Research Finance Accountant

The Vice President Research and Innovation (VPRI) portfolio provides guidance for UVic’s research agenda at the institutional level, including setting strategic research priorities and developing initiatives to support research to ensure that UVic research enterprise continues to grow. The VPRI portfolio also supports the research mission of UVic by providing services to faculty in support of their research, including providing information about research opportunities, support for developing research proposals and post-award administration, including account set-up and the required regulatory approvals.

The Research Finances unit manages and oversees the external/internal post-award research funding accounts, liaises with funding agencies on behalf of UVic researchers and administers research grants and awards in conjunction with UVic Accounting Services. The Research Finances unit also manages and oversees the administration of budget for the entire OVPRI portfolio.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Finance (ADRF), the Research Finance Accountant (RFA) will play a key role in supporting the ADRF in the financial management and reporting of the OVPRI portfolio, including internal research accounts. A key role of this position will be to provide financial support, reporting and oversight for animal care services and various research centres, platforms and entities which fall under OVPRI. This position may liaise with staff supporting other Institutional initiatives such as ‘Accelerating Community Energy Transformation.' The RFA will act as back up for the ADRF as needed.

In addition to the financial reporting responsibilities, the RFA will work alongside the Research Finance Officer(s) in the administration of external post-award research funding accounts. These services include approval and management of the external post-award research funding accounts under the authority of the Vice President Research and Innovation, administering all externally funded research accounts, managing inter-university transfer agreements and all University awarded research funding. The RFO maintains awareness of the research funding that requires regulatory approvals and ensures approvals are obtained and renewed annually. This is a requirement for the institution’s eligibility to receive Tri-Agency funds of over $140M annually.

Minimum Requirements:

This position requires a professional accounting designation and 3-5 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Experience in a research environment at a higher education, institutional setting or grant funding agency is considered an asset. Experience with not-for-profit accounting policies and fund accounting is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Include:

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Demonstrated experience in business and financial administration including preparing financial statements, implementing financial policies and processes.
• Experience with evaluation, development, and implementation of internal controls.
• Sound knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and tailor a professional communication style for different audiences.
• Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures to ensure compliance with granting agency programs and policies and university policies and procedures.
• Ability to gather, evaluate and interpret information from a variety of sources.
• Experience in maintaining confidential and sensitive information.
• Superior interpersonal skills, including proven ability to collaborate with a wide variety of individuals, departments, and agencies.
• Organized, detail-oriented with strong administrative skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel spreadsheets to create and maintain complex spreadsheets with ability to accurately manipulate electronic data.
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to resolve tasks and/or problems by exercising good judgement and initiative.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively as part of a team with strong service-oriented attitude.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage time and tasks with attention to detail.
• Ability to problem solve by using judgement, independent thinking and/or analysis.
• Proficiency with computer applications (i.e., MS-Office Suite, Adobe Create Suite, content management systems, financial/accounting systems).
• An understanding of UVic research/university policies, procedures, systems, and budgets is considered an asset. For example, university systems such as ViewCat, FAST Finance, Journal Voucher, Budget, and Forecasting, WebReq, Chrome River, Team Dynamix and RAIS.