Manager, Research & Finance Administration

Date Posted: 05/29/2023
Req ID: 31563
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

About us:

The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering is home to about 60 professors leading research on a very broad range of topics. On the Industrial Engineering side, research areas include Operations Research, Information Engineering, Human Factors, and Applied Machine Learning, all of which seek to improve the systems we as humans rely on to navigate our world. On the Mechanical Engineering side, research areas include Robotics, Mechanics & Design, Materials, and Thermofluids, topics that are applied to applications including manufacturing, energy production, and bioengineering.

We are also home to about 2,000 very talented students: about 1,300 undergraduates are enrolled in the Industrial Engineering and in the Mechanical Engineering BASc programs. We have about 350 Master of Engineering (MEng) students, a professional program for students taking courses with us for a year or two. And we have about 350 MASc and PhD students, who work individually on research projects with a particular professor.

The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering prides itself on being a good place to work: respectful, accepting of difference and professional.

We value employees who are goal-oriented and self-motivated, and who are constantly looking to improve how we serve our students and faculty. We believe in teamwork, in working together for the greater good, and yet doing so in a way that respects each employee’s work-life balance. Finally, we value each employee as an individual, and look for opportunities to recognize each contribution.

Your responsibility:
 
The Manager, Research and Finance Administration manages and oversees a team of 7 professionals responsible for the budgeting, financial planning, reporting, and data analysis influencing the research work of over 70 professors and their research groups. The Manager oversees the administration of research accounts, and leads the team that delivers expert policy administration, accounting, taxation and procurement research advice, along with auditing complex research accounts, research grant management and ensures all policies are followed according to sponsor protocols, agency regulations and contractual agreements in a large complex and multidisciplinary research environment. This position collaborates with and supports Principal Investigators (PIs), resolves issues and implements recommendations and best business and financial practices relating to the department.

The Manager provides expertise on all research financial matters to the Director of Administration and Finance, the Chair and professors and is a key partner in the achievement of the MIE’s long-term strategic research financial goals and objectives.

The incumbent is responsible for the management of research accounts to ensure that monies are spent appropriately and are being utilized according to donor and agency policies and agreements; recommending and developing MIE financial research and administrative policies; business processes and systems; ensuring and overseeing the accuracy, security, and integrity of information relating to the Administrative Management System (AMS); and negotiating, reviewing and approving contracts, based on knowledge of University and Faculty policies and procedures, ensuring that the terms and conditions are in the best of interest of the department and the Faculty.

The Manager, Research and Finance Administration is responsible for fostering strong relationships with a variety of complex foundations, government agencies, and donors that fund various academic research programs.

The incumbent liaises with senior administrators and fellow financial officers centrally and across the University to share information and respond to requests and complex financial research inquiries.

The incumbent leads internal optimization projects in MIE to streamline internal administrative processes. 


Essential Qualifications:
 
Education: 

University degree with a background in business administration, economics and or financial management or equivalent combination of education and experience. CPA designation is a strong asset. 

Experience: 

Minimum five years’ relevant and progressive experience in overall research financial management and administration, preferably in a university setting or academic environment. Experience leading and motivating others. Expertise in budget planning, financial management and control, as well as administration of budget and financial resources required. Experience in the application of sound financial principles and practices. Experience overseeing the payroll function. Proven experience in human resources management in a unionized environment. Experience in administrative management and financial information systems such as FIS, RIS, HRIS or equivalent systems is essential. Experience building and developing effective administrative systems and processes. Demonstrated experience in liaising with senior administrators, responding to and handling matters of a complex and sensitive nature. Experience in researching, analyzing, and making recommendations, providing risk assessment and options. Proven experience working in a research environment supporting multinational, multi-PI and multi-institutional agreements.

Skills: 
 
Excellent financial management, organizational, and analytical skills. Excellent communication skills; strong leadership and conflict resolutions skills. Strong problem solving and decision-making skills. Superior planning, budgeting, and project management skills. Strong computer skills with advanced proficiency in Word, Excel and Power Point. 

Other:  

Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment. Proven ability to think strategically/see the big picture, build effective teams and work effectively with people at all levels of the organization, work independently as well as part of a team, and ability to be self- directed and take initiative.  A collaborative and consultative management style as well as the ability to foster and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, students, senior administrators, and external constituents. Ability to solve problems in a creative and effective manner, multi-task and manage conflicting priorities and deadlines. Ability to execute and complete tasks under pressure and within timelines. Keen attention to detail and accuracy. Capacity to understand and work with the unique challenges and opportunities presented by a growing department and faculty professional school with strong ties to diverse industry and partners. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion, tact, and good judgment at all times.

Closing Date: 06/11/2023,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried 
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $82,692 - $96,473 -- Broadband Salary Range: $82,692 - $137,819
Job Category: Finance/Budget/Planning/Audit

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.