Research Finance Coordinator, College of Medicine

**Research Finance Coordinator, College of Medicine**:
**Primary Purpose**: To provide essential assistance in research finance administration functions throughout the clinical departments in the College of Medicine. This position provides financial support for research activities of the college, with major responsibilities for financial transactions, processing payments, reporting, forecasting and reconciliations.

**Nature of Work**: Reporting to the Finance Business Advisor in the Dean’s Office, this position works closely with a broad range of individuals and groups at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders. Activities may include assisting with projections, financial reporting, payments, hiring, payroll, reconciliations, budgeting, interpreting agreements, guidelines and other projects or duties which may be identified. Day-to-day activities include processing financial transactions and assisting researchers with research fund management.

This position works in a team-oriented, high-traffic, high-volume office setting where multiple competing demands and strict deadlines are the norm. Sound judgement and attention to detail, policies and procedures is important. A high degree of accuracy is required as data, analysis and reporting may have long term and far reaching impacts. The coordinator is required to manage multiple tasks, details, deadlines and priorities in an environment with interruptions and competing demands. The ability to interact effectively with a wide range of people, problem solve and make decisions on a variety of issues are key factors for success in this position.

**Typical Duties or Accountabilities**:

- To uphold financial integrity in research endeavors; monitor expenses to help ensure financial activities adhere to funder terms, general accounting principles, external agreements, regulations and university policies and procedures
- Provide guidance and knowledge to campus research personnel relating to financial stewardship
- Proactively address discrepancies by conducting balance sheet reconciliations, analyzing and interpreting funding agreements, connecting with internal stakeholders to resolve
- Develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with researchers, research personnel and financial administrators to help create a productive and positive environment where all parties succeed in efficient research administration
- Preparation of financial reports, year-end activities, and statements of research projects
- Monitor research fund balances, with regular review and meeting with faculty/contractors to explain financial information and proactively manage deficiencies
- Develop research project budgets, forecasting expenditures, completing fund reconciliations, and closures after approval process
- Exercise decision-making and problem-solving skills to meet priorities and deadlines while planning for future changes
- Prepares and maintains financial records, including purchase orders, vendor invoices, deposits, credit card payments, journal vouchers, and other day-to-day financial transactions in a timely manner and in accordance with University of Saskatchewan policies as they relate to financial management
- Process extensions, travel claims, honorariums and research participant payments as needed
- Establish, implement and maintain effective internal financial controls to ensure accuracy, compliance and risk mitigation
- Facilitate the timely and compliant hiring, extending, and pay rate changes of staff and students to be employed on funded research projects, in accordance with University policies applicable to each employee group
- Reliable assistance in collection, compilation and interpretation of financial or statistical data
- Model a high standard of performance and outcomes, ensure positive, diverse and inclusive work environments
- Exercises discretion and professional judgment in maintaining confidential information
- Participates in various special projects, operating financial administration and other duties as assigned

**Education**: A Business Accountancy diploma from a recognized institution or Bachelor of Commerce degree with an accounting or finance major is required. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

**Experience**: At least three to five years of related experience is required; preferably in a complex and diverse fund source organization, such as a health care or post-secondary education environment. Related experience in research administration is considered an asset. Knowledge of accounting procedures and protocols, finance administration and financial forecasting, analysis and reporting. Experience in complex data analysis and/or interpretation, evaluation methodologies, and developing formal reports and policy. Strong to excellent analytic ability including self-directed spreadsheet and data-based analysis, modeling, reporting and superior desktop software skills, particularly Microso