Description
The Department of Community Health Sciences in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Administrator. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Requires strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills as well as the ability to apply existing technical knowledge and experience to situations that arise in this role. Impact of error is moderate to high. The employee deals with complex situations and concerns and must exercise good judgement and attention to detail, as decisions made will have a direct impact on financial and payroll systems. Employee must be comfortable and sensitive to dealing with confidential information and sensitive situations.
Reporting to the Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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Ability to troubleshoot complex problems and work with appropriate individuals to obtain resolutions in a timely fashion
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Working in partnership with Research Services and account holders to ensure research funds are expended and accounted for in accordance with the terms and regulations provided by the source of funds, Tri-council and the University's standard operating policies and procedures
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Responsible for providing advice and administrative assistance to account holders on granting agency regulations, Tri-council guidelines and the University's policies and procedures for financial administration and use of research funds
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Responsible for timely and accurate reporting on revenues and expenditures in accordance with the reporting requirements and timelines of the Department of Community Health Sciences, the funding sponsor and the University of Calgary
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Responsible for ensuring project billing and reporting requirements are documented, project activity is monitored and sufficient funds are available for applicable expenditures in accordance with project budgets and terms
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Expected to provide advice and be involved in making improvements to enhance efficiency and functionality of the research group's HR/finance internal processes, procedures and systems
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Responsible for coordinating the set-up of research accounts in a timely fashion (e.g. completion/submission of new account request forms) on behalf of Researchers
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Responsible for accurate reconciliation of all transactions posted in eFIN research accounts against applicable invoices, study contracted service agreements, budgets etc.
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Responsible for coordinating the closure of project accounts in conjunction with Research Accounting (e.g. ensuring all invoices are paid, encumbrances are eliminated and any expense transfers are carried out) based on guidance and direction provided by the Researcher
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Responsible for establishing and maintaining good working relationships with all team members and external parties (e.g. granting agencies, pharmaceutical/biotech companies)
Ability to demonstrate assigned and scheduled tasks are done on own initiative and that results are beneficial to the success of the research group
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Qualifications / Requirements:
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A bachelors degree in Business Administration, Commerce or an equivalent discipline
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3 - 5 years of related work experience with a solid understanding of accounting and financial concepts
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Previous experience working in research working with grants or industry clinical trial sponsors is an asset
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Experience with the University of Calgary's administrative electronic systems (eFIN, PeopleSoft) is an asset
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Experience working in human resources, research services or research accounting in an academic unionized environment is a definite asset
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Proven ability to deal tactfully and decisively with sensitive issues while maintaining high levels of customer service and confidentiality
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Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to handle difficult situations in an objective consistent format
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Demonstrated initiative and ability to seek out answers to questions and problems
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Demonstrated flexibility to achieve optimal solution within the established guidelines
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Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
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Ability to prioritize and multi-task with a strong attention to detail
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Ability to remain efficient and extremely organized while handling multiple priorities
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Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Fully proficient working knowledge of accounting software (Simply Accounting, Quick books etc.) as well as Microsoft Office suite, specifically Word and Excel.
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Application Deadline: June 9, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Operational/Administrative Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
