Manager, Research Accounting

Description

Research AccountingwithinFinanceis currently seeking a Full-time RegularManager, Research Accounting.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Accounting, the incumbent supports the Associate Director in leading Research Accounting in providing post award research finance support, including compliance with funding agency and University guidelines and financial reporting to external funding agencies.The Manager must perform in an environment where there is a potential for ambiguity and continuous change and shifting priorities and is required to deal with constant high volumes of work.

This position provides leadership and guidance to a team of senior analysts and analysts. This position will also work closely with these individuals to develop and grow their technical and related behavioral skills in a focused and strategic manner. The Manager contributes to the effectiveness and engagement of the University's Finance team and therefore its operational success and excellence.

Summary of Key Responsibilities(job functions include but are not limited to):

Managerial

• Effectively lead a team of senior analysts and analysts, providing direction and support in the daily provision of research finance support, including hands-on technical coaching related to University Finance standards and processes and through problems of a complex and challenging nature.
• In cooperation with the Research Accounting team, ensures open communication and provides regular feedback, conducts the performance review process with a focus on career growth and development as a Finance professional.
• Manage the service delivery of team including the allocation of personnel to tasks and special assignments and providing staff with advice on policies and procedures, including funding agency guidelines and requirements, client management and priorities and methods.
• Select, train, manage, support, and evaluate staff; provide feedback and development opportunities; coach the performance of individuals to achieve continuous improvement; stimulate and support creativity and innovation in others through strong leadership.
• Manages this team's attendance, time off, and assignments to ensure appropriate analyst support is available to the organization at all times.
• Responsible for all facets of employee management including recruitment and terminations as required.
• Authorizes overtime and vacation for staff, and recommends promotions/increments for employees based on performance.
• Responsible to manage labour disputes/grievances and work with union to ensure proper protocol is followed in accordance with collective agreement.
• Perform business and systems analysis and provide advice on business issues including changes to application tools, existing systems, processes, procedures, reporting and control functions.
• Act as a resource to management to provide accurate, reliable and timely special reports.
• Provide advice and guidance and respond to requests for information from both internal and external users.

Strategic Planning/Projects

• Develop and implement strategic and operational plans for funding agency compliance and research reporting.
• Assess current Finance policies, processes and programs that impact the Research Accounting team accountabilities, for continuous improvement opportunities; show an awareness of key drivers for decision-making in the University and attain 'buy-in' of key stakeholders to change initiatives.
• Assess current process to determine weaknesses in internal controls and risk, develop strategies and controls to mitigate the risks.
• Develop and implement monitoring process to evaluate effectiveness of internal controls.
• Clearly define the expectations and accountabilities of the senior analyst analyst roles.
• Remain current on factors that would initiate change, such as new Finance practices and changes to University policies and procedures.
• Resolve key concerns and ad-hoc issues associated with Research Accounting and the University in general, making recommendations to resolve these issues through the development of procedures, practices, and standards while balancing conflicting needs of many stakeholders.
• Ensure that appropriate reporting tools, processes and policies to support the Research Accounting team accountabilities are in place.
• Remain current on various funding agency guidelines and requirements.
• Develop, test, implement, and maintain complex reporting applications and reports.
• Lead some subcommittees of the Research Accounting team to operationalize the key initiatives of the team including, but not limited to, recruitment, development and monitoring of internal controls, process improvement, professional development, standards and processes, and other initiatives as they arise.

Communication/Relationships

• Ensure that communications are timely, informative and appropriately represent Finance and the University.
• Manage complex University issues and challenging interpersonal interactions with composure and diplomacy while maintaining confidentiality.
• Proactively develop and maintain trustworthy, productive, problem-solving working relationships with colleagues and staff, across the University community.
• Coach and motivate staff, team and project members to develop positive, high trust working relationships and operate effectively as a team.
• Create an environment where knowledge sharing, support, training tools, coaching and staff development ensure service levels meet or exceed client expectations.
• Client consultation, liaison, coordination, cooperation and feedback.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation (CPA, CA, CMA or CGA) with a related university degree.Equivalencies may be considered.
• A minimum of 7 years of extensive experience in various accounting functions including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and internal controls.
• Three to five years of supervisory/management experience in leading a large team.
• Experience working in an academic environment is a strong asset.
• Sound consulting and business partnering skills including negotiating and influencing, change management, coaching and mentoring, decision making, problem solving and client relationship development.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to handle difficult situations while maintaining effective and productive working relationships.
• Must be able to think logically, solve problems and be critically objective with an ability to develop innovative solutions to problems.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment. Strong team leadership skills are required.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills are required to ensure this client facing function is effectively managed.
• The ability to communicate effectively with faculty, administrators, staff, is essential.
• Ability to coach and support others.
• Innovative and creative thinking.
• Effective communication.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Strategic and critical thinking.
• Sound judgment and decision making.
• Ability to exercise influence and support change.