Junior Research Accountant

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JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, Research Finance and Special Reporting, the Junior Research Accountant works closely with researchers, funding agencies, Office of Research staff as well as the Research Finance Administrator to administer research funding; ensuring compliance with the University’s and research sponsor’s financial administration policies and procedures and generally accepted accounting principles.

The Junior Research Accountant prepares and is accountable for financial reports as required and provides administrative support for account holders who have research funding, interpreting both Trent and funding agencies’ policies and procedures. This position must have sound knowledge of grants eligibility and reporting requirements. This position also assists external auditors in audit of sponsored funding and expenditures.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

• Interprets Trent University and external agency's financial policies and procedures for research account holders by answering queries by phone, email or by providing information and advice to ensure that activity is in compliance with the provided guidelines.
• Prepares and is accountable for financial reports as required for funding from external agencies to ensure compliance of grant expenditures with the funding agency's guidelines or budget parameters.
• Administers research fund accounts by establishing the account numbers and user accesses, monitoring revenue and expenditures investigating any unexpected deficit balances, as well as maintaining the research project database. This enables grant holders to have the necessary financial tools available to accomplish their research.
• Prepares monthly journal entries for research accounts where corrections are necessary to reflect an accurate balance in each account.
• Closing of research accounts ensuring accounts reflect a zero balance, confirms financial reporting has been completed, confirms all funding has been received, removes user access and freeze account. Initiate return of residual funds to funders if required.
• Responsible for recording research overhead and reconciling overhead accounts.
• Review and approve applications for Tri-Agency automatic extensions.
• Performs special tasks assigned by the Assistant Director, Research Finance and Special Reporting, and Senior Research Accountant.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• Honours Bachelor’s Degree (4 year) majoring in an accounting program.
• CPA designation or CPA student is preferred.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• One (1) year of recent, relevant public accounting experience, preferably with a focus in auditing financial information in a public practice.
• Financial statement preparation in a highly computerized environment (university, fund or project accounting experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of Tri-agency and other research funding agencies grant eligibility and reporting requirements
• Exceptional analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Working knowledge and experience on PC, particularly within a Windows and LAN environment. Excellent spreadsheet and good keyboarding skills. Knowledge and experience with computers and software such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Access), Internet, E-mail. Experience with Colleague and Romeo programs would be considered an asset.
• Ability to interact and collaborate professionally and effectively with all/diverse constituencies of the University community, as well as with external contacts.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a complex and multi-faceted work environment.
• Strong organizational and professional communication skills.
• A clear understanding and demonstrated abilities for diplomacy and confidentiality.