Research Funding Coordinator

SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. ARIS is on the leading edge of novel technology development. As one of Canada’s top applied-research colleges, SAIT has 50,000 square feet of specialized research labs, facilities, and full-time research staff who are solely dedicated to providing the services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of ARIS Operations, the Research Funding Coordinator serves as a strategic financial liaison between ARIS, the SAIT Finance Department, and Government funding Agencies. The position involves providing financial analysis support to five research centers and the leadership team, coordinating claims with funding partners and corporate finance. Additionally, the position oversees funding requirements to ensure compliance with SAIT policies, procedures, and funding regulations.

The Role

• Planning, monitoring and tracking grant funded project portfolios, from project inception to completion
• Participate in budget discussion and planning
• Prepare salary analysis, forecasting for budget alignment and future financial reports
• Coordinate project financial account systems setup (i.e., Banner, time sheet)
• Support the chart of accounts process for all projects
• Collaborate with Research Chairs, Operational Leads and internal stakeholders to forecast spend rates, analyze variances and manage challenges
• Review time entry/allocation for accurate project costing
• Prepare salary analysis, forecasting and reports to reconcile Full-time/ Part time and wadges equivalencies.
• Prepare financial reporting submissions for government funding partners
• Prepare financial and metric reporting to funding bodies
• Provide support for the preparation and routing of financial reports to finance departments for approval. Ensure all necessary financial and contract documentation is included and accurate
• Assess eligibility of project costs based on the funding agreement.
• Prepare supporting documentation for grant funding claims.
• Prepare funding claims for submission to government funding partners
• Monitor and reconcile funding activity
• Review and monitor PO encumbrance balances
• Provide support with the expense and cost reclassification process
• Ensure that reclassifications are done accurately and in compliance with policies
• Track and report on the use of government grants, provide advice, evaluation and grant reconciliation to ensure effective use of public funds in compliance with funding agreements and legal and legislative requirements.
• Monitor and ensure that all reporting deadlines are met
• Maintain a schedule of reporting dates and coordinate with relevant teams to meet deadlines
• Maintain and update multiple software/database/information system Track and monitor accounts receivable, provide updates to the A/R team, and follow up with clients on outstanding invoice
• Update financials workbook for grants and industry contributions regularly
• Ensure encumbrances are accurately reflected in financial records

Qualifications

• Minimum
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Business Administration or BA in Accounting and Finance
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a position with finance related accountabilities and a demonstrated increase in responsibilities over that period
• An intermediate proficiency level in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
• Preferred
• A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and at least 3 years of related experience
• 2 or 3 years of experience working on a research environment reporting to funding agencies, in particular to PrariesCan
• An advance proficiency level in Microsoft Office (Excel)
• Skills Required
• Sharp problem-solving, analytical and innovation skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate complex financial ideas and reports into simple language for non-financial individuals
• Solid experience technical background and skilled at developing releases for Upgrades, troubleshooting and implementation of new hardware programs
• Keen leadership and project management skills, ability to drive projects from inception to completion
• Critical thinking, problem solving, political sensitivity, and the ability to collaborate with multiple partners
• "Customer Service" attitude with a desire and ability to interact well with other
• Strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Time management to meet delivery deadlines

Job Classification: Project Coordinator

Hours per week: 37.5

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000

Posting End Date: Aug 23rd, 2024

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.

SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.

BEWARE FALSE POSTINGS AND RECRUITING OFFERS

SAIT has been made aware of individuals or organizations posing as SAIT using false postings to attract job seekers and collect personal information. Please be aware that SAIT will never request sensitive personal information beyond what is required for an application.

Career opportunities at SAIT will always be posted on the SAIT career site and we encourage applicants to only apply directly through there. When your application is completed you will receive an email confirmation, if you did not receive one please check your junk mail or try applying through the SAIT career page again.