Research Financial Analyst

Competition 1226

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of two years and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

 Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for GlycoNet

The Department of Chemistry at the University Of Alberta provides an Outstanding environment for studies in chemistry, is among the most research active departments in Canada, and is regarded as being among the top Wee in the country. The department is one of the best equipped and best funded in North America and has a faculty renowned internationally for its excellence in teaching and research.

Supported by the Government of Canada through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program, GlycoNet is a pan-Canadian initiative bringing together researchers, industry and academic partners to develop solutions to unmet health needs through the study of glycomics. GlycoNet builds on our world-leading network of glycomics researchers and trainees, government laboratories and industry partners. The Network addresses key challenges in human and animal health. GlycoNet's research, in collaboration with our partners, leads to novel approaches for preventing and treating disease. 

Position

The Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Financial Analyst to join our team. As a pivotal member of GlycoNet, the Research Financial Analyst will act as the Director of Finance, responsible for managing all financial transactions and reporting for the Network. This role includes overseeing financial systems, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, and managing multiple federal grants with distinct requirements.

Duties

• Coordinate multiple competing priorities and projects, ensuring timely completion and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Develop and maintain expertise in research funding administration, including NCE, CFI-MSI, SSF, Genome Canada guidelines, and University of Alberta policies.
• Provide financial administration for major contracts, supporting researchers with all finance aspects of program-related funding.
• Manage research account balances for all program-related projects and GlycoNet's operating bank accounts, ensuring compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, and provide regular updates to the University of Alberta research team.
• Prepare and present quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP, including variance analysis, for Management and Finance and Audit Committee review.
• Monitor and perform financial and variance analysis on accounts, activities, and transactions; identify anomalies or non-budgeted transactions and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure all GlycoNet transactions are accurately recorded in QuickBooks, and monitor journal entries and extract data for analysis and management summaries.
• Oversee grant issuance to Network investigators and coordinate with Finance Services to ensure timely disbursement of funds to recipient institutions.
• Work with external auditors as mandated by the Not-for-Profit Act, ensuring compliance and accuracy in GST and payroll reporting and timely remittance to CRA.
• Train, mentor, and supervise administrative office staff, ensuring efficient processes and task delivery.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Post-Secondary degree in Accounting.
• 5 years of experience with financial reporting, budgets, and financial reconciliation.
• Demonstrated expertise in creating and maintaining financial records, including monthly reconciliations and financial databases
• Experience developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures for financial transactions.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel functions, including VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and complex formulas.
• Experience with financial software such as PeopleSoft, Simply Accounting, and QuickBooks.
• Proven track record of maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in financial documentation and reporting.
• Experience preparing and presenting financial statements and variance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage accounts payable/receivable and reconciliation processes.
• Experience working with external auditors and ensuring compliance with GST and payroll reporting requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• A CPA designation is an asset.
• Experience managing research funding and understanding sponsor guidelines, including NCE, CFI-MSI, SSF, and Genome Canada is an asset.
• Experience working at the University of Alberta is an asset.
• Familiarity with the requirements of the Not-for-Profit Corporate Act and compliance with organizational by-laws is an asset.
• Bilingual fluency in English and French is an asset.