Research Operations, Finance, and Reporting Specialist

Competition Number: REQ 7146

Title: Research Operations, Finance, and Reporting Specialist

Division: Research & Innovation

Salary: Payband F, starting rate $32.10 per hour

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Hours per week: 35

Location: 185 Queens Quay East

Work Modality: Hybrid, min 2 days/week onsite

Status: Temporary Support

Vacancy: Replacement

Effective Date: Immediately to May 2026

Closing Date: January 23, 2026

Land Acknowledgement

George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.

Equity Statement

George Brown Polytechnic is committed to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment. We encourage and actively seek applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized people, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, all genders, and persons with disabilities.

GBP Vision

To be a polytechnic renowned for its inclusion, excellence, relevance, impact, and leadership.

Position Summary

The Research Operations, Finance, and Reporting Specialist provides strategic financial oversight and advisory support to the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI), which has expanded its portfolio to include applied research, food innovation (FIRSt), entrepreneurship (StartGBC and IPON) and sustainability (Brookfield Sustainability Institute). This role ensures effective financial planning, reporting, and compliance by collaborating with the Directors of the divisions, Program Management Team and the Manager, Research Budget, Reporting & Asset Management. The incumbent plays a key role in monitoring internal and external projects and grant budgets, analyzing financial performance, and aligning expenditures with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

- Partner with the Manager, Research Budget, Reporting & Asset Management to refine and enhance ORI’s financial management processes, ensuring alignment with institutional and funder requirements.

- Develop and deliver training sessions for the ORI team on GBC Financial tools (FAST, Chrome River) and key financial processes, including travel, procurement, expense claim submission, salary transfers, and organizational management.

- Maintain and update the PM Budget Template annually, incorporating policy changes and funding requirements, as well as reconciling budget discrepancies.

- Collaborate with the Manager, Research Budget, Reporting & Asset Management to ensure accurate and timely grant reporting for various funders.

- Review and analyze transactions posted in FAST, reconcile with reporting requirements of the funders, and prepare a draft of the financial report for review by the grant holder and Manager, Research Budget, Reporting & Asset Management.

- Consolidate and align financial documentation within a single reporting framework to meet compliance and reporting period requirements.

- Oversee accounts payable (AP) invoices via Chrome River, ensuring management approval, maintaining e-file records, and collaborating with the GBC AP team and vendors to resolve invoicing and payment issues.

- Review and verify Chrome River expense and purchasing card reports submitted by ORI staff for accuracy and completeness, preparing purchasing card expense reports for the Manager, Research Budget, Reporting & Asset Management.

- Lead the ORI invoicing process, including generating, processing, and tracking invoices and payments, coordinating with the Accounts Receivable Officer, following up payment of outstanding invoices, and advising Program Managers (PMs) on collection issues.

- Provide high-level administrative support to divisional managers and committees, including organizing teleconferences, coordinating catering, and ensuring timely distribution of agendas, minutes, and materials in alignment with terms of reference.

- Other duties as assigned.

Educational and Experience Requirements

- Minimum two-year diploma or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institute in Business Administration, Information Technology, Finance, or Accounting.

- Microsoft Office Certification, and TAGFA training are an asset.

- Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience with MS Office, and knowledge of TAGFA training.

- Proven experience in financial reporting and budget management within a postsecondary institution, ensuring compliance with federal and provincial grant funding policies.

- Extensive experience in Tri-Council financial administration and policy to ensure compliance of research activities.

- Advanced knowledge of GBC Financials software, including:

- Millennium - FAST: A Banner-integrated forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting tool.

- Chrome River: A platform for travel pre-approvals, expense reimbursements, and AP invoice payments.

- Strong proficiency in MS Office (Excel in particular), database management systems, and electronic financial reporting tools.

Skills and Attributes

- Strong background in advising PM Team on project and program budget monitoring, financial planning, and reporting strategies.

- Demonstrated ability to proactively coordinate and enhance financial processes, driving efficiency and compliance.

- Expertise in expense management and grant reporting, ensuring alignment with federal and provincial funding requirements and eligibility criteria.

- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience liaising across internal departments and external partners to resolve financial and reporting issues.

- Expertise in accounts receivable, collections, financial analysis, reporting, and expense monitoring.

- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume office environment.

- Able to lift up to 20 kg or 44 lbs (i.e., office supplies, equipment, filing boxes, event set up, etc.).

- Able to travel between campuses for meetings and work assignments, including traveling from home for meetings as required (e.g., unexpected meetings).

- Excellent collaboration, teamwork and interpersonal skills at a professional level.

- Demonstrated commitment to uphold the Polytechnic’s priorities on diversity and equity.

Interview process may consist of a practical skills component.

Notes

- The Polytechnic requires proof of degrees, credentials or equivalencies from accredited regional or federal post-secondary institutions and/or their international equivalents. Credentials may require validation at the time of interviews or offer.

About Us

George Brown Polytechnic prides itself on educating students through real-world learning, in the heart of Toronto. Our faculty and employees make this vision a reality, and we support them by making George Brown a great place to work. See why we are consistently ranked as one of GTA’s top employers.

George Brown Polytechnic offers hybrid work opportunities, a competitive pension plan, generous holiday and vacation time, a tuition assistance program, discounted rates for employees taking Continuing Education courses, and an equitable work environment where everyone matters.

George Brown Polytechnic is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Candidates who require accommodation in the hiring process may contact TalentAcquisition@georgebrown.ca confidentially.

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