Finance Officer

Position Overview

Working closely with, and reporting to, CAAIN’s Director of Finance (DOF), the incumbent will be responsible for interpreting and analyzing financial data to assist the DOF and CEO in: making key decisions; participating in CAAIN forecasting and budgeting; helping to develop reports for CAAIN’s CEO, Board of Directors, and Shareholders; carrying out operational accounting functions; preparing organizational payroll; conducting financial research; reporting on innovation project/program status; and, participating in preparation of reports for Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada and other funders.

Key Responsibilities

Financial systems and reporting of CAAIN’s portfolio (10%)

  • Participates in developing annual budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis for CAAIN projects, programs, and the organization as a whole.
  • Participates in preparing dashboard and other reports or updates to support the DOF and CEO in providing updates to the Board of Directors.
  • Participates in preparing required financial reports for ISED, as well as any reporting required by other funders.

Financial transactions and payroll (10%)

  • Supports payroll functions to ensure CAAIN staff are paid in an accurate and timely manner.
  • As requested, enters and records financial transactions and works with the DOF to ensure that all CAAIN financial transactions (revenue and expenses) are executed in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Participates in preparing: quarterly and annual financial statements; annual budget; and analysis of budget variances (network and research projects).
  • Participates in all operational accounting functions, including: reconciliation of bank accounts; payroll and corporate filings; and preparation of GST returns.

Program and project financials (80%)

  • Works closely with Research Project Ultimate Recipients (URs) to ensure understanding and compliance with, and delivery of, their financial obligations.
  • Delivers Dext financial platform training and ongoing support to URs and their teams.
  • Reviews documents (in Dext) provided by CAAIN’s funding recipients for reimbursement, ensures they are accurate and that the expenses are eligible as per the terms of CAAIN’s funding.
  • Contacts CAAIN’s funding recipients for missing documents or answers to questions regarding documents submitted in Dext.
  • Works closely with the DOF & Program Managers (PMs) to provide reconciliation and to evaluate financial progress of research project activities.
  • Provides reconciliation of CAAIN network activities.
  • Reviews revenue and expense contracts and amendments to prepare billings, accruals/deferrals, monthly and/or year-end reporting, and to ensure the signing authority policy has been followed.
  • Provides analysis of assigned areas.
  • Participates in preparation of quarterly and annual reports to ISED and works with ISED’s claims team to resolve differences.
  • Participates in preparation of recipient funding agreements and amendments for CAAIN-approved projects.
  • Contributes to performance measurements and evaluations by gathering data needed to populate reports required by ISED and other funders.

Education

Required

  • Post-secondary education in Accounting or Finance

Preferred_

  • University Degree in Accounting or Finance

Experience

Required

3 years of progressively responsible experience in a corporate accounting setting.

3 years of experience reporting on projects or programs.

Extensive knowledge of business, financial and accountability processes.

Preferred

5-to-7 years of progressively responsible experience in a corporate finance or accounting setting.

5 years’ experience reporting on projects or programs.

Certifications / Licenses

N/A

Skills and Abilities

Able to work under pressure and meet tight timelines using time management and organizational skills.

Flexible and able to adjust to a changing environment.

Detail oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of business, financial, accounting, and accountability processes.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).

Able to convey financial information in plain language.

High level of competency using Microsoft Office 365 suite of applications, QuickBooks and other software relevant to CAAIN (e.g., Dext, program management software).

High level of competency with Excel; able to develop and manage complex spreadsheets.

Attention to detail.

Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $75,000.00-$100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental care
  • Extended health care

Flexible language requirement:

  • French not required

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edmonton, AB T6N 1E4

Expected start date: 2025-06-02

To apply for this position, click here.

Program Coordinator

(2-year term, renewable or ongoing)

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Program Coordinator to contribute to our organization, projects, and investments in developing Canada’s agtech sector.

Are you our next Program Coordinator? You will be a good fit for this position if you:

  • Are passionate about Canada’s agriculture and food industry and the positive impact that further developing automated and digitized technologies will have in the near future
  • Have strong organizational skills and able to maintain a large number of projects concurrently
  • Enjoy being an active contributor to your organization’s strategy and its implementation

About us:

CAAIN is a national not-for-profit organization that brings cutting edge technology and agriculture together to create innovative solutions in agricultural production, increase farm competitiveness, drive growth, and create jobs in Canada. We support the development of digital innovations in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence and advanced data-based decision-making by Canada’s leading Small and Medium-sized businesses. We also value the importance of real-world technology validation through collaborations involving smart farms and networks, and commercial farm operations.

Curious to know more about this role?

The Program Coordinator works collaboratively with CAAIN staff, industry stakeholders and advisory committees, to implement CAAIN’s competitive programs and provide input into CAAIN’s strategic direction. Under the supervision of the Director of Programs, the Program Coordinator will assist in the delivery of CAAIN initiatives including: pre-award promotion, education and program development; post-award monitoring of project milestones, financial performance and reporting of program outcomes. The successful candidate will be able to have an impact on the agtech sector through the following activities:

  • Direct communication with leading-edge agricultural producers and technology providers
  • Contribute to development and implementation of CAAIN’s competitive programs including guidelines, templates, and applicant resource materials
  • Monitor project progress, milestone achievement, and collecting financial records
  • Provide guidance, and resources to potential applicants
  • Participate in the assessment of applications including critical review of budget documents for eligible expenses, arranging for technical and/or scientific peer review and supporting development of committee recommendations
  • Gather data to populate reports in aid of monitoring CAAIN’s objectives
  • Support CAAIN sponsored-events such as workshops, conferences, tradeshows, meetings, etc.
  • Participate in CAAIN’s strategic and business framework that responds to emerging market opportunities, addresses issues, and supports future industry needs
  • Participate in business planning in the development of documents and programs
  • Research or investigate emerging issues and trends providing guidance to leadership

 Qualifications and skills we are looking for:

  • A post graduate degree in agriculture, business, data or technology science is required
    • Research administration or project management certificate is preferred
  • 5-7 years of experience in research related to Canada’s agriculture and food or technology sectors
  • A minimum of 2 years of project administration, evaluation, and financial administration experience
  • Knowledge or interest in agriculture or technology within the agri-food sector including; emerging trends, research and industry practice
  • Ability to maintain professional relationships with stakeholders and clients
  • Strong research focus and in-depth knowledge of scientific research principles
  • Experience in financial administration of research funds
  • Experience with project funding agreements
  • Is a self-motivated individual able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively in a team setting
  • Is comfortable working with multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment
  • Has strong organizational and time management skills in meeting deadlines
  • Has a strong focus on attention to detail
  • Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Has excellent communication skills (written and oral); comfortable with public speaking
  • Exhibits a high level of competency utilizing Microsoft Office suite; ability to learn new software

Why CAAIN?

CAAIN offers the opportunity for the right individual to become involved at the forefront of Canadian agriculture and technology. CAAIN is focused on growing and expanding the network of companies, academic and research organizations that are eager to explore how new and emerging technologies can be applied to enhance agri-food productivity and create growth of the Canadian agriculture sector.

We offer employees opportunities to work on projects that will expand their skill sets and to witness the visible impacts of their efforts. We value the development of our employees and create opportunities that allow new skills to be learned.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance.

This competition will remain open until a successful candidate is found.

To apply for this position, please click here.

CAAIN IS COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM ALL QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS. WE WISH TO THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, ONLY THOSE INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.