Research Financial Assistant

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Internal posting expires June 11th at 11:59

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Research Financial Assistant will provide financial and human resource support to Principal Investigators to facilitate effective management of their research projects.

Key Accountabilities

Financial Administration

Ensure all expenses are eligible and compliant with university and granting agency policies.

Assist faculty and staff with understanding various financial reports financial policies/procedures terminology and standard accounting practices including support for training on Power BI.

Forward financial reports e.g. form 300s received from Office of Research to PIs and obtain approval signatures by stipulated deadline date.

Create and review journal entry transactions including interdepartmental billings and ensure transaction complies with the Universitys policies on fund transfers applicable tax rules and expense transfer approvals.

Support to Principal Investigators

Runs queries; reviews and interprets financial data to support management of grant funding by Principal Investigator (PI).

Submits and supports submission of online purchase requisitions for equipment funded by research grants and contracts.

Assists with resolving deficits and account transfers working with Office of Research Finance and PIs as appropriate.

Answers non-routine and complex inquiries that are specific in nature and require specialized knowledge of policies and procedures and may require follow-up with Office of Research.

Supports PI with budget questions for grant submissions

Research Administrative Support

Reviews all cover sheets and Interim Research Account requests to ensure accuracy and that OR guidelines are followed.

Manages and maintains an electronic database system (Excel spreadsheets) for all applications/proposals submitted and maintains a filing system for information regarding grants awarded.

Provides supports as needed to Research Project/Program Managers.

Prepares reports three times/year (by term) that includes grant amount funder title length grad student support etc. for Chairs/Director

Human Resources Administration

Assists with the processing of various research hires and terminations.

Assists with the preparation of various payroll forms.

Ensure that contract end dates do not exceed the research grant end date and prepare revised salary reallocation forms as required.

Review research staff contracts payments and salaries to ensure eligibility of expenses according to granting agency guidelines and requirements.

Review Graduate Research Studentships and Graduate Research Assistants payments for available funds and timeliness.

Initiate salary changes for ongoing salary for research group members as needed.

Liaise between PIs Academic Unit Staff the Finance and Office of Research departments as required.

Other

Stay current on changes in granting agency regulations University policies and procedures research administration best practices and new technology or programs.

Attend all training on new systems and procedures and meetings as required.

Assists with the applications award hiring and tracking for the Hallman Undergraduate Research Awards

Assists with the applications and awards for the Undergraduate Experiential Travel Award

Other duties required.

Required Qualifications

Education

University degree in accounting post-secondary accounting diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Experience

1-2 years financial or administrative experience preferably in a post-secondary environment.

Knowledge of University systems (Concur Unit4 Workday PowerBi) an asset.

Strong computer skills including MS Office specifically Excel.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Strong decision making and critical thinking skills.

Ability to interpret policies financial statements.

Ability to apply guidelines and procedures.

Ability to analyze financial data and present it in an appropriate format.

Strong client-service orientation with a focus on providing exceptional customer service in a team environment.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally and effectively with diverse constituencies of the university and external partners.

Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Ability to work accurately efficiently and effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Ability to manage multiple demands with above average attention to detail.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research learning teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized including applicants who identify as First Nations Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit) Black racialized a person with a disability women and/or 2SLGBTQ.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application interview or workplace accommodation requests please contact Human Resources or ext. 45935.