Finance Specialist

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln, Northern (NE, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Insurance options

Scholarship programs

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, via IANR's Business Centers, seeks a Finance Specialist focused on cost accounting and contracts to advise departments and ensure financial stewardship.

You will partner with faculty and staff to forecast expenses, set service rates, manage an assigned portfolio, and ensure compliance with university policies.

Located on Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, this full-time role offers potential hybrid work after a training period.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of financial management experience.
• Experience with SAP or other large integrated financial systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel for data analysis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality per laws and policies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organization and multi-tasking in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary resource for service center and contract administration.
• Partner with departments to develop and improve service center operations and contracts.
• Forecast expenses and calculate service rates based on activity.
• Manage portfolio and provide guidance on financial management and compliance.
• Review complex financial activities including travel, journals, AR, assets.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree + 4 years experience

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

Finance Specialist

Join the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( IANR ) Business Centers, where we strive to deliver exceptional service, innovative solutions, and responsible stewardship that advance IANR’s teaching, research, and extension missions.

As a Finance Specialist with focus on cost accounting and contracts, you will serve as a trusted resource to departments, providing expert guidance and support across a broad range of financial functions.

• Serving as a primary resource for service center and contract administration across IANR, providing strategic guidance and ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Partnering with departments to develop, manage, and improve service center operations and contractual agreements, promoting effective business practices and sound financial stewardship.
• Working with faculty and staff to forecast expenses and calculate appropriate service rates based on anticipated activity. Regularly review budget to actual amounts to determine if established rates need to be adjusted.
• Managing an assigned portfolio, serving as a trusted advisor on financial management, funding strategies, and compliance across a variety of funding sources including but not limited to state accounts, grants, service centers, and revolving accounts.
• Reviewing and coordinating complex financial activities, including travel, contracts, journal entries, accounts receivable, capital assets, and other financial transactions.

We seek a collaborative, service-oriented professional with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The successful candidate builds trusted relationships, communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders, and exercises sound judgment to make and communicate decisions that support responsible stewardship, compliance, and exceptional service.

This position is located on Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, NE. Following an initial training period of up to six months, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with a minimum of 3 days per week worked on campus. Hybrid arrangements are subject to supervisor approval and are determined based on operational needs.

Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus (4) years of related experience in financial management, accounting, grant administration, or related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience working with SAP or another large integrated financial system.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software, including Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Experience with grant, project, or cost accounting.
• Experience providing consultative support, training, or mentoring.
• Experience in a higher education environment.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

No

Physical Required

No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Yes

Job Type

Full-Time

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Supplemental Questions

• * Do you have any experience with SAP or another fully integrated electronic human resources, financial management or payroll system? If yes, please describe.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please detail your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (or similar software).

  (Open Ended Question)