Finance Specialist - College of Engineering

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Scholarships

Retirement plan

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Engineering seeks a Finance Specialist to support financial management across state accounts, grants, service centers, and revolving funds. You will guide departments on funding strategies, contracts, and sponsor submissions, while assisting PIs with budgets and post-award administration.

The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty, compliance, and sound financial stewardship within a robust benefits environment at UNL.

Qualifications

• ,
• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience in financial management, accounting, grant administration, or related field.
• Experience with SAP or another large integrated financial system.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in compliance with laws and policies.
• Strong communication and collaborative relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of accounts and advise on financial management, funding strategies, and compliance across various funding sources.
• Review and coordinate complex financial activities, including travel, contracts, journal entries, AR, capital assets, and other transactions.
• Support development and submission of sponsored research proposals with faculty and departments.
• Assist Principal Investigators in preparing budgets, justifications, and sponsor package approvals.
• Support post-award grant financial management and reporting to ensure compliance.
• Provide budget analysis and generate reports; identify potential areas of concern.
• Serve as primary resource for contract administration and create templates.
• Collaborate to develop and improve service center operations and contracts.
• Prepare and review standardized financial reports and investigate anomalies.
• Advise on university policies to help departments navigate compliance.
• Maintain records according to policy.

Skills

Excel / data analysis

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Organization skills

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Working Title Finance Specialist - College of Engineering

Department College of Engineering-0907

Description Of Work

At the University of Nebraska’s College of Engineering, our mission is to train the next generation engineering workforce and solve problems of global importance. This position primarily supports the work of the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, a research organization that focuses on all aspects of highway design and safety.

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

Responsibilities include:

• Managing an assigned portfolio of accounts, advising on financial management, funding strategies, and compliance across a variety of funding sources which may include state accounts, grants, service centers, and/or revolving accounts.
• Reviewing and coordinating complex financial activities, including travel, contracts, journal entries, accounts receivable, capital assets, and other financial transactions.
• Partnering with faculty and departments to support the successful development and submission of sponsored research proposals.
• Assisting Primary Investigators in preparing documents and sponsor packages including budgets and justifications and obtaining approvals for grant proposals.
• Supporting sponsored research through post-award grant financial management and administration.
• Supporting unit leadership in budget analysis, preparing reports and identifying potential areas of concern.
• Providing direction to others on financial or grants-related issues.
• Serving as a primary resource for contract administration, reviewing and providing guidance for edits on standard contracts and preparing contract templates.
• Partnering with units to develop, manage, and improve service center operations and contractual agreements, promoting effective business practices and sound financial stewardship.
• Preparing and reviewing standardized and ad hoc financial reports, ensuring accuracy and investigating and resolving anomalies.
• Providing consultative guidance on university policies and processes, helping departments navigate complex issues and identify practical, compliant solutions.
• Ensuring that records are maintained according to policy.

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 certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. 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

Learn more about UNL benefits and your total compensation at: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

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.
• Strong computer skills and 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

Ideal Candidate:

We seek an experienced financial professional with strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach. The ideal candidate builds strong relationships, provides excellent service, and confidently communicates difficult decisions when needed.

Posted Salary

$51,961/yr minimum