Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, Finance Manager

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

10d

About The Position

The Finance Manager is responsible for the management of the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF) operating and research grants, including the planning, implementation and day-to-day financial activities of the Institute. This role develops and implements financial and budgetary models to ensure the sustainability of the IOF. The Finance Manager ensures that strategic planning initiatives align with budgetary decisions and is responsible for improving the quality and efficiency of financial resources and procedures within the unit. They support the Manager, Administration and Operations in the unit’s budget processes, including statistical analysis, variance analysis, budget planning, and forecasting. The position is responsible for the full cycle of research grants within the unit, ensuring grant accuracy and compliance, and serves as the main point of contact between different UBC financial units, interpreting and advocating on behalf of the unit. They lead reporting on research grants, continually improving processes, and supporting informed decision-making for the unit. The Finance Manager works independently, reporting to the Manager, Administration and Operations. They collaborate closely with senior team members in the IOF, faculty, staff, and students, and provide guidance and supervision on financial matters as appropriate. The role involves liaising with various university departments including Financial Operations, Project Services, Capital Projects, Supply Management, ORS, and Innovation, maintaining close ties with the Faculty of Science Dean's Office, and engaging externally with business, government, and funding agencies. This position also acts as the technical resource person for the Finance Clerk within the unit.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
Enrolled in the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) modules.
Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

CPA designation and/or Master’s degree in business administration, financial management, or other related field.
Proven ability to manage complex financial arrangements and to prepare and effectively monitor budgets essential.
Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices, financial processes and general business practices.
Thorough knowledge of administrative policies, procedures, guidelines and mission and role of interdisciplinary research institutes.
Ability to work independently under minimal direction and exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
Ability to exercise a high degree of judgement and initiative in matters concerning departmental management including resource allocation, staffing, budget forecasting and financial management.
Ability to take initiative, lead, delegate and allocate duties, collaborate in a team environment.
Excellent oral and written communications skills with proficiency in the use of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Responsibilities

Provides insight & coordination in the planning and management of the unit’s operating, research, and contract budgets, exercising independent judgment to ensure financial integrity, sustainability, and alignment with unit, Faculty of Science and UBC priorities.
Coordinates budget, monitoring, and reconciliation; evaluates complex financial data to identify risks, trends, surpluses, and deficits, and determines corrective actions in consultation with the Manager, Administration & Operations.
Leads financial analysis and forecasting to inform strategic funding planning, cost containment, resource allocation, and long-term financial decision-making for the finance within the unit.
Evaluates and recommends efficiency improvements, cost-reduction strategies, and streamlined financial processes that enhance operational effectiveness across the unit.
Manages the full financial lifecycle of research grants and contracts on behalf of Principal Investigators, providing authoritative advice on financial strategy, compliance, and risk mitigation.
Interprets and applies Tri-Council (including NSERC) and other funding agency policies, ensuring expenditures are compliant and defensible; identifies non-compliance risks and implements timely resolution strategies.
Oversees grant and contract monitoring to ensure funds are expended within funding and contractual timelines; directs corrective actions where financial performance deviates from approved budgets or agreements.
Provides leadership on complex funding issues involving government agencies, industry partners, non-profit organizations, and donors, negotiating solutions and advising senior administration as required.
Oversees the Department’s Direct Costs of Research recovery program, including annual cost-to-income analysis, audit responses, and strategic recommendations to support financial sustainability.
Acts as a primary departmental authority and liaison with Research Accounting, Financial Services, Supply Management, and the Office of Research Services and Innovation, resolving complex issues related to grant setup, amendments, extensions, and financial compliance.
Provides expert interpretation of university financial policies, accounting standards, and external funding regulations; ensures departmental practices align with institutional and legislative requirements.
Represents departmental financial interests in cross-unit discussions and audits, providing documentation, analysis, and authoritative explanations to internal and external auditors.
Oversees the use and integrity of financial systems including Workday, Adaptive, Hyperion, and CBM, ensuring accurate reporting, governance compliance, and effective system utilization.
Leads the development and application of sophisticated financial analysis tools and methodologies to support proposal development, reporting, forecasting, and executive decision-making.
Serves as financial approver in Workday for position management, recruitment, and reappointments, exercising delegated authority in alignment with approved budgets and policies.
Provides functional leadership, training, and expert guidance to faculty, researchers, and administrative staff on financial policies, systems, funding guidelines, and best practices.
Oversees financial compliance and quality assurance functions, including P-Card governance and CBM oversight, ensuring appropriate controls, investigation of discrepancies, and corrective actions.
Acts as a financial resource to the Department, proactively advising on financial risks, opportunities, and emerging policy changes.
Leads month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely completion of all research and contract account reconciliations.
Coordinates the preparation and analysis of unit’s annual budget, including, variance analyses, and forecasts to support informed decision-making by unit’s Manager, Administration & Operation.
Assumes the responsibilities of the Manager Administration and Operations during their absence from the office.
Actively participates as part of the IOF Leadership Team (IOF Director; Manager Administration and Operations; Manager, Communications) to design strategies to improve the effectiveness and profile of the IOF.
Performs other duties as required.