Research Finance and Grants Officer

Posted date

Friday, November 21, 2025

Deadline

Friday, December 12, 2025

Start date

To be determined

Competition number

APF2543

Salary

$75,000 - $90,000

Supervision

Director of Finance (OHIRC)

Unit/Department

The Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation (OHIRC)

Purpose

The Research Finance and Grants Officer provides leadership and coordination in managing the financial and administrative aspects of complex research projects across their entire lifecycle – from proposal development and budgeting to post-award financial management, compliance, and reporting.

Embedded within the Finance team but working in close partnership with Research Administration and Research teams, this role serves as a crucial point of contact for scientists, clinicians, and institutional partners. The position ensures that research projects are financially sound, compliant, and strategically aligned with the Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation (OHIRC) and University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) priorities.

The Officer applies financial, project management and grants administration expertise to strengthen institutional research capacity, enhance transparency and efficiency, and support the broader impact of the Institute's research mission.

Key responsibilities

Financial and compliance oversight:

• Oversee the financial lifecycle and reporting of research projects, ensuring compliance with Institute policy framework and funding agency requirements.
• Prepare and analyze budgets, forecasts and variance reports to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
• Review and reconcile monthly expenditure reports and ensure accuracy of financial records.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting tools (dashboards, performance indicators, templates) for improved visibility and accountability.
• Monitor project activities to ensure accounts are in line with revenue received, project timelines and approved budget line items.
• Support internal and external financial audits and ensure adherence to accounting and documentation standards, necessitating accuracy and completeness of accounting records.

Grants and project coordination:

• Provide support for a diversified portfolio of complex research projects with varying funding, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a primary contact for project investigators and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle (pre- and post-award).
• Partner with research teams, administrators, and external partners to support the development and management of financial components related to competitive funding applications aligned with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) and Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation (OHIRC) strategic priorities.
• Engage with internal teams – HR, Procurement, IT, Legal, Facilities to support project execution and compliance.
• Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, funding partners and collaborating institutions to guide grant performance, resolve issues and ensure alignment of project objectives.
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership regarding project performance, budget pressures, emerging issues and compliance.
• Play a key role in the review and negotiation of funding agreements and amendments.
• Monitor research project financial and administrative performance, ensuring timely execution and completion of financial reporting deliverables, budget tracking, amendments, progress reports, and risk monitoring.
• Provide interpretation of funding agency policies, ensuring compliance with federal and provincial regulations.

Policy development and strategic initiatives:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of institutional research finance policies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Identify process improvements to streamline pre- and post-award workflows, reduce administrative burden, enhance compliance, and maximize impact of research resources.
• Support the creation of tools and templates to assist researchers with grant budgeting and financial management.
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership on funding opportunities, cost recovery, and sustainability.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with funding agencies, partner institutions, and internal teams.

Requirements

Education:

• University degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Commerce, Health Administration or equivalent.
• Professional designation/certification - CPA or PMP; pursuing or an equivalent certification is desired.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in research or grant management, preferably in a healthcare, academic, or non-profit research environment.
• Experience with complex, multi-partner projects, and external funding agencies (e.g., Tri-Agency, CFI, CFREF, ORF).
• Experience preparing and maintaining project budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.

Skills and competencies:

• Proficiency with MS Office 365, Microsoft Teams, financial systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics 365), and database applications.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze risks, resolve complex challenges, and make strategic recommendations.
• Collaborative approach with excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Work environment

• Hybrid work arrangement.
• Health care sector (research).
• Casual office environment.

Playing an evolving role, this position offers the opportunity to shape responsibilities in response to project and organizational priorities and the candidate's strengths – supporting both the operational excellence and the broader impact of our healthcare research mission.

To apply

Please send your cover letter and CV to

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 COVID-19 vaccine.

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