Research Financial Analyst### Research Financial AnalystApply: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Full time: Posted Yesterday: 2026-03374At 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. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. Job Requisition ID:2026-03374Time Type:Full timeEmployee Group:StaffJob Category:Financial Planning and ReportingEmployment Type:TemporaryDepartment: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.
Term: 1 yearThis position is being offered as a temporary contract.

Job Description
**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
* Key point of contact between researchers and research administrators for financial advice, guidance and queries pertaining to research accounts
* Communicate regularly and proactively with researchers in person, by e-mail or by 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 resolution of specific project needs/concerns/issues
* Liaise with Office of Research pre-awards colleagues regarding clarifications or amendments to research agreements/contracts
* Liaise with other UW academic support units to ensure appropriate management of research funds Financial Administration and Management of a Portfolio of Research Accounts
* Set up of current 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 new or unusual areas of the research agreement
* Set up budget, overhead and encumbrance journal entries in accordance with specific requirements of the award agreement
* Notify the Principal Investigator (PI) of the key financial reporting requirements and sponsor guidelines of the specific research project Financial administration and management of research accounts
* Ensure that reporting schedules are met by proactively tracking project schedules and reporting deadlines for assigned accounts to ensure that reporting deadlines are met
* 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/supporting documentation for a specific project is received on a timely basis
* Liaise with PIs and/or research project managers and administrators to ensure that any in-kind supporting documentation has been collected from external partners
* Review 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 requirements
* Maintain accurate, well organized financial project files
* Conduct budget variance analysis to identify areas of concern and in conjunction with PI’s take appropriate action
* Analysis of PI’s research accounts to assist them in efficiently managing their portfolios and in appropriately spending their research funds
* Monitor outstanding invoices to ensure that researchers are advised on a timely basis if payment may be an issue so that appropriate action can be taken Closing Research Accounts
* Monitor 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 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 that appropriate PI authorization and supporting documentation is retained*

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