##About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

##About Us

Innovation North is fueled by the belief that corporations can create a future where businesses and society thrive. Created in 2019 by Dr. Tima Bansal, one of the world’s top cited scholars in Business and Management, Innovation North is the only collective that connects systems innovation researchers with large enterprises to help them integrate systems thinking into their business strategy through their innovation practices.

Traditionally, firms approach their innovation agenda focused on profits. Innovational innovation processes, such as stage-gate and design approaches, can create harm for the world by ignoring the wider ecological, social, and economic systems in which a firm is embedded. There is a better way. At Innovation North, we believe that organizations can create prosperity and well-being for everyone by applying systems thinking to the innovation process. This requires creativity, teamwork, the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to a better future for all.

##Responsibilities

The Operations & Financial Coordinator is a temporary part time contract for 10 months with an anticipated start date of March 2026.

The Operations & Financial Coordinator oversees Innovation North’s day-to-day operations and provides operational, financial, and administrative leadership to support the unit’s strategy and research portfolio. The role is accountable for budget stewardship, financial processing and controls, contract and vendor administration, systems/tools coordination, research compliance and reporting, and oversight of key operational workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

Day to Day Operations:

• Oversee Innovation North’s day-to-day operations to ensure priorities are executed efficiently, deadlines are met, and operational processes run smoothly.
• Establish and maintain operational workflows, documentation, and timelines that support project delivery and stakeholder responsiveness.

Financial Coordination, Controls & Reporting:

• Coordinate financial functions in adherence to relevant legislation, guidelines, and University policies and procedures.
• Responsible for an annual budget of approximately**$600,000**, ensuring budgetary integrity for Innovation North, ensure that expenses do not exceed funds available.
• Administer the annual budget and monitor project spending; support forecasting and planning as required.
• Act as a resource on financial and administrative matters; assist with resolving financial issues and inquiries.
• Review monthly research statements/financial reports; investigate variances, ensure accuracy of journal entries, and resolve discrepancies.
• Compile information and provide timely, accurate financial information; complete internal and external reports in accordance with requirements.
• Complete financial transactions in accordance with Western’s policies and procedures (e.g., invoice submissions, reimbursements, purchasing documentation).
• Offer recommendations to improve financial processes and implement/maintain controls to manage risks.
• Support the budget process by compiling information, conducting analysis, and preparing budget reports and related materials.
• Submit timesheets and invoices to payroll; submit invoices to Finance and follow through to confirm processing.

###Expenses, Purchasing Cards & Reimbursements

• Reconcile monthly p-card/Visa transactions; track receipts and ensure appropriate documentation and coding.
• Review and approve team expense reports for completeness, policy compliance, and proper supporting documentation

###Contracts, Vendors & Purchasing:

• Draft, coordinate, and manage all contracts, including research/project agreements, and vendor/subcontractor agreements.
• Manage vendor and subcontractor contracting processes, including requesting quotes, setting up purchase orders inMustang Market, and coordinating with Finance to pay vendors.
• Maintain contract records, key dates, and documentation to support effective delivery and audit readiness.

Operational Coordination:

• Prepare annual stewardship report for funding partners (e.g.SSHRC, Mitacs, and corporate foundations), coordinating inputs and ensuring alignment with funder requirements.
• Oversee all Innovation North-related employment contracts, supporting hiring and onboarding.
• Works closely with Innovation North Leadership (Dr. Tima Bansal), Finance, Payroll, HR and Ivey IT to ensure operational and financial integrity.
• Experience supporting the administration of contracts for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees is considered an asset.
• Coordinate event speakers and provide operational support for the Centre’s student Case Competition (approximately 50 students and 25 Faculty), including planning, logistics, scheduling, and on-site coordination.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Centre’s speaker series, including speaker liaison, scheduling, travel and hospitality arrangements (as applicable), and coordination of event logistics and communications.
• Comfortable collaborating and building relationships with external stakeholders

Education & Experience:

• Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration or equivalent
• 5+ years of relevant experience in operations and/or financial administration, preferably in an academic setting

Core Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail and comfort working with budgets, reconciliations, and financial documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and coordinate with internal partners (finance, payroll, project leads).
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential contract and employment information.

##Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

##Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

##Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

##Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.