Finance Officer

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is a rapidly expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. Our Vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food. GIFS strives to achieve this bold vision by investing in our talent and collaborating with others. In line with our Mission, we will work with our employees, partners, and stakeholders to discover, develop, and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.

We are guided by our Values of: Innovation. Excellence. Collaboration. Integrity. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Primary Purpose
The Financial Officer is part of the GIFS finance team that provides financial services to a wide variety of stakeholders and works closely with USask units, as required. 

Nature of the Work
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will assist with financial reporting and analytics for GIFS and its research programs. Services are provided to a wide range of stakeholders, including the GIFS Board of Directors, senior leadership, staff, researchers, as well as various funding institutions. You will work closely with USask departments including, Finance, Research Excellence & Innovation, and Research Acceleration & Strategic Initiatives. Finally, you will interact with external auditors. 

Your success requires you understand the interconnectedness of GIFS and the impact that changes and finances have on all the platforms, programs, clients, and the reputation of GIFS. Responsibilities include establishing and maintaining relationships with colleagues, researchers, collaborators, and stakeholders. You will require a proactive and strategic approach, with the ability to manage high volume and complexity while applying attention to detail, discretion, integrity, and independent judgment. 

Accountabilities

• Prepare detailed account reconciliations and provide high-level analysis.
• Prepare financial reporting for various research programs and external funders.
• Develop and maintain annual budget and periodic forecast – variance analysis, educating stakeholders, reporting.
• Ensure that research program budgets and funds are administered in accordance with university policies and funder guidelines.
• Build, implement, and revise processes and adequate financial controls are effective and efficient.
• Assist with the annual external audit.
• Prepare invoices and administer accounts receivable
• Lead by example with a commitment to continuous improvement and GIFS values.
• Other accountabilities as assigned.

Education
A relevant university degree, preferably in Commerce, Business, Accounting, or related field, along with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in general accounting, financial management and budgeting, and financial planning and analysis. A professional accounting designation is considered a strong asset. 

Experience 

• Demonstrated progression in level of responsibility including financial reporting under GAAP, as well as internal managerial reporting which includes budget composition and analysis as well as financial data analytics.
• Knowledge of restricted fund accounting policies
• Experience preparing financial reports using conventional reporting tools and advanced Excel functions is necessary. 
• Knowledge of university core financial (Unifi), and federal Tri-Agency programs would be valuable assets. 
• Previous experience with continuous improvement

Skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to mine an enterprise financial system for information and translate complex financial information to a variety of stakeholders in a clear manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain professional relationships that support exceptional collaboration, exercising tact and judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively within a high achieving team environment.
• Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and professional integrity.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and present information with attention to detail. 
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse working environment.

Department: Global Institute for Food Security
Status: Term 16 months Maternity leave replacement of upto 16 months, with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: ASPA

Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 – 100,169.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 4/26/2023

Closing Date: 5/31/2023 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask’s Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan’s health and safety requirements for faculty, staff andstudents in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin taapwaywin tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.