Financial Associate (Business Operations Specialist 1)

Job Summary

The Institute of Materials Science (IMS) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) is seeking applicants for a full-time position as a Financial Associate (Business Operations Specialist 1) to join IMS’s professional staff team. Reporting to IMS’s Assistant Director for Finance and Administration, this role provides both administrative and financial support across multiple functional areas.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Affords students, staff, faculty, customers, and others with a wide range of administrative and fiscal matters.
• Collaborates with administrators from both internal and external units, serving as a liaison for financial task support of IAP tracking and invoicing, fee-for-service projects, service center billings, purchasing, and payroll.
• Captures and reviews contracts such as service agreements, statements of work, and terms and conditions for the IAP and IMS revenue programs.
• Prepares budgets and financial statements for unit revenue generating programs.
• Maintains and coordinates accurate unit financial records and complex filing systems, including the IAP internal access database.
• Establishes and maintains IAP customer payment sites (Ariba, Taulia, Tradeshift, Bill.com, etc.).
• Supports all aspects of IAP events such as the annual meeting, short courses, and customer visits in collaboration with the IAP Co-Directors.
• Streamlines business operations processes and procedures for efficiency by identifying and implementing improvements, as well as documentation of said processes.
• Monitors, tracks, and maintains accurate financial records and deliverables.
• Complies with federal, state, university, and departmental standards and regulations for all fiscal tasks.
• Works on special projects as directed by supervisor.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and three years of related experience, OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using Microsoft products and software applications and learning new systems.
• Proven time management skills in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Experience working independently on routine tasks and in a team setting while regularly exercising sound judgment.
• Interpersonal skills with experience establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with diverse student, administrative, and faculty populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four or more years of related experience.
• Experience working in a higher education setting, preferably within a scientific institution/unit.
• Demonstrated experience with financial and procurement practices and procedures.
• Experience with documents and stages in the revenue process (e.g. quotes, purchase orders, service agreements, invoices, accounts receivable, etc.).
• Experience working with customer payment sites (Ariba, Taulia, Tradeshift, Bill.com, etc.).
• Experience planning events ranging in size, complexity, and format.
• Experience with federal and state laws, regulatory requirements, and University policies governing the receipt and use of funds.
• Experience working with UConn electronic systems (KFS, WebFOCUS, HuskyBuy, Core-CT, etc.).

Appointment Terms

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience. This position is mainly in-person on the Storrs, CT campus, with the potential of a limited hybrid work schedule, subject to authorization and University policy. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. To Apply Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499644 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Screening will begin immediately and the search will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. This posting will remain open until filled with priority given the applications received by Friday, July 10, 2026. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics. All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.

Other Rights, Terms, and Conditions of Employment

• Employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.
• All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
• The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.
• The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.
• We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.