Sr. Research Accountant

ORGANIZATION

The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health System, a University of Toronto affiliated research centre, is one of the world’s leading centres in biomedical research. With ground-breaking discoveries in research areas such as diabetes, genetic disorders, cancer and women’s and infants’ health, the Institute is committed to excellence in health research and the training of young investigators. Strong partnerships with the clinical programs of Sinai Health System ensure that scientific knowledge is used to promote human health. Your significant contributions will assist in maintaining our momentum in advancing our research.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Senior Research Accountant performs a wide range of professional accounting activities requiring competent knowledge of accounting concepts, principles and practices. The position requires independent work under broad direction and within the established accounting systems to handle specialized assignments including compliance reporting required by granting agencies. The Senior Research Accountant works as part of the team ensuring quality, accuracy and timeliness of financial information provided to various stakeholders both external and internal including the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Sinai Health System.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage complex projects and infrastructure programs from Federal and Provincial Government, international and other granting agencies.
• Assist with budget preparation for initial grant application and subsequent multi-year forecasts.
• Coordination of external grant audit required by funding agencies.
• Generate periodic financial statements for management review and subsequent submission to external granting agencies.
• Perform analysis on a regular basis for assigned Principal Investigators’ grants portfolio.
• Monitor research project activity to ensure compliance with grant agreements, funding agency policy, procedures and guidelines.
• Preparation of regular grant account reconciliations and review of assigned grants net position.
• Assist research scientists and institute administrators with the review of grant account statements.
• Grant/Cost centre set-up and subsequent maintenance: validity, grant budget update and monthly adjustment.
• Prepare month-end closing reconciliations; assist with other month-end closing procedures; analysis and review of balance sheet accounts.
• Inter-company reconciliation and billings, processing of quarterly/annual consolidated grant payments and overhead entries.
• Prepare billings to granting agencies and follow-up on accounts receivable.
• Liaison with internal/external clients as required.
• Mentor and coach junior staff in Finance Research, act as resource to them.
• Other ad-hoc duties as assigned.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of University or College Degree in business or accounting.
• CPA designation required (CA, CMA, CGA).
• Experience working in Not-for-Profit, hospital, health care or other research/multi-project setting is an asset.
• Working knowledge of GAAP.
• Understanding of Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) standards and requirements preferred, but not strictly required.
• Strong understanding of internal control procedures and restricted funding.
• Demonstrated experience in budget control, forecasting and the preparation of compliance financial reports and analysis.
• Experience in the preparation of reports and presentations to senior management.
• Proven advanced experience in using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access software programs
• Direct hands on experience with enterprise-wide financial systems, preferably SAP.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and time management skills.
• Superior analytical, conflict resolution and problem solving skills with the ability to interact, work and communicate effectively with stakeholders, senior management and staff at all organizational levels.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated satisfactory work performance and attendance record.