Research Finance Officer

Position summary

The Officer is responsible for the financial administration of research grants, awards and clinical projects (60%) and Accounts Receivable for research revenues (40%).

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated, organized professional who is highly competent in financial administration and enjoys a challenge. This role requires a self-starter with strong communication skills who can work independently as well as with Finance colleagues, OHIRC researchers and other research stakeholders. If you are working towards an accounting designation, you will gain valuable experience across a variety of accounting activities.

Key responsibilities

Financial Administration (60%)

• Authorization and set up of new research accounts in financial system:
  • Review new account requests to ensure certification requirements are complete.
  • Create new project accounts and budgets in the financial database; ensure continued validity of certificates and approvals during the entire tenure of the award.
• Provide oversight for full-cycle financial administration of clinical research contracts in compliance with policies and procedures of the Institute and research sponsors:
  • Assist Principal Investigators and research administrators with financial analysis and forecasts for their clinical research project; act as a liaison to review budgets and billings; follow up with researchers on account deficits and sponsor invoices; process journal entries for billing and transfers.
• Periodically meet with Research Services to review finances and compliance of internal awards.
• Prepare quarterly and yearly financial reports for large scale projects for submission to external organizations.
• Process journal entries for core facility billing (fee for service transfer payments).
• Prepare the quarterly expense claims and invoices for Heart & Stroke projects.
• Prepare invoices for submission to external organizations.
• File Form300 and other financial reports to external agencies in accordance with established deadlines and regulations.
• Troubleshoot financial system errors, submit tickets, and collaborate with financial system customer support for timely resolution.
• Other related duties as assigned by the Director and/or the CFO.

Accounts Receivable (40%)

• Prepare and process cheque deposits, post journal entries for electronic and cheque receipts and set up accounts receivable entries for future receipts.
• Follow up on outstanding invoices; assist researchers with deposit and invoicing enquiries; assist Finance colleagues with finance related matters.
• Provide banking information and complete set up forms for new funding agencies.
• Prepare and process journal and general ledger entries accurately and in a timely manner.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations to verify the accuracy of bank and G/L account balances.
• Update project budgets for cash projects for month end closing.
• Assistance with year-end audit to provide requested back-up for accounts receivable and grants.
• Other related duties as assigned by the Director and/or the CFO.

Skills and experience

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent financial comprehension with experience in financial administration and budget control.
• Highly motivated with the ability to meet the challenges within a complex environment and prioritize to meet strict deadlines.
• Advanced Excel skills and good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work both independently and co-operatively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Experience working with a Financial System (Microsoft Dynamics 365 is preferred).
• Post-secondary education or current enrollment in an accounting program is encouraged and preferred.
• Knowledge of a research environment including grant administration, finance and grant reporting is an asset.

To apply

Please send your cover letter and CV to jobpostings@ottawaheart.ca.

Applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities are strongly encouraged.

According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is committed to ensuring barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process relating to any specialty requirements. Please notify us of any accommodations that you require – any information you provide will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The successful candidate will be required, prior to the start of employment, to complete mandatory organizational training available online, and provide the following: an official piece of photo identification and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and proof of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.