CSFS Financial Analyst

Staff - Non Union

Job Category: M&P - AAPS

Job Profile: AAPS Salaried - Accounting, Level A

Job Title: CSFS Financial Analyst

Department: Finance | Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Compensation Range: $5,791.00 - $8,323.42 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date: November 6, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job Summary

Working under general supervision, the CSFS Financial Analyst is responsible for managing the effective and efficient day-to-day financial operations within the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (CSFS), including the UBC Farm. This position works with all areas within the CSFS to provide timely and accurate financial reporting, budgeting and implementation of “best practices” for internal policies and UBC financial policies, procedures.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Faculty’s Associate Director, Finance and works closely with the CSFS Director. Works with CSFS Program managers and administrative staff, as well as LFS administrative and finance staff. Liaises with UBC Financial Operations, and other agencies and co-supervises one administrative staff. Acts as the CSFS resource person and liaises with program participants, volunteers, visitors, and other UBC units/ departments as appropriate in providing advice and guidance to faculty, staff and students on all finance matters which relate to the CSFS.

Work Performed

1. Manages the day-to-day financial activities of the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems by preparing quarterly and annual budgets, monitors accounts and over/under reports, coordinates transfers and payments, provides projections, tracks commitments, closing of year-end books, supporting grant and donor reporting and ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
2. Supports the operationalization of strategic goals for the CSFS through implementation and evaluation of financial program and policy development, proper financial management and procedures, internal controls, forecasting, best practices, etc. while ensuring compliance with LFS and UBC policies and procedures.
3. Prepares financial statements and complex reports for Agencies ensuring compliance with Agency terms and conditions as well as University policies and procedures.
4. Provides comprehensive reports and financial analysis to researchers quarterly (or more frequently as requested) to guide researchers to better manage their grants/projects. This includes providing complex reports on historical information, trends and statistics as requested by researchers.
5. Collaborates with researchers and the Faculty’s research grant facilitator, for the development of project budgets for submission with grant applications; also upon approval of funding to ensure the grant and project is set-up and budget received ties into specific budget line items (i.e. CFI grants).
6. Reviews salaries to ensure they are charged to the appropriate grants and tracking all costing reallocations.
7. Reconciles Project Grant accounts, providing and analyzing variances from budget, ensuring all project funds (including subsidies) have been received and that budgets have been adhered to. Collaborates with faculty researchers and program/centre staff to resolve over-expenditures, and monitoring grants on a regular basis as progress on project deliverables and work plans are adjusted.
8. Provides guidance and support to managers, staff and faculty members on an ongoing basis with respect to proper financial management and procedures, internal control, forecasting, best practices, corporate credit cards, etc., referring more complex matters to the Associate Director, Finance.
9. Analyzes existing accounting systems and methods, and streamlines current financial processes and internal controls to improve the efficiencies of the financial information workflow within the CSFS and integration with the LFS and University’s financial system.
10. Performs other duties related to the qualifications and experience of the position as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work is expected to be at a high level of accuracy. Must exercise judgment based upon a clear understanding of funding agency policies and University policy, procedures and guidelines. Errors in judgment may impact the short/long term financial activities of the Centre and the Faculty such as a decrease in quality and effectiveness of the services provided and financial hardship to faculty, staff and students, and affect the integrity and reputation of the CSFS, Faculty and the University. Incorrect application of policy could result in potential loss in revenue, including research and/ or donation funding. Failure to prepare timely and accurate budget reports would make it impossible for the Directors to support and represent the Centre accurately to the Faculty/University and would interfere in decision-making and budgetary allocations.

Supervision Received

The position reports to the LFS Associate Director, Finance and the CSFS Director and is expected to work autonomously.

Supervision Given

Supervises one CUPE 2950 administrative staff member (HR/Finance Assistant).

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Completion of at least 7 of the 14 CPA academic prerequisites. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefer minimum of three years financial management and administration and 1 year supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of appropriate education, training and experience to a degree level, with an emphasis on accounting and business administration.
2. Proven administrative and financial reporting experience in a large, multi-functional, complex organization.
3. Familiarity with University policies and procedures (UBC experience preferred).
4. Experience in a multi-unionized environment required.
5. Knowledge of University policies and procedures related to finance, research trust accounting and payroll matters an asset.
6. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
7. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, problem-solving and organizational skills.
8. Ability to exercise tact and discretion when handling sensitive and/or confidential matters.
9. Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
10. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
11. Knowledge of technology innovations and business process improvement and systems re-engineering procedures.
12. Computer experience required at an intermediate level (MS Office, with advanced level Excel and database software); and demonstrated knowledge of Workday.