Financial Analyst

Job Summary

The Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation (CCI) is a multidisciplinary research centre supporting cardiovascular investigators across BC. The Financial Analyst supports the financial management and administration of the Centre’s portfolio of research grants and clinical trials. The role is responsible for financial reporting, budget monitoring, account reconciliation, funding and revenue tracking, financial analysis, forecasting, and ensuring compliance with granting agencies, sponsors, research institutes, hospital foundations, and university policies and guidelines. The Financial Analyst identifies financial risks and discrepancies, provides recommendations to improve financial efficiencies, and delivers financial guidance and administrative support to investigators, researchers, and Centre staff to support effective stewardship of research funds.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Senior Finance and Administration Manager and works closely with Centre leadership, principal investigators and research staff

Work Performed
-Assists the Senior Finance and Administration Manager in the financial management of the Centre’s research grants, clinical trials and contracts. Independently administers an assigned financial portfolio; analyzes financial performance and risks; and provides recommendations regarding budgets, forecasts, expenditures, cash flow, financial controls and operational efficiencies.

-Performs core accounting functions for research grant and clinical-trial accounts, including account reconciliation, budget-to-actual and variance analysis, expenditure and commitment analysis, and financial forecasting. Interprets results, identifies material variances and emerging financial risks, and recommends corrective actions to maintain alignment with approved budgets and funding agreements.

-Provides financial advice to researchers and Centre staff regarding the management of research grants and clinical trials. Analyzes the financial impact of changes to project activities and work plans, develops options to address projected over-expenditures or funding shortfalls, and recommends adjustments that support compliance with applicable funding requirements

-Independently investigates and resolves complex financial discrepancies by analyzing transactions and financial data, interpreting grant and clinical-trial agreements, determining the source and financial implications of discrepancies, and implementing or recommending corrective accounting actions. Identifies recurring issues and recommends improvements to financial controls and procedures.

-Develops comprehensive financial reports, cash-flow forecasts, annual budgets and five-year financial plans for Centre leadership, Principal Investigators and the Senior Finance and Administration Manager. Establishes and documents planning assumptions, analyzes financial trends and variances, identifies risks and opportunities, and provides recommendations to support financial and operational planning.

-Interprets and applies institutional financial policies, procedures and internal controls to research grants, clinical trials and contracts. Advises faculty and staff on the application of financial requirements and identifies circumstances requiring additional review or changes to local financial practices.

-Analyzes financial workflows, internal controls and reporting requirements; identifies control gaps, inefficiencies and financial risks; and develops and implements financial processes, procedures and budget controls to improve accuracy, accountability and operational effectiveness.

-Provides financial advice to faculty and staff regarding budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, funding restrictions and financial-management practices. Independently resolves matters within established authority and prepares analysis and recommendations for complex or exceptional matters requiring review by the Senior Finance and Administration Manager.

-Plans and manages assigned accounting and financial-planning activities in consultation with the Senior Finance and Administration Manager, establishes work priorities, identifies emerging financial issues, and ensures financial reporting and planning requirements are completed within established timelines

-Provides additional administrative and finance-related support to the CCI team as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Financial Analyst must demonstrate a high level of attention to timeliness, detail and accuracy, and exercise sound judgment based upon a thorough understanding of relevant procedures, guidelines and regulations. Errors in judgment may impact the long term financial and operational activities of the Research Centre. Inappropriate decisions or inadequate financial management and controls could have serious consequences for the financial position of the Centre, potentially resulting in financial loss and/or legal liability. Errors in financial operations may also lead to audit issues and incorrect payments, causing financial complications for individuals involved. Inappropriate prioritization of workload could result in missed deadlines and possible financial loss.

Supervision Received
Works independently and receives general direction from the Senior Finance and Administration Manager. Work is reviewed in relation to long-term goals and objectives by the Senior Finance and Administration Manager

Supervision Given
Supervises junior staff and mentors new team members.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Completion of at least 7 of the 14 CPA academic prerequisites. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and 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

Preferred Qualifications

-Experience managing or supporting financial activities related to research grants and clinical trials

-Experience interpreting and applying financial policies, funding agreements, contracts, and sponsor requirements

-Knowledge of clinical trial financial management, including sponsor invoicing, milestone payments, research participant visit reconciliation, and revenue recognition.

-Working knowledge of software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Workday and PeopleSoft

-Ability to reconcile accounts and to resolve discrepancies effectively

-Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, investigate discrepancies, and provide recommendations.

-Strong process management and analytical skills

-Ability to analyze problems, identify key issues, and develop effective solutions

-Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimal supervision

-Demonstrated collaborative problem solving and creative solution development skills

-Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

-Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.

-High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

-Ability to exercise sound judgement, tact, discretion and confidentiality in all matters