Associate Director, Research Finance & Admin
About the role
Job ID
74047
Job Title
Associate Director, Research Finance & Admin
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
02/04/2026
Job Type
Limited Term (>12 months)
Close Date
02/17/2026
Employee Group
TMG
Favorite Job
Department
McMaster Research Finance
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Salary Grade/Band
Band M
Salary Range
$101466.00 - $152200.00 (annual)
Job Code
006198
Hiring Range
$101466.00 - $133048.00
Existing Vacancy
Yes - Backfilling as Existing
Contract Duration
20.3 Months
Target Number of Openings
1
Hours per Week
35
Posting Details
Schedule
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Education Level
Degree in Business Administration
CPA
Career Level
4-5 years of practical experience in financial management, leadership, and administration, preferably in an academic or government setting
Estimate Start Date
March 2, 2026
Job Description
Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.
The Office of the Vice President Research provides oversight and direction to the research endeavours of the University. The 16 units reporting to the VP research include several Centres and Institutes as well as offices supporting research administration. McMaster Research Finance is responsible for financial matters pertaining to research in all Faculties other than the Faculty of Health Sciences, with whom research Finance works closely.
Job Summary
The Assistant Director leads and guides the overall development, implementation and administration of financial policies and procedures related to research finance at the University and provides leadership and training within the research community regarding the eligibility of expenditures and financial management. In connection with the Director, Research Finance and Administration, this position serves as McMaster's representative on sponsor committees and working groups and is the project lead on sponsor monitoring visits such as Tri-Agencies and Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Accountabilities
Financial Management Services:
Reporting
- Ensure that all financial reports required by funding agencies are filed accurately and on a ti mely basis.
- Responsible for establishing template accounting and reporting models for the numerous research projects that provide:
- Standardized approach to preparing reports and audit file for each report submission
- Review reports prepared by Senior Research Accounts to ensure accurate and complete and sign off on reports for submission to the research sponsors Customer Service and Leadership
- Develop process and procedures that support a high-quality service-oriented department to the numerous stakeholders of the department (researchers, Faculty and Department Administrators, Internal Departments, External sponsors, etc.)
- Represent McMaster on sponsor working groups and committees such as Tri-Agencies, Canada Foundation for Innovation and Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
- Lead a team that maintains a high level of professionalism and positive attitudes to enhance the customer service provided by Research Finance while meeting the multiple deadlines of a fast-paced environment
- Plans for, secures, and manages the human resource needs to deliver efficient services.
- The Assistant Director is responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, evaluating staff performance, mentoring and taking disciplinary measures as required.
- The Assistant Director assigns, delegates, organizes and coordinates the workload; plans and adjusts work schedules and priorities and ensures the health and safety of unit staff.
- Provides leadership, assists and motivates staff through training, advice, guidance and counsel, and leads by example.
Audit
- Manage the internal and external audit process and/or monitoring visits, as required by the federal, provincial and other external funding agencies
Training
- Provide leadership and training within the research community at McMaster regarding eligibility of expenditures and financial management
- Develop and enhance various training documents for members of Research Finance and other members of the McMaster research community that are consistent with the needs of existing research sponsors/programs and new research sponsors/programs as they appear
Policies and Procedures
- Leads and guides the overall development, implementation and administration of financial policies and procedures related to research
- Work closely with the Director, Research Finance and Administration and Assistant Comptroller Faculty of Health Sciences (Research Finance) to shape and direct the long term direction of Research Finance services and reporting at McMaster University.
- This position must continuously search and make improvements to existing procedures and systems that continue to progress Research Finance and its level of service and its ability to meet reporting deadlines
Data Management
- Lead the review of research project deficit management with various faculties, departments and research offices.
- Work with the respective faculties, departments and research office in the development of plans to resolve deficit situations
- This position must have strong analytical skills, reviewing data to establish key performance metrics of Research Finance and measure performance on these metrics
- Ensure the integrity of data is maintained
- Develop controls and processes to ensure projects have accurate award amounts, end dates, etc.
- Ensure research projects are closed in the system when they are complete
- Continuously analyze the research project portfolio and deliverables of customer service and reporting deadlines to ensure that there is appropriate utilization of the Research Finance skillset and that appropriate workload distribution is maintained across Research Finance staff
Backfill for Director, Research Finance and Administration:
The Assistant Director Research Finance and Administration will support the Director and the Research Finance team and will step in to fill the role of the Director, Research Finance and Administration as needed, in the absence of the Director.
Knowledge/Skills
- Superior and demonstrated verbal and int erpersonal skills;
- Skills in diplomacy;
- Proactive and highly client-service oriented;
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and mentor with a positive attitude
- Advanced technical skills for data analysis and information/ distribution/ reporting ability to adapt and implement new technologies;
- Effective management within a changing environment; ability to innovate;
- Thorough knowledge and appreciation of University policies and procedures and research sponsors' roles and research funding environment
Pay Transparency Statement
The posted hiring range represents McMaster's typical hiring range for this position. Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.
Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Hybrid Work Language
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
Interview Experience
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
AI Statement
McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 30,000, and more than 185,000 alumni in 137 countries.
Associate Director, Research Finance & Admin
About the role
Job ID
74047
Job Title
Associate Director, Research Finance & Admin
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
02/04/2026
Job Type
Limited Term (>12 months)
Close Date
02/17/2026
Employee Group
TMG
Favorite Job
Department
McMaster Research Finance
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Salary Grade/Band
Band M
Salary Range
$101466.00 - $152200.00 (annual)
Job Code
006198
Hiring Range
$101466.00 - $133048.00
Existing Vacancy
Yes - Backfilling as Existing
Contract Duration
20.3 Months
Target Number of Openings
1
Hours per Week
35
Posting Details
Schedule
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Education Level
Degree in Business Administration
CPA
Career Level
4-5 years of practical experience in financial management, leadership, and administration, preferably in an academic or government setting
Estimate Start Date
March 2, 2026
Job Description
Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.
The Office of the Vice President Research provides oversight and direction to the research endeavours of the University. The 16 units reporting to the VP research include several Centres and Institutes as well as offices supporting research administration. McMaster Research Finance is responsible for financial matters pertaining to research in all Faculties other than the Faculty of Health Sciences, with whom research Finance works closely.
Job Summary
The Assistant Director leads and guides the overall development, implementation and administration of financial policies and procedures related to research finance at the University and provides leadership and training within the research community regarding the eligibility of expenditures and financial management. In connection with the Director, Research Finance and Administration, this position serves as McMaster's representative on sponsor committees and working groups and is the project lead on sponsor monitoring visits such as Tri-Agencies and Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Accountabilities
Financial Management Services:
Reporting
- Ensure that all financial reports required by funding agencies are filed accurately and on a ti mely basis.
- Responsible for establishing template accounting and reporting models for the numerous research projects that provide:
- Standardized approach to preparing reports and audit file for each report submission
- Review reports prepared by Senior Research Accounts to ensure accurate and complete and sign off on reports for submission to the research sponsors Customer Service and Leadership
- Develop process and procedures that support a high-quality service-oriented department to the numerous stakeholders of the department (researchers, Faculty and Department Administrators, Internal Departments, External sponsors, etc.)
- Represent McMaster on sponsor working groups and committees such as Tri-Agencies, Canada Foundation for Innovation and Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
- Lead a team that maintains a high level of professionalism and positive attitudes to enhance the customer service provided by Research Finance while meeting the multiple deadlines of a fast-paced environment
- Plans for, secures, and manages the human resource needs to deliver efficient services.
- The Assistant Director is responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, evaluating staff performance, mentoring and taking disciplinary measures as required.
- The Assistant Director assigns, delegates, organizes and coordinates the workload; plans and adjusts work schedules and priorities and ensures the health and safety of unit staff.
- Provides leadership, assists and motivates staff through training, advice, guidance and counsel, and leads by example.
Audit
- Manage the internal and external audit process and/or monitoring visits, as required by the federal, provincial and other external funding agencies
Training
- Provide leadership and training within the research community at McMaster regarding eligibility of expenditures and financial management
- Develop and enhance various training documents for members of Research Finance and other members of the McMaster research community that are consistent with the needs of existing research sponsors/programs and new research sponsors/programs as they appear
Policies and Procedures
- Leads and guides the overall development, implementation and administration of financial policies and procedures related to research
- Work closely with the Director, Research Finance and Administration and Assistant Comptroller Faculty of Health Sciences (Research Finance) to shape and direct the long term direction of Research Finance services and reporting at McMaster University.
- This position must continuously search and make improvements to existing procedures and systems that continue to progress Research Finance and its level of service and its ability to meet reporting deadlines
Data Management
- Lead the review of research project deficit management with various faculties, departments and research offices.
- Work with the respective faculties, departments and research office in the development of plans to resolve deficit situations
- This position must have strong analytical skills, reviewing data to establish key performance metrics of Research Finance and measure performance on these metrics
- Ensure the integrity of data is maintained
- Develop controls and processes to ensure projects have accurate award amounts, end dates, etc.
- Ensure research projects are closed in the system when they are complete
- Continuously analyze the research project portfolio and deliverables of customer service and reporting deadlines to ensure that there is appropriate utilization of the Research Finance skillset and that appropriate workload distribution is maintained across Research Finance staff
Backfill for Director, Research Finance and Administration:
The Assistant Director Research Finance and Administration will support the Director and the Research Finance team and will step in to fill the role of the Director, Research Finance and Administration as needed, in the absence of the Director.
Knowledge/Skills
- Superior and demonstrated verbal and int erpersonal skills;
- Skills in diplomacy;
- Proactive and highly client-service oriented;
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and mentor with a positive attitude
- Advanced technical skills for data analysis and information/ distribution/ reporting ability to adapt and implement new technologies;
- Effective management within a changing environment; ability to innovate;
- Thorough knowledge and appreciation of University policies and procedures and research sponsors' roles and research funding environment
Pay Transparency Statement
The posted hiring range represents McMaster's typical hiring range for this position. Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.
Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Hybrid Work Language
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
Interview Experience
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
AI Statement
McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 30,000, and more than 185,000 alumni in 137 countries.