Finance Officer

at  McGill University

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Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Associate Director, Finance, the Finance Officer provides direction and support to the Montreal Neurological Institute’s (MNI) Financial Services team (FST) related to the financial administration of research grants and contracts. The Finance Officer provides key financial analysis and recommendations aligned to support the mission of the MNI and works closely with the Associate Director, Finance to manage all research financial activities and to ensure best practices and processes are in place for financial stability and compliance.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage overall research grant and contract funds at the MNI. Provide advice to PIs and researchers on financial policies, ensuring consistency and compliance.
• Implement and maintain finance procedures and record-keeping systems. Streamline and standardize procedures. Assist with planning, forecasting and organizing financial activities to support the daily operations of the Principal Investigator’s (PIs) and research units within the MNI.
• Work with PIs on budget proposals and to identify funding for expenses not supported by granting agencies.
• Work with PIs to forecast annual spending for research projects, support staff, and students.
• Build and supervise the MNI Financial Services team (FST) related to the financial administration of research grants and contracts. Establish operational objectives; determine work assignments; provide training, coaching, mentoring; manage performance.
• Monitor and control human resources (HR) funding. Monitors salary expenditures to ensure correct fund sources are used, in collaboration with supervisors, PIs and HR.
• Monitors monthly fund reports and ensures that over-expended funds are reviewed in conjunction with the PIs and research units. Recommends remedial solutions.
• Ensure compliance in order to meet University and granting needs/requirements and compliance. Monitors and reviews compliance reports.
• Contribute to the development of best practices, tools, communication plans and training models by setting up ticketing system through JIRA to better streamline the expense report processes and organize training and info sessions, to keep the Neuro community abreast with financial updates.
• Ensure implementation of new programs, and policies. Identify and implement best practices.
• Ensure year-end requirements are met and adjustments processed by deadline. Ensure entries are corrected and transfers are done on timely basis.
• Monitor systems and accesses, including authorizations for UPrint, PCard, and MMP.
• Assist with MNI operating budget monitoring and planning in collaboration with other MNI Finance Officer.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as required by the Associate Director, Finance.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

• Experience with research funds and tri-agency guidelines (TAFAG), experience with forecasting and budget management, in a research focused environment is required.
• Extensive knowledge of accounting and financial management principles.
• Ability to administer funds and prepare detailed budgets.
• Knowledge of McGill fund types (or other University) including experience in financial research administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and serving as a facilitator and motivator.
• Proven success in facilitating and maintaining strong, consistent, and effective communication with diverse audience and interacting with various levels of academics and administrative staff.
• Service-oriented with excellent customer service skills and the ability to establish productive working relationships quickly.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency with computerized applications including spreadsheets, databases, word-processing software, Banner FIS, Crystal reports.
• Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.

Testing may be administered
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree 3 Years Related Experience with Bachelor’s Degree /
Annual Salary:
(MPEX Grade 05) $70,820.00 - $88,530.00 - $106,240.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-FIN2B - Accounting - Professional 2
Hours per Week:
33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Associate Director, Finance
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
2024-08-20
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,
accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

• Manage overall research grant and contract funds at the MNI. Provide advice to PIs and researchers on financial policies, ensuring consistency and compliance.
• Implement and maintain finance procedures and record-keeping systems. Streamline and standardize procedures. Assist with planning, forecasting and organizing financial activities to support the daily operations of the Principal Investigator’s (PIs) and research units within the MNI.
• Work with PIs on budget proposals and to identify funding for expenses not supported by granting agencies.
• Work with PIs to forecast annual spending for research projects, support staff, and students.
• Build and supervise the MNI Financial Services team (FST) related to the financial administration of research grants and contracts. Establish operational objectives; determine work assignments; provide training, coaching, mentoring; manage performance.
• Monitor and control human resources (HR) funding. Monitors salary expenditures to ensure correct fund sources are used, in collaboration with supervisors, PIs and HR.
• Monitors monthly fund reports and ensures that over-expended funds are reviewed in conjunction with the PIs and research units. Recommends remedial solutions.
• Ensure compliance in order to meet University and granting needs/requirements and compliance. Monitors and reviews compliance reports.
• Contribute to the development of best practices, tools, communication plans and training models by setting up ticketing system through JIRA to better streamline the expense report processes and organize training and info sessions, to keep the Neuro community abreast with financial updates.
• Ensure implementation of new programs, and policies. Identify and implement best practices.
• Ensure year-end requirements are met and adjustments processed by deadline. Ensure entries are corrected and transfers are done on timely basis.
• Monitor systems and accesses, including authorizations for UPrint, PCard, and MMP.
• Assist with MNI operating budget monitoring and planning in collaboration with other MNI Finance Officer.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as required by the Associate Director, Finance