Nova Scotia Community College

What you will be doing…

Reporting to the Manager, Applied Research, this position is responsible for the post-award financial tracking and management of Applied Research projects. The incumbent will be assigned to a portfolio of research projects (incl. Tri-Agency-funded grants), supporting all financial administration aspects of a research project's life cycle to ensure compliance with funder and NSCC policies, guidelines, and deadlines. This includes the following:

• Managing the day-to-day financial administrative requirements for all research projects including maintaining financial project files to ensure comprehensive, current, and accurate budget position at all times
• Providing researchers with direction about purchasing of research equipment, employment of research personnel, eligible and ineligible expenditures, as well as applicable NSCC/funder policies, procedures, and guidelines; Reviewing project expenses to ensure that all regulatory requirements (incl. industry partners, NSCC, and funding agencies) are met
• Monitoring & notifying researchers of project end dates, milestones, and reporting deadlines
• Reconciling & analyzing project accounts to monitor the projects' overall budget position and cash flow
• Developing forecasts of project spending: Communicating regularly with researchers about account balances and the availability of funds; Alerting project teams to anticipated issues, making recommendations to avoid projected over- or under-spending
• Preparing financial paperwork and budget reports, including preparing funders' interim and final financial reports and claims as required as well as preparing year-end reporting and other financial documentation as required

Qualifications and Occupational Experience:

• The minimum educational qualification for this position is a diploma or certificate in business, accounting or a related field. A Research Administration Certificate is considered an asset.
• You have a minimum of 3 years of recent and related occupational experience in with accounting principles.
• Direct experience in administering grant applications and working with research administration policies & procedures in an academic research environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with Tri-Agency guidelines (e.g., TAGFA, Responsible Conduct of Research) is a strong asset.
• You are familiar with and comfortable using computer applications such as the Microsoft Office Suite, E-mail, and web-based applications. Knowledge of PeopleSoft and COGNOS is considered an asset.
• You are comfortable working in a digital environment; you take responsibility for acquiring knowledge about advancing technology; and you are committed to using technology in advancing your work

Relevant Skills and Knowledge

• You demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti-racism
• You possess excellent interpersonal skills and can interact at all levels of an organization
• You are known for your superior customer service skills and can create a relationship of trust beyond the immediate interaction
• Your superb team working skills enable you to contribute positively to a team environment
• You have specific technical occupational knowledge and skill in research administration and accounting principles, including research administration processes, policies, and procedures (e.g., project accounting, budgeting and projection, financial monitoring and analysis for research grants or contracts).
• You have a strong understanding of the terms and conditions of research grants and contracts to accurately apply guidelines and regulations and ensure regulatory compliance. Appreciation for research in an educational environment and an understanding of its complexities and challenges.
• You are known for your problem solving and critical thinking skills
• You are a strong communicator
• You possess excellent coordination skills specifically related to coordinating multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet critical deadlines
• You have proven records and information management skills and abilities , including an above-average attention to detail for ensuring comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date project files)
• You have strong project management skills including an above-average ability to balance and manage multiple competing priorities from a variety of research administration areas
• You demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence for ensuring strong compliance with industry, NSCC, and funder regulations and requirements
• You are dedicated to life-long learning, including staying abreast of research funders' ever-evolving funding opportunities and associated requirements, policies, and processes

We value Diversity and Inclusion

The College values diversity and inclusion and is committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates including Aboriginal/Indigenous Persons, Black/African Nova Scotians, members of racially visible communities, persons with disabilities, persons of a minority sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and women. Applicants from these communities wishing to self-identify may do so by completing the online questionnaire within the application.

All NSCC positions are advertised every Tuesday and Thursday. To learn more about us and our hiring process, please follow this link.

Candidates selected for interviews will be expected to provide at least three recent, occupational references. The successful candidate will be expected to provide official transcripts to show proof of academic achievements.

NSCC is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. As part of this commitment, NSCC will ensure that applicants are provided reasonable accommodations, as required. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact Nikki Berrigan, HR Generalist at [email protected]. Our Employee Workplace Accommodation Policy can be found here.