Business Officer

Date Posted: 12/09/2024
Req ID: 41027
Faculty/Division: VP - Research
Department: VPRI Portfolio Operations
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00052114

Description:

About us:

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possibleso that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best— advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, alongwith our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight and accountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.

Your opportunity:

As the Business Officer, you will play an integral role in the provision of a wide range of financial analysis, reporting and budget management. Work includes financial administration of operating budgets and departmental research grants, reconciliation of financial statements for departmental funds and associated recovery units, preparation of forecasts and fiscal plans in collaboration with the Manager, Budget and Operations, and Manager, Budget and Operations, Strategic Initiatives. The position is a resource to Business Services Coordinators and Financial Administrators in the Division, and takes an active role in process streamlining of financial administration work.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Forecasting, planning and monitoring multiple complex budgets, administering accounts for restricted funds.
• Making recommendations on budget allocations involving multiple sources of revenue and/or recoveries.
• Analyzing financial trends and preparing analytical reports and forecasts for management decision making.
• Planning and overseeing short and long range activities that support financial administration.
• Applying the University Guide to Financial Management and other applicable policies, agency and regulatory requirements.
• Serving as a resource on specific issues to a group of business services and administrative staff.
• Developing and revising business methods that support administrative workflow and objectives.
• Developing and maintaining procedures for the use of space and equipment and determining logistical details required for office renovations and moves.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of four (4) years’ relevant financial administration experience with operating and research budgets.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting, budgeting and grant budgeting procedures.
• Demonstrated experience managing employee HR records and processing all payroll functions.
• Demonstrated competency in being a resource to others.
• Experience preparing financial reconciliations, forecasts, financial analysis and providing recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to recommend and make improvements to administrative and financial processes.
• Knowledge of purchasing procedures.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word PowerPoint).
• Advanced knowledge of financial and human resource software systems such as SAP (HRIS, FIS) or comparable applications combined with a thorough knowledge of general office systems and procedures is essential.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial management procedures, accounting principles and policies pertaining to funding agencies and academic institutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to professionally navigate complex financial procedures and policies and agreements.
• Strong numerical accounting, financial and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgement, tact and confidentiality in all interactions.
• Excellent multitasking with the ability to work in a high volume environment.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team and with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and senior administration.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Multi-tasker
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Resourceful
• Team player

Closing Date: 12/17/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Term This is a Term opportunity that will end May 2026.
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 14 -- $90,056. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $115,169. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
Recruiter: Anita Chooraman

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.