Project Financial Accountant

Organizational Unit
University of Victoria -> VP Research -> Ocean Networks Canada
Location
University of Victoria - Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 CA (Primary)
Posting Close Date
20 February 2024
Please note that positions will close at 4 p.m. on the closing date.
FTE
1
Salary Grade
$70,137.00 - $91,214.00
Additional Posting Information
N/A
Salary posted will be pro-rated based on FTE
Classification
SG10
Employee Group:
PEA - Regular
# of Hires Needed
1
Category
Accounting/Accounts Payable
About this Opportunity
The ONC Project Accountant position is an operational opportunity within ONC Finance, supporting the efficient and effective delivery of ONC financial operations. The Project Accountant will be responsible for the financial operations of various ONC externally funded projects, working closely with all team members. This position requires a high level of skill, knowledge, and decision-making ability due to the large volume and variety of projects and immediate nature of the client interaction. The incumbent will prepare various Project Financial reports, and review, analyze, and correct anomalies within the day-to-day transactions of various projects. The position requests an individual with a professional designation, however equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
The salary range for this position is:
Recruitment range: $70,137- $77,330 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.
Performance range: starting salary to max of $91,214 is available through annual performance increases.
* This position is eligible for a Hybrid Work Arrangement*
Job Summary
Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Project Financial Accountant's primary responsibility is the production of widely varied and often unprecedented monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports, cashflows and varied working papers for funding agencies, Ocean Networks Canada, and the university. Each project has unique terms, conditions and reporting requirements which must be accurately analyzed, interpreted and reported on. The Project Financial Accountant supports: ONC budget and projects' budgets including ensuring compliance; audits; and the establishment of ONC financial best practices and procedures that align with University policies and procedures and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of financial services. The Project Financial Accountant responds to inquiries and provides client support to executive, senior management, project managers, staff and external agencies and institutions. This position requires a high level of skill, knowledge, and decision-making ability due to the high volume and variety of projects and immediate nature of the client interaction.
Responsibilities include:

• Prepare widely varied financial reports with complex reporting requirements
• Review, interpret and analyze legal contracts for compliance and risk mitigation
• Analyze financial data and make recommendations to support management decision-making
• Review, analyze, reconcile, investigate, and correct errors in complex financial systems including review and preparation of journal vouchers and salary transfers
• Financial audit preparation and support
• Monitor and provide ongoing client support across Ocean Networks Canada and other institutions.
• Participation in special projects.
• In the absence of the Finance Manager, the Project Financial Accountant may be required to attend meetings of the ONC Operations Executive and ensure completion of core financial and accounting activities, make recommendations, and inform the decision-making of operational planning. During absences the Project Financial Accountant would also supervise the other (3-4) Finance Services staff to ensure smooth operations, accuracy, and timeliness of the accounting functions.
• Perform other duties of similar scope.

This position applies Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) and other Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as applicable in performing daily tasks.
The Project Accountant may periodically be required to work outside of regular office hours (Mon - Fri, 8:30 - 4:30) and on weekends in support of audits and other financial activities.
Job Requirements
This position requires a professional accounting designation (CPA, CGA) plus three years professional experience, preferably in a post-secondary environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience must include:

• Financial analysis and project accounting
• Financial Report Preparation
• Not for profit accounting
• Experience working within a high-volume transactional area within a post-secondary or similar diverse and sophisticated research accounting environment
• Experience with granting agency policies and reporting requirements
• Year end audit support and an understanding of audit requirements
• Excellent communication skills, to communicate via multiple communication methods, critical financial information to a varied audience that may not have financial expertise

Competency requirements:

• Project accounting skills including ability to deal with complex contracts with a high degree of accuracy, maintaining attention to detail within a large, complex environment
• Proven track record achieving project goals while working under pressure to meet established and sometimes changing deadlines, producing deliverables of a high quality
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to set and work to priorities and schedules
• Ability to effectively problem-solve with incomplete information
• A flexible and adaptable approach to work requirements
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with all stakeholders, working effectively with a diverse population and with all levels of the organization personnel
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Superior level of skill in a networked, computer environment that includes software packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Share Point

Assets:

• Knowledge of ocean research and related research funding
• Experience in an academic (or equivalent) environment with an understanding of university structure, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of University systems such as ViewCat, FAST Finance, Journal Voucher, Budget, and Forecasting, WebReq, Chrome River and FAMIS

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
Equity and Diversity Statement UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.
Accessibility Statement If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: uviccareers@uvic.ca Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
Additional Information
991050- ONC-2024-JD-Project Financial Accountant SG10