Accountant, Research Financial Services

Original job posting

The Accountant will manage research grant accounts to ensure expenses are eligible and compliant with university and sponsor policies. They will provide proactive financial support to researchers and coordinate with a team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

Job details

Department: Research Financial Services This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) [https://hcm47.sapsf.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=universi18&_s.crb=9k6e7rkYB7Ldp%252fTuVt%252bLDeD7ojM9IvcgcXnFIc6oCaY%253d] General Purpose Research Financial Services provides assistance and guidance to meet the financial administrative requirements of sponsored research awards. We prepare financial reports for research awards while supporting the University community by ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures, government regulations and the requirements of all research sponsors. Our team consists of Senior Managers, Accountants and Financial Officers. Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Research Financial Support, the Accountant, Research Financial Support will ensure proactive support is provided to researchers in the daily management of research grants, ensuring expenses are charged appropriately, approvals are in place, and developing best practices to support various types of research funding. The annual amount of research revenue at the University of Guelph is approximately $185M. Duties and Responsibilities * This role will oversee the accounts within responsible unit to ensure expenses are charged to only eligible grants, grants are managed within allowable time periods, and grants close in timely manner. * This role will work effectively in an evolving and innovative environment by balancing competing deadlines, priorities and tasks is critical to being successful in the position. * Work with a team of service providers and by providing a high level of customer service to all stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure compliance is maintained and all financial requirements are met in a timely and accurate manner. * This role will have proven management, supervision and coaching experience, excellent organizational skills and strict attention to detail as well as the ability to prioritize and adapt to competing demands, while embracing a customer service philosophy. Requirements * University undergraduate degree (Masters preferred) and a professional accounting designation CPA (incumbent who have passed all the CPA exams and in the process of completing experience requirement will be considered). * 3-6 years related experience; experience with developing financial frameworks and monitoring variances * Comprehensive knowledge of current computer financial software, MS Office Suite and experience in public sector research financial management required. * Excellent problem solving and analytical skills, exercise initiative and communicate effectively with numerous stakeholders. * Knowledge of the various sources of research funding and specific requirements is considered key to success in this role. * Knowledge of higher education Policies and Procedures are considered an asset. * Working to manage reporting and compliance requirements for all research funding. Employee Type: Regular Position Number: 10914031 Classification: P&M FT- Band 05 Professional/Managerial Salary Bands [https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/system/files/2026-2029%20P%26M%20Salary%20Grid.pdf] The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade. *Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review. At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion [https://www.uoguelph.ca/diversity-human-rights/sites/uoguelph.ca.dhr/files/public/Inclusion%20Framework%20Endorsed%20April%202017.pdf] is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. Posting Date: 09/04/2026 Closing Date: 09/11/2026

What you’ll do

The Accountant will manage research grant accounts to ensure expenses are eligible and compliant with university and sponsor policies. They will provide proactive financial support to researchers and coordinate with a team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree and a professional CPA designation with 3-6 years of related experience. Proficiency in financial software and experience in public sector research financial management are required.

Listed skills

• Customer service · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Financial Reporting · Preferred
• Compliance · Preferred
• Grant Management · Preferred
• Coaching · Preferred
• Supervision · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Financial reporting
• Grant management
• Compliance
• Budget monitoring
• Analytical skills
• Problem solving
• Customer service
• Supervision
• Coaching
• Financial software
• MS Office Suite
• Public sector accounting
• Variance analysis
• Organizational skills
• Stakeholder management
• Research Funding
• Organizational Skills
• Higher Education Policy
• Analytical Skills
• Research
• Accounting
• Management
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Financial Services
• Financial Management
• Financial Statements
• Financial Software
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Microsoft Office
• Balancing (Ledger/Billing)
• Prioritization
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Finance & Accounting
• Science & Research
• Education
• Management & Leadership
• Administrative
• Financial Services Accountant
• Accountant (General)
• Accountants
• Accountants and Auditors