Finance Manager, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries

Staff - Non Union

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The Finance Manager is responsible for the management of the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF) operating and research grants, including the planning, implementation and day-to-day financial activities of the Institute. Develops and implements financial and budgetary models to ensure sustainability of the IOF. Ensures that the strategic planning initiatives match priorities with budgetary decisions and is responsible for improving the quality and efficiency of financial resources and procedures within the unit. Supports the Manager, Administration and Operations in the unit’s budget processes, including statistical analysis, variance analysis, budget planning, and forecasting. Is responsible for the full cycle of research grants within the unit, ensuring grant accuracy and compliance. Is the main point of contact between different UBC financial units, including Research Accounting, Innovation and Office of Research Services, interpreting and advocating on behalf of the unit. Leads the reporting on research grants for the unit, continually improving processes, and supporting the Manager, Administration and Operations in informed decision-making for the unit.

Organizational Status

The Finance Manager works independently, and reports to the Manager, Administration and Operations. They work closely with senior team members in the IOF, faculty, staff and students. They will provide guidance and supervision to others as appropriate regarding financial related issues. Liaises with university departments including Financial Operations, Project Services, Capital Projects, Supply Management, ORS and Innovation, including maintaining close ties with the Faculty of Science Dean's Office, as well as externally with business, government, and funding agencies. This position is the technical resource person for the Finance Clerk within the unit.

Financial Management & Decision-Making

• Provides insight & coordination in the planning and management of the unit’s operating, research, and contract budgets, exercising independent judgment to ensure financial integrity, sustainability, and alignment with unit, Faculty of Science and UBC priorities.
• Coordinates budget, monitoring, and reconciliation; evaluates complex financial data to identify risks, trends, surpluses, and deficits, and determines corrective actions in consultation with the Manager, Administration & Operations.
• Leads financial analysis and forecasting to inform strategic funding planning, cost containment, resource allocation, and long-term financial decision-making for the finance within the unit.
• Evaluates and recommends efficiency improvements, cost-reduction strategies, and streamlined financial processes that enhance operational effectiveness across the unit.

Research Grant, Contract & Risk Oversight

• Manages the full financial lifecycle of research grants and contracts on behalf of Principal Investigators, providing authoritative advice on financial strategy, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Interprets and applies Tri-Council (including NSERC) and other funding agency policies, ensuring expenditures are compliant and defensible; identifies non-compliance risks and implements timely resolution strategies.
• Oversees grant and contract monitoring to ensure funds are expended within funding and contractual timelines; directs corrective actions where financial performance deviates from approved budgets or agreements.
• Provides leadership on complex funding issues involving government agencies, industry partners, non-profit organizations, and donors, negotiating solutions and advising senior administration as required.
• Oversees the Department’s Direct Costs of Research recovery program, including annual cost-to-income analysis, audit responses, and strategic recommendations to support financial sustainability.

Institutional Liaison & Policy Interpretation

• Acts as a primary departmental authority and liaison with Research Accounting, Financial Services, Supply Management, and the Office of Research Services and Innovation, resolving complex issues related to grant setup, amendments, extensions, and financial compliance.
• Provides expert interpretation of university financial policies, accounting standards, and external funding regulations; ensures departmental practices align with institutional and legislative requirements.
• Represents departmental financial interests in cross-unit discussions and audits, providing documentation, analysis, and authoritative explanations to internal and external auditors.

Systems Leadership & Financial Governance

• Oversees the use and integrity of financial systems including Workday, Adaptive, Hyperion, and CBM, ensuring accurate reporting, governance compliance, and effective system utilization.
• Leads the development and application of sophisticated financial analysis tools and methodologies to support proposal development, reporting, forecasting, and executive decision-making.
• Serves as financial approver in Workday for position management, recruitment, and reappointments, exercising delegated authority in alignment with approved budgets and policies.

People Leadership, Advisory Authority & Training

• Provides functional leadership, training, and expert guidance to faculty, researchers, and administrative staff on financial policies, systems, funding guidelines, and best practices.
• Oversees financial compliance and quality assurance functions, including P-Card governance and CBM oversight, ensuring appropriate controls, investigation of discrepancies, and corrective actions.
• Acts as a financial resource to the Department, proactively advising on financial risks, opportunities, and emerging policy changes.

Planning, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Leads month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely completion of all research and contract account reconciliations.
• Coordinates the preparation and analysis of unit’s annual budget, including, variance analyses, and forecasts to support informed decision-making by unit’s Manager, Administration & Operation.

General

• Assumes the responsibilities of the Manager Administration and Operations during their absence from the office.
• Actively participates as part of the IOF Leadership Team (IOF Director; Manager Administration and Operations; Manager, Communications) to design strategies to improve the effectiveness and profile of the IOF.
• Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work is expected to be at a high level of accuracy. Effective management of all financial processes is critical. Errors could affect the financial position of the department, the affiliated research units and the individual faculty members, harming relationships with industrial partners and government funding organizations. Errors in judgment would have serious effects on the Manager of Administration and Operation's ability to carry out their mission and function. Failure to provide timely and accurate accounts reports would make it impossible to effectively manage the department. Work requires diplomacy and confidentiality.

Supervision Received

Works independently with goals and objective developed in conjunction with the Manager of Administration and Operations.

Supervision Given

Oversees and coordinates the work of the Financial Specialist. Indirectly supervises | provides direction to research-funded finance staff and facility staff (1 M&P, 1 CUPE), research-funded grant managers (2-3 Research Associates), and research-funded Lab managers (2 NUT, 2 M&P, 3-4 Research Associates). During the absence of the Manager of Administration and Operations oversees and coordinates operations for the unit as Workday delegate

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Enrolled in the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) modules.
• Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation and/or Master’s degree in business administration, financial management, or other related field
• Proven ability to manage complex financial arrangements and to prepare and effectively monitor budgets essential
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices, financial processes and general business practices
• Thorough knowledge of administrative policies, procedures, guidelines and mission and role of interdisciplinary research institutes
• Ability to work independently under minimal direction and exercise sound judgment and decision-making
• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgement and initiative in matters concerning departmental management including resource allocation, staffing, budget forecasting and financial management.
• Ability to take initiative, lead, delegate and allocate duties, collaborate in a team environment
• Excellent oral and written communications skills with proficiency in the use of English grammar, spelling and punctuation