Manager, Research Finance

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square, Edmonton.

The University of Alberta is a leading research-intensive institution with a diverse and collaborative community and is among the top five Canadian universities in attracting external research funding. For fiscal year 2026, the University estimates total external research funding of approximately $600 million.

The Office of the Vice-President (Research) is seeking a Manager, Research Finance to provide leadership to the Research Administrative Services (RAS) Finance Team and oversee the effective financial administration and reporting of a significant and complex portfolio of externally funded research.

Reporting to the Director, Research Administrative Services, the Manager, Research Finance works with a broad range of stakeholders across the University and plays a key role in ensuring the responsible stewardship, financial integrity and effective administration of research funding. The position leads a team of accounting and finance professionals responsible for ensuring research funds are administered in accordance with University policies, sponsor terms and conditions, and applicable accounting principles.

This is a leadership role within RAS, with responsibility for managing operational priorities, developing effective financial processes and controls, supporting institutional financial reporting, and ensuring the timely, accurate and efficient delivery of research finance services to the University's research community.

Team Leadership and Operational Management

• Provides leadership, direction and support to the RAS Finance Team, including recruiting, hiring, developing and managing staff performance.
• Develops work plans and establishes priorities to meet service standards of RAS and the Office of the Vice-President (Research).
• Manages day-to-day workflows, allocating resources and adjusting priorities to respond to fluctuating workloads and competing deadlines.
• Monitors service and performance levels and identifies opportunities to improve the delivery of research finance services.
• Develops and implements processes, procedures and training to support consistent and effective financial administration.
• Works collaboratively with the RAS Management Team to ensure financial reporting and invoicing requirements for research grants and contracts are met.

Research Finance and Financial Management

• Leads the development, implementation and ongoing management of effective financial business practices and systems for the administration of research funding, while minimizing institutional risk.
  Ensures the application of University financial policies and procedures, effective internal controls and prudent business practices in the administration of research funds.
• Oversees quality assurance processes to maintain the integrity, completeness and accuracy of financial and award information within the University's grants management environment.
• Develops and oversees processes to ensure appropriate application of accounting principles in the recognition of research revenue and the establishment of revenue and billing plans.
• Oversees accounts receivable activities related to research funding, including the timely application of sponsor payments, monitoring of outstanding balances and follow-up on amounts owing.
• Ensures financial milestones and reporting requirements are met in a timely manner across research awards.
• Works collaboratively with RAS colleagues, faculty and department administrators to resolve complex financial and research administration issues.
• Develops and implements processes for the preparation of financial reports and statements to meet sponsor requirements efficiently and accurately.
• Coordinates and facilitates internal and external audits of research funds.
• Oversees processes to ensure research projects are appropriately completed and closed.

Institutional Reporting and Systems

• Provides monthly, quarterly and annual institutional reporting and analysis of research revenues and expenditures for inclusion in the University's financial statements.
• Ensures the accuracy and integrity of research financial information that supports downstream billing, revenue and reporting processes.
• Develops system-generated reconciliations and exception reports to monitor data integrity within the University's ERP environment.
• Liaises with Information Services and Technology (IST) regarding system upgrades and changes that impact research accounting.
• Provides financial advice and guidance to Research Facilitators, Managers, working supervisors and other RAS colleagues on policies, procedures and standards related to research funding and financial administration.
• Participates in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures within Research Services.

• University degree required and a professional accounting designation.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working with large, complex administrative and financial systems, preferably within research administration in a post-secondary environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading, supervising and developing staff, including managing performance, setting priorities and fostering a high-performing team environment.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, financial management practices and internal controls, with the ability to apply these principles within a complex organizational environment.
• Thorough knowledge of the research funding environment, including federal, provincial and private-sector research sponsors, and the financial administration requirements associated with research grants and contracts.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and continuously improving financial processes, procedures and controls to support operational effectiveness, data integrity and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience with financial reporting, analysis, audit processes and the interpretation and application of financial policies and requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex financial issues and develop practical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, fluctuating workloads and multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and communicate complex financial information clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and advice on financial policies, procedures and practices and to work collaboratively across organizational units.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support organizational change, including the implementation of new processes, systems and business practices.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and service excellence.
• Demonstrated professionalism, tact, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or a comparable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is an asset.
• Experience with research administration systems and/or financial systems within a post-secondary institution is an asset.

Application Instructions

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This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $79,361 to $132,267.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.