Job Description
Regular Full-Time, Market Range 7
The Haslam College of Business (HCB) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a Senior Financial Associate (Full-time, Non-exempt) in the Business Analytics and Statistics department. Under the leadership of the Department Head (DH) and Assistant Department Head (ADH), this role functions as the lead member of the department's administrative team, managing the department's administrative and financial processes. This role operates under general limited supervision, applying research, critical thinking, and analysis to resolve problems across various financial and administrative duties. The position is responsible for budget preparation, forecasting, and real-time monitoring of account balances to keep DH and ADH informed with relevant, accurate, and thorough financial data. Additionally, this person will manage one full-time administrative associate to ensure timely and accurate processing, entry, and reporting of all departmental financial transactions.
Responsibilities
- FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING
- Provides expert guidance and detailed budget status to department leadership, possessing a deep and broad understanding of the department's financial situation at all times
- Prepares annual department budgets in coordination with the Financial Information Office (FIO), with consistent monthly reporting of actuals for monitoring and evaluation of adjustments; aligns reporting with resources provided by HCB and/or FIO leadership
- Compiles financial data, monitors and balances accounts, prepares detailed financial reports, and resolves discrepancies
- Tracks and compiles funding and expenditure data, including but not limited to base funds, restricted funds, scholarships, and faculty spending accounts; provides status reports, analysis, and recommendations to department leadership
- Researches, reviews, and resolves accounts payable and receivable discrepancies
- Proactively seeks, recommends, and oversees the implementation of new ways to streamline departmental financial processes
- Coordinates with department faculty and FIO to accurately manage sponsored project proposals and post-award project accounting
- GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
- Recommends and oversees the implementation of new or modified department procedures.
- Researches and resolves issues, with general guidance and oversight from department leadership and/or Financial Information Office (FIO).
- Supervises department administrative associate; delegates tasks, oversees work, provides feedback and coaching, and evaluates performance.
- Oversees planning and execution of special events.
- Interacts with supply vendors
- Provides backup front-line customer service, including greeting visitors, answering phones, and responding to general email inquiries.
- Manages calendars, shared drive, SharePoint work request list, and department email.
- Provides backup support for department meetings, including logistical support for effective planning and execution, and preparation of materials or supplies, adhering to all relevant fiscal policies.
- PROCESSING/ENTRY OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS:
- Audits financial transactions for department, including but not limited to invoices, travel, payroll, procurement card reconciliations, and petty cash reimbursements.
- Coordinates with FIO on any non-standard purchasing or procurement issues that cannot be handled by the junior associate.
- Provides coordination and support for procurement processes in partnership with FIO, including informal bids, requisitions, contracts, and internal account transfers
- Monitors and reconciles all departmental ledgers, creating and updating department procedures as necessary and ensuring compliance with fiscal policy
- Ensures timely communication to faculty and staff regarding changes/developments in policies affecting financial aspects of travel, payroll, scholarships, purchasing, etc.
- CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
- Must participate in all HCB training and professional development, including but not limited to regular trainings/seminars by FIO and TIS.
- Complete all required UTK training modules via K@TE and other delivery platforms.
- Proactively seek and actively participate in professional development/educational/training opportunities, with approval from DH/ADH. Resources may included LinkedIn Learning, K@TE, UTK Learning and Organizational Development, or external professional organizations.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree is required (preferably in Business)
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience with general bookkeeping, accounting, or financial administration, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience with general bookkeeping, accounting, or financial administration, including some in higher education environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required:
- Excellent knowledge of excel including pivot tables.
- Knowledge of financial, bookkeeping, and general accounting principles
- Knowledge of financial policies and procedures
- Strong attention to detail
- Advanced computer skills, including ability to quickly learn new software systems
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision
- Excellent knowledge Word, and other Microsoft based products
- Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents internal and external to university
- Ability to gather data, compile information, analyze information, and prepare reports accurately
- Ability to compare information and apply critical thinking skills to recognize/resolve discrepancies
- Ability to use tact and discretion when dealing with a variety of issues
- Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and assignments
- Ability to protect and maintain confidential information
Preferred:
- Experience in higher education environment
- Exposure to dashboarding tools such as Power BI or Tableau
Work Location:
- Position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.
Application Process:
The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.
Interested individuals should provide a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required minimum qualification, a resume, and complete contact information for 3 professional references.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
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