Financial and Administrative Officer, Community Health and Epidemiology

University of Saskatchewan•Saskatoon, SK

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will provide confidential and high-level support to the Pewaseskwan team, instrumental in providing financial and administrative support and effectively aiding in all aspects and strategic priorities of the Pewaseskwan team. The incumbent works in a fast-paced, complex office setting, dealing with competing deadlines, multi-tasking, multi-directional high stakes communication in a highly confidential and nuanced environment faced with constant change and enhancement. Considerable discretion is a requirement as this position is privy to, and handles, highly sensitive and at times confidential information. The successful candidate will contribute to a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment by actively engaging in self-awareness learning opportunities, relationship building and communication.

Requirements

An undergraduate university degree is required.
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience providing support to senior level administrators, preferably in a complex and diverse fund-source organization, is required.
General accounting experience in an office setting processing expense claims, cheque requisitions, account reconciliations and financial reporting is required.

Nice To Haves

Training in project management would be an asset.
A combination of education and experience may be considered.
A background or experience in project management within an advanced education portfolio would be an asset.

Responsibilities

Provides comprehensive financial and administrative support for multi-million research projects funded through multiple streams and administered across three academic institutions, each with distinct systems and regulatory requirements, ensuring accurate coordination compliance, and effective management within a highly complex operating environment.
Lead comprehensive and proactive financial management processes, including budget development, policies and guidelines development and/or enhancement, forecasting, monitoring, administration and reconciliation, perform variance and discrepancy analysis to ensure accuracy and accountability.
Provide strategic financial mentorship and guidance support to research managers, project leads, and all staff to enhance financial understanding, support informed decision-making and optimize resource allocation.
Provide oversight and supervision of operations staff supporting the research teams, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations, appropriate and effective allocation of resources, and alignment with project priorities and timelines.
Responsible for overseeing financial data of several concurrent research studies conducted across multiple sites.
Supports Principal Investigators (Pewasesskwa co-leads) in planning, forecasting, implementation and maintenance of research projects in terms of their financial aspect.
Leads financial planning and administration for multiple research projects.
Leads the activities with financial data sharing and confidentiality agreements with external partners and stakeholders.
Analyzes control processes that support adherence to regulatory policies and practices, reporting regulations and internal and external standards.
Writes and submits financial reports to funders to ensure timely and efficient completion of project goals.
Acts as a resource within the unit, including but not limited to reviewing financial information and collaborating with client groups to rectify errors, and preparation of other required financial and regulatory reports for internal and external purposes.
Provides support for community project’s resource person through delivery of advice on preparation of financial reports or solutions of financial accounting issues.
Tracks revenues and expenses of multiple research grants.
Provides guidance to managers, leads and coordinators in terms of the financial aspects of various research projects to further the goals and objectives of the overall research program.
Works collaboratively with the other members of the administrative support team and the research team to ensure all protocols are followed and that there is timely and robust documentation.
Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day activities of operations staff to ensure tasks are completed efficiently, accurately and in alignment with policies and objectives.
Provides guidance, and on-going support to staff, while monitoring workload distribution and performance
Address operational issues proactively, resolve discrepancies and ensure deadlines are consistently met.
Promotes effective communication within the team, fosters a collaborative work environment and ensures resources are allocated appropriately to support smooth and efficient operations.
Provides effective and efficient support to internal and external committees.
Assists in the preparation of financial reports and other financial documentation.
Investigates missing transaction information; tracks and follows up on action items.
Ensures priorities and deadlines are met, correspondence is handled accurately, efficiently, professionally and confidentially.
Fosters collaborative working relationships with peers to facilitate knowledge sharing, professional development, and enhance departmental service.
Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Maintains electronic files for audit compliance.
Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.