Finance Specialist

About the role

Rice University seeks a Finance Specialist to support the financial operations of the Department of Bioengineering.

Responsibilities

• Supports the financial operations of the Department of Bioengineering by performing complex reconciliation, financial analysis, budget support, reporting, and post-award financial coordination.
• Works with financial data across multiple accounts and funding sources to oversee and process financial actions, identify discrepancies, resolve issues, prepare reports, and support informed decision-making.
• Contributes to internal controls, process documentation, and workflow improvements that promote accuracy, compliance, and continuity in departmental financial administration.
• Works closely with the Executive Department Business Administrator and other departmental staff to support the short- and long-term financial health of the department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• Two or more (2+) years of relevant experience in an administrative financial role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel).
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems.
• Strong communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences and client groups.
• Project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting financial operations in an academic, research, nonprofit, or similarly complex administrative environment.
• Experience preparing financial reports, budget summaries, projections, reconciliations, or other analyses to support management decision-making.
• Familiarity with sponsored project administration, post-award financial activity, or faculty/research portfolio support.
• Experience interpreting financial data, identifying discrepancies or trends, and communicating findings clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to support compliance, internal controls, process documentation, or financial workflow improvements.
• Experience working with enterprise financial systems, spreadsheets, reporting tools, or related data-management platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple financial priorities with accuracy, discretion, sound judgment, and strong follow-through.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice University.

Hiring Range

$60,000 - $65,000 annually

Rice University HR | Benefits

Rice University HR | Benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Rice Mission and Values