Research Finance Analyst

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 36 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement (ORSCE)

The ORSCE provides managerial support to research, scholarship and community engagement activities at MRU. This vibrant group connects with faculty members across disciplines as well as staff in functions across the University including HR, Finance, Legal, Facilities and more. Additionally, external partners include other post secondary institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders. The ORSCE culture is collaborative and the work fast paced and rewarding. The Director ORSCE reports to the Associate Vice President Research Scholarship and Community Engagement in Academic Affairs.

About the Role

This position works directly with the Director, Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement (ORSCE) and is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing the overall financial activities of the ORSCE, and research institutes. The Research Finance Analyst operates in accordance with the regulations, standards, policies and procedures set forth by the university in order to be consistent with strategic objectives, and in compliance with external research grants funding agencies' requirements. A comprehensive knowledge base of accounting principles is necessary in order to interpret the financial activity of ORSCE, external funding agencies as well as the broader scope of the institution.

Required to work with confidential information and exercise discretion and tact, the Research Finance Analyst must also deal with demanding and competing deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and thoroughness. The incumbent also works closely with the Financial Services and provides substantive analysis for quarter end and year end reporting purposes, as well as external financial reporting.

This is a full-time replacement term position working 35 hours per week and ending August 15, 2025.

Responsibilities

Research Grant Administration

• Ensure compliance with funding guidelines from Federal, Provincial and other funders
• Monitor account transactions and work with faculty researchers
• Review all research expenditures for eligibility
• Oversee external grants, endowed and un-endowed donations
• Collaborate to initiate purchase of research materials and equipment, and contracting processes for research and managing vendor contracts
• Manage and analyze internal data for reporting and decision making
• Process research expenses, reconcile accounts and ensure compliance with external and internal funders' policies and procedures
• Work collaboratively to ensure efficient research grant administration oversight
• Enter and maintain information required in the ERP (BANNER/FAST Research) and train faculty researchers on navigating their research finances
• Act as a resource for faculty researchers regarding hiring for research, contracting for professional and technical services, etc.

Planning and Budgeting

• Contribute to the development of ORSCE budgets, financial forecasts and budget plans for research application submissions
• Provide direction and guidance to faculty researchers on financial activities related to their research projects, and budget planning support to MRU Institutes
• Lead the comprehensive annual planning and budget preparation process, reviews, and the forecasting and planning process for assigned portfolios

Data Analysis, Reporting, and Policies

• Monitor revenues and expenses on an ongoing basis, identify any discrepancies and determine where corrective action needs to be made
• Work with others to ensure grant monies are received and budgets for externally funded initiatives are set up and monitored
• Analyze, compile and develop financial reports for externally funded research projects
• Plan, coordinate and report accurate financial overviews, share information and resolve financial and reporting issues as needed
• Provide a wide variety of ad hoc reporting and financial analysis
• Keep current and ensure compliance with funding guidelines from federal, provincial and other funders
• Review and provide recommendations to implement improvements
• Assist to develop and implement appropriate training of financial processes and tools (FAST Research) for staff and faculty

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of directly related work experience in various accounting functions including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis within a complex financial environment in post-secondary or private industry
• A professional designation (ex. CA, CGA, PMP) would be an asset
• Strong computer skills
• Excellent judgment and communication skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholder groups to ensure business and technology alignment

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions.

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre.

Our campus offers the convenience of a medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public.

Salary: $60,571 - $76,640 per annum

Closing Date: June 4, 2024

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently eligible to work in Canada will be given priority. Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus. Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at .