Research Institute Financial Officer

Date Posted: 01/05/2024
Req ID: 35563
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Can. Inst for Theoretical Astrophysics
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00055850

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity:

The Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) is a nationally supported research institute and a non-profit corporation (CITA Inc.) Our mission is to foster interaction within the Canadian astrophysics community and to serve as an international centre of excellence for theoretical studies in astrophysics. We educate and develop the next generation of scientific leaders with national postdoctoral fellowships as well as postdoctoral and senior research associate fellowships, and through the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students. We are devoted to studying the origin and evolution of the universe and the many phenomena revealed by modern astronomy.

Under the general direction of the Department Manager, the incumbent will work with CITA's academic research team to oversee and coordinate the institute's research grants and contracts, which are complex and varied in scope. The incumbent will also support the Insitute and Department Manager with financial administration and reporting actvities, as required.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Forecasting, planning and monitoring multiple complex budgets
• Analyzing complex statistical reports and/or financial information for management decision-making
• Conducting detailed analysis of grant application policy to maximize research funding; ensuring sponsor deadlines are met
• Monitoring, recording, reconciling and/or reporting on funding accounts for grants and contracts
• Liaising with internal contacts to resolve restricted fund administration and reporting issues
• Generating standard financial reports
• Preparing and/or processing journal entires; processing payroll; expense reimbursements

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance and/or Accounting, or acceptable combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum four years of recent and relevant financial experience related to research grants, and contracts, in an university academic department.
• Demonstrated work experience in aspects of accounting up to and including payroll, account reconciliation, and preparation of financial statements
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of general accounting principles and procedures
• Demonstrated work experience interpreting and applying financial policies; familarity with University Guide to Financial Management
• Proven experience with compiling, investigating, and analyzing financial information as well as making recommendations based on outcome of analyses
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and adhering with granting agencies’ funding guidelines and policies; familarity with university policeis, procedures and collective agreements
• Experience with financial forecasting analysis abilities
• Experience processing payroll, stipends and honoraria
• Highly proficient in using MS Office, with advanced skills in MS Excel
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; ability to communicate and work cohesively across a wide-range of stakeholders
• Advanced experience with University's Administrative Management System (FIS, DIS, RIS, and HRIS), or other similar systems
• Must have attention to detail and must be accurate in performing work.
• Demonstrated tact, initiative and good judgement

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Communicator
• Efficient
• Meticulous
• Organized
• Responsible
• Team player

This role is not currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the  University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline .

Closing Date: 01/23/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $83,150 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $106,336. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Finance/Budget/Planning/Audit
Recruiter: Carolyn Wright

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.