Primary Purpose The 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 Accountabilities - Manage and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders; serve as key point of contact between researchers and research administrators for financial advice, guidance and queries.

- Communicate regularly and proactively with researchers in person, by e‑mail or telephone to discuss progress on their accounts.
- Provide advice and assistance to researchers and their departmental/faculty administrators on sponsor guidelines or university policy as it pertains to research.
- Communicate with external research sponsors regarding interpretation of guidelines or reporting requirements and the resolution of specific project needs, concerns or issues.
- Liaise with Office of Research pre‑awards colleagues regarding clarifications or amendments to research agreements/contracts.
- Liaise with other University academic support units to ensure appropriate management of research funds.

Financial

Administration and Management of a Portfolio of Research Accounts - Set up new research accounts.

- Review, 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 current or unusual areas of the research agreement.
- Set up budget, overhead, and encumbrance journal entries in accordance with award agreement requirements.
- Notify the Principal Investigator (PI)



of key financial reporting requirements and sponsor guidelines for the specific research project.
- Ensure that reporting schedules are met by proactively tracking project schedules and reporting deadlines for assigned accounts.
- Prepare invoice requests in accordance with invoicing schedules in the award agreement.
- Prepare financial reporting in the format stipulated by each individual research sponsor.
- Collate appropriate supporting documentation to accompany reports.
- Liaise with representatives of collaborating institutions to ensure that all data, reporting, and supporting documentation for a specific project is received on time.
- Ensure that any in‑kind supporting documentation has been collected from external partners and is appropriate and calculated in accordance with specific sponsor requirements.
- Maintain accurate, well‑organized financial project files.
- Conduct budget variance analysis to identify areas of concern and, with PIs, take appropriate action.
- Analyze PI’s research accounts to assist them in efficiently managing their portfolios and appropriately spending research funds.
- Monitor outstanding invoices to ensure that researchers are advised urgently if payment may be an issue.

Closing Research

Accounts - Monitor accounts that are close to their end date to ensure all funds are spent appropriately or that an extension request is submitted.

- Ensure that all reporting requirements have been met and all funds have been received.




- Provide advice to PIs over options for resolving surplus or deficit account balances to an alternative eligible account.
- Prepare journal entries to close out the project account, ensuring PI authorization and supporting documentation are retained.
- Finalize the print and/or electronic research files, keeping documentation according to record retention guidelines. Facilitation of Audits on Research Accounts - Serve as key point of contact with sponsor, University or collaborating institution auditors during audits of research accounts.
- Provide an overview of sponsor program details and University policies and procedures to auditors.
- Prepare and reconcile audit support listings and documentation for auditors.
- Co‑ordinate and reconcile supporting documentation from collaborating institutions.
- Respond to audit queries.

Required Qualifications - University undergraduate degree preferably in Accounting, Business or Finance or equivalent combination of experience and education.

- Enrolment in a professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA or international equivalent) is recommended for progression to USG10.
- Experience in financial reporting, account reconciliation and financial analysis.
- Working knowledge of auditing practices and procedures.
- Experience communicating effectively with key stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the academic and research environment is an advantage.
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Excel, intermediate knowledge of Word, beginner to intermediate knowledge of PowerPoint, intermediate to advanced knowledge of Unit4, Adobe and Outlook.

Equity Statement The

University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. We are committed to accessibility for all employees and encourage applications from historically disadvantaged and marginalized candidates. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

📌 Research Financial Analyst (Toronto)
🏢 Waterloo International
📍 Toronto