Manager, Research Finance

University of Alberta

. Lead, direct and support the Research Administrative Services Finance Team, including recruiting, hiring, staff development and performance management .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeEdmonton • CanadaMid-LevelSenior💰 CA$79,361 - CA$132,267 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial management practices, research funding compliance, and the development of effective financial processes within a post-secondary environment. Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex financial systems, and ensure accuracy in financial reporting and analysis.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Professional Accounting DesignationResearch Administration ExperienceFinancial Reporting and AnalysisLeadership and Staff DevelopmentKnowledge of Accounting Principles

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial Management PracticesInternal ControlsFinancial Processes DevelopmentResearch Revenue RecognitionAudit ProcessesFinancial Policies InterpretationData Integrity MonitoringPerformance ManagementResource AllocationProcess Improvement

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

PeopleSoftEnterprise Resource Planning (ERP) SystemsResearch Administration Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

University DegreeProfessional Accounting Designation

Industry Keywords

Research Funding EnvironmentFederal Research SponsorsProvincial Research SponsorsPrivate-Sector Research SponsorsGrants Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, direct and support the Research Administrative Services Finance Team, including recruiting, hiring, staff development and performance management
Develop work plans and establish priorities to meet service standards
Manage day-to-day workflows, allocate resources and adjust priorities for fluctuating workloads and competing deadlines
Monitor service and performance levels and improve research finance service delivery
Develop and implement processes, procedures and training for effective financial administration
Collaborate with the RAS Management Team on financial reporting and invoicing requirements for research grants and contracts
Lead financial business practices and systems for research funding while minimizing institutional risk
Ensure compliance with University financial policies, procedures, internal controls and prudent business practices
Oversee quality assurance and integrity of financial and award information in the grants management environment
Oversee research revenue recognition, revenue plans, billing plans and accounts receivable activities
Ensure research award financial milestones and reporting requirements are met
Resolve complex financial and research administration issues with RAS colleagues, faculty and department administrators
Develop processes for accurate and efficient sponsor financial reports and statements
Coordinate internal and external audits of research funds
Oversee completion and closure of research projects
Provide monthly, quarterly and annual institutional reporting and analysis of research revenues and expenditures
Develop reconciliations and exception reports to monitor ERP data integrity
Liaise with Information Services and Technology regarding system upgrades and changes affecting research accounting
Provide financial advice and guidance on research funding policies, procedures and standards
Participate in developing and implementing financial policies and procedures within Research Services

Requirements

What you’ll need

University degree required
Professional accounting designation required
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working with large, complex administrative and financial systems
Experience preferably within research administration in a post-secondary environment
Experience leading, supervising and developing staff, including managing performance, setting priorities and fostering a high-performing team environment
Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, financial management practices and internal controls
Thorough knowledge of the research funding environment, including federal, provincial and private-sector research sponsors
Experience developing, implementing and continuously improving financial processes, procedures and controls
Experience with financial reporting, analysis, audit processes and interpretation and application of financial policies and requirements
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to manage competing priorities, fluctuating workloads and multiple deadlines
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to provide leadership and advice on financial policies, procedures and practices
Ability to lead and support organizational change
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and service excellence
Professionalism, tact, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality
Experience with PeopleSoft or a comparable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is an asset
Experience with research administration systems and/or financial systems within a post-secondary institution is an asset

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Hybrid work arrangement with a mix of remote and in-person work