Finance Specialist - College of Engineering

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln's College of Engineering is seeking a Finance Specialist to manage an assigned portfolio of accounts, advise on financial management, funding strategies, and compliance across funding sources.

You will partner with faculty and departments to develop and submit sponsored research proposals, prepare budgets, support post-award finance, and provide guidance on university policies while maintaining records in accordance with policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience in financial management, accounting, grant administration, or related field.
• Experience working with SAP or another large integrated financial system.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite and Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in compliance with laws and university policies.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work and manage multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Managing an assigned portfolio of accounts, advising on financial management, funding strategies, and compliance across funding sources.
• Reviewing and coordinating travel, contracts, journal entries, accounts receivable, capital assets, and other financial transactions.
• Partnering with faculty and departments to support sponsored research proposals.
• Assisting Principal Investigators in preparing budgets and justifications and obtaining approvals for grant proposals.
• Supporting 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.
• 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 sound financial stewardship.
• Preparing and reviewing standardized and ad hoc financial reports, ensuring accuracy and resolving anomalies.
• Providing consultative guidance on university policies and processes, helping departments navigate complex issues and identify compliant solutions.
• Ensuring records are maintained according to policy.

Skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Organizational skills

Stakeholder collaboration

Attention to deadlines

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 4 years experience

Tools

SAP

Excel

Office Suite

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Finance Specialist - College of Engineering

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

Working Title

Working Title Finance Specialist - College of Engineering

Department

Department College of Engineering-0907

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260752

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 09/21/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 10/05/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

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

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.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required No

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

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

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).