skills, and experience).
• Clear understanding of the current and evolving finance and research administration landscape in Ontario, and Canada, government priorities and hospital challenges.

Applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, women, members of the LGBTQ + community, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities are strongly encouraged.

According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is committed to ensuring barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process relating to any specialty requirements. Please notify us of any accommodations that you require – any information you provide will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The successful candidate will be required, prior to the start of employment, to complete mandatory organizational training available online, and provide the following: an official piece of photo identification and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and proof of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.