Research Finance Specialist
On-site · Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Job Summary
Senior analytical and advisory role in Research Finance at the University of Waterloo. Provides leadership in financial management of the university’s research portfolio across the full grant lifecycle, acting as a trusted advisor to Research Finance leadership and faculty-facing partner. Drives continuous improvement through data-driven analysis, system optimization, and standardized research finance processes. Oversees research revenue management, sponsor invoicing, AR, reconciliations, reporting, dashboards, and risk-based decision support. Develops process maps, training materials, and supports campus-wide ERP and reporting tool initiatives. Requires CPA or international equivalent, 5+ years of financial administration experience, and strong ability to mentor staff and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Education: University undergraduate degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related discipline
- Recognized professional accounting designation (CPA or international equivalent) is required
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial administration, reporting, budgeting, and auditing within a complex, multi-fund environment, preferably in higher education, government, or the not-for-profit sector
- Minimum of 3 years of experience providing financial, strategic, and risk-based advice to senior finance leadership supporting decision-making
- Proven experience mentoring, training, and developing staff and stakeholders, including delivering guidance, job aids, and knowledge-transfer
- Comprehensive understanding of financial management, accounting principles, and research administration
- In-depth knowledge of sponsor regulations (e.g., Tri-Agency, CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC, CFI) and institutional financial policies
- Knowledge of system testing methodologies, test planning, test script development
- Proven ability to develop, evaluate, and implement internal financial control frameworks and controls
- Ability to document, optimize, and standardize financial and business processes
- Demonstrated ability to use technology to drive process improvement initiatives
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to lead, mentor, and influence others in a collaborative, service-oriented environment
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing competing priorities
- Advanced proficiency with financial management software, reporting systems, and Excel (pivot tables, formulas, and macros)
Desired Qualifications
- CPA or international equivalent
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related discipline
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial administration, reporting, budgeting, and auditing within a complex, multi-fund environment
- Minimum of 3 years of experience providing financial, strategic, and risk-based advice to senior finance leadership
- Experience mentoring, training, and developing staff
- Knowledge of sponsor regulations (e.g., Tri-Agency, CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC, CFI)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Proficiency with financial management software, reporting systems, and Excel (pivot tables, formulas, macros)
- Ability to lead, mentor, and influence others in a collaborative, service-oriented environment
- Experience with change management and driving process improvements, including AI or technology-enabled enhancements
- Ability to document, optimize, and standardize financial and business processes
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