Senior Financial Specialist

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Faculty of Applied Science at UBC is a large, complex academic unit encompassing six engineering departments, the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, the School of Nursing, the School of Community and Regional Planning, four multidisciplinary programs, five major research centres, and the School of Engineering at UBC Okanagan. As UBC’s fourth-largest faculty, it operates across the Point Grey and Okanagan campuses, as well as various off-site locations, including health authority facilities and manages a diverse and significant portfolio of operating, research, endowment, and externally funded activities. In 2025, the Faculty initiated a multi-year transformation project to shift from a decentralized service delivery model to a centralized, collaborative approach. This initiative is establishing an integrated Shared Service Centre (SSC) delivering Finance, Human Resources, Faculty Affairs, Student Services, and Stores service across the Faculty. The Shared Service Centre is designed to provide consistent, high-quality support; strengthen stewardship and compliance; and enable academic units to focus on teaching, research, and innovation. Initially, this position will be embedded within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). At the launch of the SSC, the role will transition to reporting within the SSC structure and will continue to perform substantially the same work, potentially supporting an expanded portfolio of units. ECE is one of the largest academic units at the University, and the largest in the Faculty, with over 1,100 undergraduate and 400 graduate students enrolled across its programs. As a globally recognized leader in engineering education and research, ECE is home to more than 50 research-track faculty members who are actively engaged in advancing knowledge and innovation across their respective scholarly communities. Guided by commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration, ECE fosters a collegial and service-oriented culture where staff contributions are integral to student success, research advancement, and overall departmental success. The Senior Financial Specialist is responsible for overseeing and coordinating financial operations, resolving complex financial issues, and providing guidance on the interpretation and application of University and Faculty financial policies and procedures. Responsibilities include, supporting research accounts, acting as a liaison with central UBC units, and supporting the administration of contract and research grants. This role exercises judgment in advising faculty and staff on routine to moderately complex financial matters, escalating issues as required.

Requirements

High school graduation, plus Diploma in Accounting or Payroll CPA Level 2, plus four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and related 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

Sound knowledge of financial administration practices, including accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, budgeting support, and cost recovery, gained in a complex policy-driven environment.
Experience in post-secondary or public-sector is an asset.
Experience administering and monitoring funding from various sources, with the ability to apply funding rules and support compliance.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to review financial data, investigate discrepancies, and resolve complex issues within established policies and procedures.
Ability to exercise judgment in identifying issues and determining appropriate courses of action, including escalating matters appropriately.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and proficiency using financial systems and tools (e.g. Excel).
Previous experience with Workday is an asset.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to respond to financial inquiries, explain policies and procedures, and maintain positive, cooperative working relationships in a shared service context.

Responsibilities

Establishes work schedules, priorities, and coordinates day‑to‑day financial operations for an assigned portfolio of academic units within the SSC, including revenue accounting, cost recoveries, research and restricted fund administration, accounts payable, expense reimbursements, purchasing, and payroll‑related financial processes.
Reviews and reconciles financial records for operating, research, endowment, trust, and specific purpose funds; analyzes financial activity and commitments to identify discrepancies and compliance concerns, prepares monthly and year‑end reconciliations and supports the Finance Partner with financial reports, projections, and variance analyses.
Provides financial advice and guidance, within established frameworks, procedures, and authority, to faculty, staff, and students, on policies, procedures, and complex non-routine financial matters within established authority; investigates and resolves non‑routine issues requiring analysis and interpretation of policy, escalating higher‑risk matters as appropriate.
Provides guidance and recommendations to researchers and faculty members on managing their research grants and internal reporting, including reviewing grant balances, monitoring commitments, and incoming funds, and assisting with deficit resolution.
Acts as the first point of escalation for their assigned portfolio by reviewing work, investigating and resolving non‑standard or rejected transactions, correcting errors, and ensuring appropriate documentation and audit support are maintained.
Supports budgeting and forecasting activities by compiling data, preparing standard projections, monitoring commitments, and following up on variances as directed.
Identifies recurring issues, process gaps, and opportunities for operational improvement; supports the implementation of process enhancements, shared service practices, and documentation to improve efficiency, consistency, and service quality.
Oversees and processes a broad range of financial transactions—including purchase orders, non‑PO invoices, spend authorizations, international payments, cash deposits, and journals—ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with University, Faculty, departmental, and external funding policies.
Liaises with central University units (e.g., Financial Services, Research Finance, Procurement, Payroll, UILO), external agencies, and vendors to resolve financial issues and support effective, timely service delivery.
Provides training, guidance, and knowledge transfer to faculty and staff on financial processes, systems (e.g., Workday), and policy application, maintaining a strong working knowledge of relevant University systems, policies, and regulations.
Provides coverage to other portfolios during leaves or peak periods.
Performs other duties as required