Position Number: 50001576 /
Department: Research and Restricted Financial Management
Grade: GR13
Campus: Sir George Williams (Downtown)
Salary: $93,457.68 - $111,639.23 per annum
Union/Association/HR Policy: CUPEU
Posting deadline: August 13, 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a cover letter expressing their interest and how their profile aligns with the role
SCOPE
Reporting to the Manager, Financial Data Quality, Compliance and Processes, the incumbent ensures that research grants and contracts adhere to institutional and sponsor requirements. This role involves acting as a key liaison on compliance issues, preparing audit documents, monitoring financial reporting processes, and providing strategic recommendations to improve compliance and financial performance.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide compliance approval on research grants/contracts on behalf of the institution to the research community.
- Act as key liaison on compliance questions to funding agencies on behalf of the institution.
- Produce year end files in the preparation of the annual audit of Financial Statements and other statutory reports, as required by the University. Production of high-quality analysis & complex reports in support of the annual year-end audit file.
- Ensure that external and internal compliance is met during the financial reporting process. Monitor framework to ensure that University policies are followed & regulatory compliance is met related to reporting. Advise on the resolution of any non-compliance issues raised.
- Provide advice on process improvements in expenses such as salary and bursary to the director, provost, faculty office and other key members of the institution, which is in line with trends and movements. Provide complex reports, dashboard and KPI measurements.
- Oversee the account mapping of key reports within the financial information system to ensure accuracy. Review the mapping of new accounts to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial information, including but not limited to budgets, revenues, and accounts receivable.
- Analyze data to create comprehensive reports, including supporting documents for periodic meetings. These reports should cover financial status, key performance indicators, and risks to assist management in making well-informed decisions.
- Offer innovative solutions and recommendations to reduce costs, enhance processes, and improve performance. Advise the director on strategic planning, industry governance, and market intelligence relevant to the research fields.
- Coordinate and hold monthly meetings with faculties, the provost's office, and administrators of student and research personnel to improve processes, reduce ineligible expenses, and accurately forecast and allocate expenses to avoid over-expenditures or ineligible charges on research accounts.
- Recommend policy or procedural changes to ensure compliance with guidelines for research transactions.
- Act as a liaison and resource person for internal and external stakeholders. Provide training to researchers, PIs, and other staff on issues related to the financial activity of research.
- Create and maintain updated documentation on major sponsors' eligibility requirements to share with the research community.
- Serve as the first point of contact audit questions pertaining to capital and restricted funds including all MES accounts. Act as the key liaison for transaction details with budgeting, the provost, community members, and government sponsors.
- Provide the community with training on the latest compliance information from external funding agencies.
- Manage the Indirect Costs and the institutional grants for the faculty and other sectors.
- Advise the director on developing new policies to align with external guidelines.
- Implement audit recommendations.
- Perform other tasks in support of the unit.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in accountancy or in a field related to the primary responsibilities and four to seven years of related work experience. Master´s Degree, CFA, MBA, FP&A or CA is considered an asset.
- Professional accounting designation as a CPA or other relevant designation.
- Very good knowledge (Level 5) of spoken and written English; good knowledge (Level 4) of spoken French order to participate effectively in discussions involving the rapid exchange of ideas; basic knowledge (Level 3) of written French in order to write short factual texts.
- Good knowledge (Intermediate level) of Excel (able to use mathematical and financial functions in complex reports) and Access. Basic knowledge of Word (able to create and format documents).
- Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication and presentation and negotiations skills, along with proven leadership abilities
- Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- A dynamic, detail-oriented, diligent, and effective influencer with can-do attitude to exercise initiative and handle several tasks and changing priorities; with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
- Strong communication, customer service, decision-making, interpersonal, leadership, organizational planning and problem-solving skills
- Ability to foster a positive teamwork environment
- Knowledge of SAP is an asset.
- Experience handling research funds both pre and post awards is an asset.
Due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted by our Talent Team.
Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic and administrative functions of the university, proficiency in English and French, as indicated, is required.
IMPORTANT: The language and computer skills of short-listed candidates will be tested.
Territorial Acknowledgement
Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.
Employment Equity
Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification. Diversity information is not collected during the application process for current Concordia University employees as the information is collected by the Equity Office during university-wide equity census initiatives. For questions regarding these initiatives, please communicate directly with the Equity Office at [email protected]
Accessibility
Concordia desires to increase diversity among its community members and we strive to make our recruitment processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants. If you are contacted for an interview and anticipate needing accommodations during the process, please contact, in confidence, [email protected]
Immigration Status
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens.
