Financial Administrator

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Position Summary:

The incumbent will monitor the Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) units operating funds and advise the Senior Financial Officer (SFO) on the status of accounts. Liaises with Financial services regarding accounting issues. Responsible for researching, tracking and resolving accounting discrepancies while providing day-to-day assistance to the finance team. Provides input and assistance with external clients and internal departments. Works closely with OVPRI units and other departments to obtain information and correct transactions while ensuring proper reconciliation.

Main Responsibilities

• Provides assistance to the Senior Finance Officer in the financial operations of the Office of the Vice- President (Research and Innovation).
• Assist the Senior Financial Officer with the preparation and maintenance of the budget and perform budget and accounting functions including year-end closing.
• Manage, supervise and appraise work performance of the Accounts Administrator who will be supporting the daily operations of financial administration. This includes performance management and meetings on a weekly basis ensuring deadlines are met and procedures are followed.
• Responsible for and overseeing the processing of payments to external vendors and maintaining updated records of invoices and receipts by requesting purchase orders (POs) through the McGill Market Place (MMP).
• Responsible for month-end closing and verification of monthly journal entries and various account reconciliations.
• Responsible for requesting new vendor profiles for McGill Marketplace.
• Initiates and processes a number of accounting activities such as journal entries, budget transfers, deposits, advance requisitions, expense reports, cheque deposits, payment requests and other functions.
• Makes corrections, processes adjustments, and follows up on problems.
• Sets up funds, activity codes and budgets for the OVPRI.

• Act as advisor to unit members/clients regarding university accounting policies and procedures.

• Monitors and reconciles accounts at the request of the Senior Financial Officer in the preparation of standard and complex reports. Follows up and ensures appropriate implementation of decisions made by the Senior Financial Officer. Reviews any outstanding items and follows up.
• Support CFREF grants (HBHL and D2R) and the Innovation & Partnerships Office regarding accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Conduct payroll analysis to ensure accuracy of salary distributions, identify discrepancies, and process payroll adjustments.
• Maintaining and organizing the filing system for documents within area of activity as well as being responsible for archiving all financial files.
• Maintaining computerized information systems and participating in their development to improve efficiency within the unit.
• Acting as a resource person concerning the use of software by explaining and demonstrating the use of software and resolving problems within area of expertise.
• Notifying supervisor of any anomaly, situation, or problem and, as necessary, proposing changes or improvements to the workflow within the unit.
• Responsible for month-end closing and verification of monthly journal entries and various account reconciliations.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with offices throughout the university and within the external vendors.
• Participate in special projects and other tasks as needed.

Qualifications/ Requirements

• DEP (Secretarial/Office Systems). Four years of related experience
• Experience with McGill internal systems, such as knowledge of Banner FIS, Banner Budget module, MMP, and Crystal Reports.
• Efficient with computerized applications including spreadsheets, databases and word-processing applications.
• Proven organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Client-focused and service-oriented. Knowledge of University policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced demanding environment.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

DEC III 3 Years Related Experience /

(MPEX Grade 02) $55,850.00 - $65,710.00 - $75,570.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-FIN1B - Accounting - Professional 1 (Excluded)

33.75 (Full time)

Senior Financial Officer

2025-11-28