February 24, 2026, 12-1pmEST.
Determining whether an expense is eligible can be challenging, especially when guidelines leave room for interpretation. This session uses practical cases to walk through both the issues and the solutions — showing exactly how funder rules apply in everyday situations. Participants will see how to analyze grey areas, apply clear reasoning, and document decisions in ways that prevent common audit findings. A clear, hands-on session designed to build confidence and strengthen compliance skills for anyone supporting research spending.
Determining whether an expense is eligible can be challenging, especially when guidelines leave room for interpretation. This session uses practical cases to walk through both the issues and the solutions — showing exactly how funder rules apply in everyday situations. Participants will see how to analyze grey areas, apply clear reasoning, and document decisions in ways that prevent common audit findings. A clear, hands-on session designed to build confidence and strengthen compliance skills for anyone supporting research spending.
Presented by: Angela Zeno, Melissa Squires and Francesca Abbruzzese
Angela Zeno
Angela Zeno is a long-time leader in CARA's finance community and has been recognized for her achievements in welcoming new colleagues to CARA, co-developing conferences workshops for fellow finance experts, and presenting research finance webinars to our membership. Angela is a networking catalyst among research finance professionals and she has helped created a collegial, dynamic community of her peers.
Melissa Squires
Melissa Squires has been a member of CARA for over 16 years. She presents and facilitates finance sessions at the CARA regional and national conferences. She feels that CARA is a great way to network and share best practices with your colleagues from all across Canada.Melissa is currently the Manager of Research Accounting at Memorial University and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University and a CPA, CGA designation.
Francesca Abbruzzese
Francesca Abbruzzese is the assistant manager of Research Accounting at York University for 5 years with previous experience as Research Financial and Operations Manager at a community college for ten years. She manages a team of Research Accounting Administrators in post award financial administration related to faculty research grants and contracts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design, Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) and a diploma in Computer Programing.
Date de l'événement: 24 févr. 2026 | Ville: | Site / Liue: Online