Financial Specialist Intermediate

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve today's most pressing challenges and power industries that change lives. Our programs and community promote personal well-being and achievement, enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.

About the role

The Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) is a foundational specialty impacting every discipline of engineering and science. The science and technology developed in MSE play a critical role in the innovations we use daily. As a foundational discipline, our faculty collaborate on complex, multi-disciplinary projects. We seek a financial and accounting professional to serve as a Finance Specialist Intermediate, providing financial analysis, reporting, and post-award support for department accounts and a select group of faculty.

The selected candidate will have the autonomy to act as a change agent by developing improved processes for tracking, monitoring, and reporting financial activity.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and accounting support for the department and select faculty accounts.
• Deliver comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of university and sponsor funds for an assigned group of faculty members.
• Meet regularly with assigned faculty to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management.
• Interpret University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advise on their implications; and recommend possible courses of action.
• Develop complex long-term funding and spending plans, projections, and recommendations for multiple scenarios.
• Partner with College and central office staff to research, analyze, and resolve sponsor, financial, HR, and payroll issues; alert project directors and administration to areas of concern.
• Provide financial support, including transactional processing, journal entries, and cash deposits.
• Track funds and financial commitments (awards, startups, etc.) and perform account reviews.
• Reconcile departmental project grants (allocations/revenues and expenditures).
• Assist the Department Administrator with internal controls implementation.
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• High degree of attention to detail.
• Proficiency and knowledge of fund accounting.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal skills working with a diverse group of colleagues.
• Ability to interpret and effectively communicate Department and University guidelines and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities.

Desired

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite, primarily Microsoft Excel and data analytic tools such as pivot tables.
• Proficiency with Business Objects or working with large groups of data.
• Experience and/or knowledge of accounting practices.
• Self-starter.

Modes of Work

Hybrid or mobile/remote work modes may be available at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change at any time for any reason.