Finance and Administrative Research Officer

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Master of Physical Therapy Program Coordinator, this role supports faculty in managing research projects and service contracts. It serves as a liaison between the SRS, Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives (RASI), Research Accounting and the Office of the Vice Dean Research (OVDR). Key to success in this position will be the individual’s interpersonal skills, effective collaborations with faculty and research teams, understanding of research fund management, communication skills and high-quality priority and time management abilities. Discretion is crucial due to access to confidential information. This individual requires initiative, self-direction and motivation to execute assigned tasks in a timely manner.  A high level of independence, flexibility, responsibility and accountability are necessary.  Decisions will range from minor (routine) to some that are more major (e.g. fund management).

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork and positivity, along with an ability to create and nurture positive working relationships.
• Ensures grant applications and funded projects are managed effectively, on time, on budget, and are aligned with the SRS and College of Medicine (CoM) priorities.
• Facilitate the timely and compliant hiring, extending, and pay rate changes of staff and students to be employed on funded research projects, in accordance with USask policies applicable to each employee group.
• Ensure financial transactions are processed, recorded, and tracked in a timely manner and in compliance with University of Saskatchewan policies as they relate to funded research and financial management and policies of the various funding agencies. This may include but is not limited to purchasing, Concur transactions, JVs, EJSs, requesting honoraria or cultural service provider payments, and monthly research budget updates for faculty.
• Ensures compliance of School-related research activities with USask policies, federal and provincial laws and regulations and collective agreements.
• Works with the Director or designate and OVDR to provide administrative oversight for Master of Physical Therapy Research Projects.
• Acts as the School’s administrative liaison to CGPS to facilitate communication with PT faculty and graduate students engaged in the MSc/PhD in Health Sciences program.
• Tracks and monitors faculty members’ publications, research grants and activities annually (or as required) and provides comprehensive research reports.
• Regularly communicates with faculty, students, and staff to promote understanding of USask, CoM, and SRS research processes and to identify issues or challenges related to research.
• Provides other research and administrative related support as needed.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting/commerce, administration, or another relevant field.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years’ of related experience is required; preferably in a complex and diverse organization, such as a post-secondary education or health care environment. Combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
• Understanding of USask policies and procedures related to post-award research and financial management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting procedures, budget administration, financial forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
• Understanding of the provincial and national research environment and familiarity with policies and guidelines from funding agencies such as CIHR, SHRF, and Mitacs.
• Experience collaborating with diverse groups, engaging with Indigenous partners, and knowledge of Indigenous culture, customs, and traditions is an asset.
• Thorough working knowledge of various USask systems including but not limited to AboutUS, Fast finance, UnivRS, UView, Concur, and ConnectionPoint is an asset.
• Background in rehabilitation, physical therapy or other health-related research is an asset.

Skills: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers, administrators, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities.
• Proficient skills in managing research budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring financial compliance.
• Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to take initiative, be self-directed and exercise diplomacy and creativity in solving issues.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements or unforeseen challenges.