Financial Analyst, Research Accounting

Description

Research Accounting within VP Finance is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Financial Analyst.

The Analyst, Research Accounting reports to the Manager, Research Accounting. The Analyst position plays an important role in the delivery of Research Accounting Finance support to stakeholders across campus. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, complex problem solving skills, sound professional judgement and diverse finance and accounting experience. The role is complex due to the technical financial concepts, understanding of agency policy and guidelines, and high analytical nature of work.

This position is expected to deal with shifting priorities and operate in a highly complex environment with multiple and competing deadlines. The incumbent must work well under pressure and be able to communicate effectively with all levels of the institutional and with external stakeholders. Individuals must be able to act independently and solve complex business issues while demonstrating flexibility and strong financial analysis skills.

There is a high impact of errors as inaccurate advice or information could have serious consequences to customers and/or the reputation of the University. Professional judgment in reviewing own work and the work of team members is required.

• Working with project holders, the Analyst will provide accounting and finance support and services, including project budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial analysis and reporting, ensuring accurate accounting within the University's financial system.
• Provide accurate, timely and relevant information, data analysis and forecasts using Peoplesoft data warehouse and business intelligence tools.
• Coordinate the operational aspects of the financial processes within Research Accounting projects to ensure these processes are effectively planned, coordinated and communicated to stakeholders.
• Ensure audit trails or supporting documentation for all financial transactions will be available when required by granting agencies.
• Assist in developing tools for staff (checklist/procedures) to facilitate efficiency and consistency in the financial review of project charges.
• Responds to and resolves complex process issues, engaging the respective manager as required.
• Support Research Accounting's decision making process by compiling and performing meaningful financial analysis and ad hoc reporting on restricted and projects.
• Work in partnership with stakeholders to continuously seek to improve financial processes and procedures within the Research Accounting by working with finance process owners.
• Assist with educating team members in Research Accounting on finance processes and financial planning and analysis.
• Stay current on trends and approaches to financial management and processes through continued professional development.
• Remain current on factors that would initiate change, such as University policies and procedures and granting agency regulations.
• Provide advice of non-adherence to granting agency and University policies and guidelines and escalated when appropriate to ensure resolution.
• Recommend changes to procedures, processes and reporting activities, which may include advising and/or leading project teams established to evaluate and implement improvements.
• Provide accurate and timely completion of special assignments and projects, including reports on findings, and including recommendations and outcomes.
• Implement and support change successfully.
• Develop documentation and financial reports for the various audits, reconciliations and special projects (working papers, activity summaries, project testing, variance and comparative analysis).
• Perform other tasks or duties as…