At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together.

The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.Learn more about our recruitment process.Job Requisition ID:2026-01469Time Type:Full timeEmployee Group:StaffJob Category:Financial Planning and ReportingEmployment Type:PermanentDepartment:Office of the Vice-President, Research and International - Research Finance IVHiring Range:$61,954.88 - $77,443.60Posting Information:This posting is for an existing vacancy.The internal posting deadline for this position is July 30th , at 11:59PM.This is a Career Path position. The final level will be determined based ondemonstrated skills and experience.Anticipated hiring ranges:USG 7: $61,954 - $ 77,443USG 8: $67,688 -$ 84,610USG 9: $73,695 - $ 92,119Job Description:Primary PurposeThe Research Financial Analyst (RFA) is responsible for the financial administration and management of a portfolio of research accounts for a specific group of researchers.

These responsibilities include problem–solving with respect to the management and analysis of a portfolio of research accounts, preparation of financial statements, management of the relationship between and requirements of internal and external stakeholders and ensuring adherence to financial requirements/guidelines specified by sponsors and to University policies.Key AccountabilitiesManage and Foster Relationships with Internal and External StakeholdersKey point of contact between researchers and research administrators for financial advice, guidance and queries pertaining to research accountsCommunicate regularly and proactively with researchers in person, by e-mail or by telephone to discuss progress on their accountsProvide advice and assistance to researchers and their departmental/faculty administrators on sponsor guidelines or university policy as it pertains to researchCommunicate with external research sponsors regarding interpretation of guidelines or reporting requirements and resolution of specific project needs/concerns/issuesLiaise with Office of Research pre-awards colleagues regarding clarifications or amendments to research agreements/contractsLiaise with other UW academic support units to ensure appropriate management of research fundsFinancial Administration and Management of a Portfolio of Research AccountsSet up of new research accountsReview,



gain an understanding of and approve new research projects through the research awards management system (InfoEd)Liaise with Office of Research pre-awards colleagues regarding new or unusual areas of the research agreementSet up budget, overhead and encumbrance journal entries in accordance with specific requirements of the award agreementNotify the Principal Investigator (PI) of the key financial reporting requirements and sponsor guidelines of the specific research projectFinancial administration and management of research accountsEnsure that reporting schedules are met by proactively tracking project schedules and reporting deadlines for assigned accounts to ensure that reporting deadlines are metPrepare invoice requests in accordance with invoicing schedules in the award agreementPrepare financial reporting in the format stipulated by each individual research sponsorCollate appropriate supporting documentation to accompany reportsLiaise with representatives of collaborating institutions to ensure that all data/reporting/supporting documentation for a specific project is received on a timely basisLiaise with PIs and/or research project managers and administrators to ensure that any in-kind supporting documentation has been collected from external partnersReview in-kind provided by external partners to support research projects to ensure that the documentation provided is appropriate and calculated in accordance with the specific sponsor’s requirementsMaintain accurate, well organized financial project filesConduct budget variance analysis to identify areas of concern and in conjunction with PI’s take appropriate actionAnalysis of PI’s research accounts to assist them in efficiently managing their portfolios and in appropriately spending their research fundsMonitor outstanding invoices to ensure that researchers are advised on a timely basis if payment may be an issue so that appropriate action can be takenClosing Research AccountsMonitor accounts that are coming close to their end date to ensure that all funds will be spent appropriately by the end date or that an extension request submittedEnsure that all reporting requirements have been met and all funds have been receivedProvide advice to PIs over options for resolving surplus or deficit account balances to an alternative eligible accountPrepare journal entries to close out the project account ensuring that appropriate PI authorization and supporting documentation is retainedFinalize the print and/or electronic research files ensuring that all appropriate documentation is kept according to record retention guidelinesFacilitation of audits on research accountsKey point of contact with sponsor, UW or collaborating institution auditors during the audit of research accounts in their portfolioProvision of an overview of sponsor program details and UW policies and procedures to the auditorsPreparation and reconciliation of audit support listings to auditorsProvision of supporting documentation for transactions being auditedCo-ordination and reconciliation of supporting documentation from collaborating institutionsResponding to audit queriesRequired QualificationsUniversity undergraduate degree preferably in Accounting, Business or Finance or equivalent combination of experience and educationEnrolment in a skilled accounting designation (i.e. CPA or international equivalent) is recommended as progression to USG 10 requires completion of said designationExperience in financial reporting, account reconciliation and financial analysisWorking knowledge of auditing practices and procedures is an assetExperience of effectively communicating with key stakeholdersKnowledge of the academic and research environment is an advantageKnowledge/Skills/AbilitiesIntermediate to advanced knowledge of ExcelIntermediate knowledge of WordBeginner to intermediate knowledge of PowerPointIntermediate to advanced knowledge of Unit4, Adobe, OutlookEquity StatementThe University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.

As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or (phone hidden), ext. 45935.

📌 Research Financial Analyst (Toronto)
🏢 University-of-Waterlo
📍 Toronto