Senior Financial Associate: Business Analytics & Statistics, Haslam College of Business - UTK

About the role

This role functions as the leading 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.

Responsibilities

• Provides expert guidance and detailed budget status to department leadership, always possessing a deep and broad understanding of the department’s financial situation.
• 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.
• Creates and presents detailed summary budget reports after the close of the fiscal year to support analysis of previous year's performance.
• Manages the tracking of funds and departmental custom financial dashboards by faculty, degree programs, and special programs that the university's ERP system cannot track.
• Maintains financial records in support of department accounting activities.
• 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.
• Proactively identifies and informs the Department Head of potential budget/financial issues, recommends solutions, and oversees implementation.
• Researchs, 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 FIO to ensure compliance with all college-level processes.
• Coordinates with department faculty and FIO to accurately manage sponsored project proposals and post-award project accounting.
• Recommends and oversees the implementation of new or modified department procedures.
• Coordinates and works collaboratively with other departments and support units in HCB for effective department operations.
• Researchs and resolves issues, with general guidance and oversight from department leadership and/or Financial Information Office (FIO).
• Enhances and improves departmental processes through recommendations to leadership and successful implementation.
• Supervises department administrative associate; delegates tasks, oversees work, provides feedback and coaching, and evaluates performance.
• Informs department leadership of potentially controversial matters or other key issues, using discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
• Oversees planning and execution of special events.
• Interacts with supply vendors.
• Department contact for any grants or contract questions.
• 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.
• Processes and 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.
• Maintains and updates department ledgers, creating and updating department procedures as necessary and ensuring compliance with fiscal policy.
• Aids faculty, staff, and students with financial procedure questions.
• Ensures timely communication with faculty and staff regarding changes/developments in policies affecting financial aspects of travel, payroll, scholarships, purchasing, etc.

Qualifications

• No degree - 6 years of experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree - 2 years of experience is required.
• Master's degree - 1 year of experience is required.
• Relevant and progressively responsible experience with general bookkeeping, accounting, or financial administration, including some in higher education environment.
• Experience in higher education environment.
• Exposure to dashboarding tools such as Power BI or Tableau.

Skills

• 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.
• Excellent knowledge Word, and other Microsoft based products.
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• 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.