Research Grants & Financial Analyst

Reporting to the Research Operations and Strategic Analysis Lead, the AGFA serves as a strategic financial liaison supporting the Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) department. This role leads financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and accounting activities to ensure alignment with institutional policies, procedures, and external funding requirements. The AGFA collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and funding agencies to enable informed decision‑making, accurate financial management, and responsible stewardship of research resources.

How you'll contribute

• Support financial management of project portfolios from initiation to completion, providing guidance to direct reports
• Assist in budget planning and participate in strategic financial discussions
• Prepare salary analysis and forecasting to inform budgeting and financial reporting
• Coordinate financial systems setup and ensure proper account structures for projects
• Support Research Chairs, Operational Leads, and internal stakeholders in forecasting spending, monitoring project performance, and resolving financial challenges
• Monitor and track project financials, including forecasting and metrics reporting
• Provide guidance on project expenses, cost eligibility, and compliance with funding requirements
• Coordinate time tracking and reporting to ensure accurate allocation of resources
• Assist with project costing, including allocation reviews, salary analyses, and reconciliations
• Assess project costs for compliance with funding agreements and assist with documentation and funding claims
• Monitor and reconcile project funding activity, including operating and capital accounts
• Assist with expense and cost reclassifications to ensure accuracy and policy compliance
• Track and report government grant usage, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external funding requirements
• Maintain and update financial systems and records for grants and industry contributions
• Track accounts receivable, provide updates to the A/R team, and follow up on outstanding invoices

What you bring

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance
• Minimum three years of experience in a finance‑focused role with progressive responsibility

Preferred

• CPA designation with at least three years of related experience
• Two to three years of experience in a research environment, including reporting to funding agencies such as PrairiesCan
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Skills Required

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and innovative thinking
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non‑financial audiences
• Technical experience with system upgrades, troubleshooting, and implementation
• Leadership and project management skills, with the ability to drive projects to completion
• Strong critical thinking, collaboration, and political awareness when working with multiple stakeholders
• Customer‑focused approach with strong interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Effective time management to meet deadlines