Financial Specialist III

About the role

A full-time academic staff position is available in University Accounting beginning July 13, 2026. The working title for this assignment is Financial Specialist III – University Accounting with an official title of Financial Specialist III. The expected hiring salary will be $50,000-$55,000, based on qualifications and experience.

Position Summary

This position has full pre-audit delegated authority from UW-System and is responsible for appropriate tax reporting, accounting controls, and the accuracy of each non-payroll transaction in a decentralized environment. This position audits, analyzes, and coordinates the operation of the automated accounts payable system in the processing of Sodexo Food invoices, gift requests, and other various items received in the Accounts Payable Department. Additionally, this position is responsible for various accounting responsibilities.

Duties

• Reviews and approves complex transactions and assigns funding codes in accordance with established rules, regulations, and policies
• Maintains financial transactions and fund balances and generates and reconciles complex reports and statements in accordance with established rules and regulations
• Serves as a unit liaison to leadership providing financial advice, recommendations, and financial status updates
• Trains staff on financial processes and best practices
• Reallocates expenses to appropriate funding strings
• Answers complex fiscal questions and provides information based on set materials and standards to various audiences
• Drafts communications and reports and maintains organization of varied records to provide administrative support within a specified work unit
• Performs other duties as assigned

Key Job Responsibilities

• Reviews and approves complex transactions and assigns funding codes in accordance with established rules, regulations, and policies
• Maintains financial transactions and fund balances and generates and reconciles complex reports and statements in accordance with established rules and regulations
• Serves as a unit liaison to leadership providing financial advice, recommendations, and financial status updates
• Trains staff on financial processes and best practices
• Reallocates expenses to appropriate funding strings
• Answers complex fiscal questions and provides information based on set materials and standards to various audiences
• Drafts communications and reports and maintains organization of varied records to provide administrative support within a specified work unit
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in business, finance, accounting, or closely related field
• Two or more years of experience in accounting, finance, or related field
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening, written, and oral communication skills
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience with financial software packages (e.g. PeopleSoft, Workday)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, database systems, financial accounting systems and various database query tools
• Strong mathematical ability and strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in data entry and in reconciliation of various accounting figures
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple projects under competing deadlines
• Ability and willingness to adapt to change
• Prior Governmental experience (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or closely related field
• Prior Higher Education experience (preferred)