Manager Finance Grants and Contracts

University of Guelph•Guelph, ON

19h

About The Position

The Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute (MG360) at the University of Guelph is a globally recognized groundwater research institute focused on advancing innovative, field focused groundwater science and technology. MG360 collaborates with academic institutions, industry partners, government agencies, and international organizations to support complex multidisciplinary research initiatives addressing critical groundwater and environmental challenges worldwide. MG360 is seeking a highly organized and strategic finance professional to join the Institute as Manager, Finance, Grants & Contracts. Reporting to the Director, this role plays a critical leadership function supporting the financial management, operational planning, and administration of a large and diverse portfolio of research grants, contracts, consortium funding, and industry partnerships. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director, project managers, researchers, university administrative departments, sponsors, and external partners to ensure the effective financial oversight and long term sustainability of MG360’s research operations.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field;
Minimum four (4) years of directly related experience in financial management, grants administration, research finance, contracts administration, or a related environment, or an equivlaent combination of education and experience;
Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and financial controls;
Experience working with research grants, contracts, and sponsor funded projects is considered an asset;
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills with exceptional attention to detail;
Excellent communication and relationship management skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple stakeholder groups;
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced and complex research environment;
Experience working within a university, research institute, public sector, or highly regulated environment is considered an asset.

Nice To Haves

CPA designation or progress toward completion of a CPA designation.

Responsibilities

Leading financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and budget development for complex research programs and projects;
Monitoring and managing grants, contracts, consortium funding, invoicing, receivables, and expenditures across multiple accounts and funding sources;
Preparing financial reports and analysis for senior leadership, sponsors, project managers, and advisory groups;
Supporting strategic planning initiatives by providing financial guidance and identifying opportunities to maximize research funding and industry contributions;
Overseeing financial controls, reconciliation processes, and risk mitigation strategies to support compliance with university, sponsor, and granting agency requirements;
Acting as the primary liaison with Research Financial Services (RFS), Research Services Office (RSO), granting agencies, sponsors, and external collaborators regarding financial and contractual matters;
Assisting with the review, tracking, and coordination of research agreements and financial documentation;
Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support efficient project administration and issue resolution;
Supporting project managers and researchers with financial reporting, budget monitoring, and interpretation of funding guidelines and eligible expenditures;
Contributing to the development and continuous improvement of financial processes, reporting tools, and operational workflows within MG360.