Financial Operations Specialist I

University of South Alabama; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Alabama’s Department of Biochemistry is seeking to hire a Financial Operations Specialist I. This role supports the department chair, faculty, staff and students by managing financial and administrative tasks.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree with clerical accounting experience or a related accounting degree with experience; Banner and Microsoft Office familiarity is preferred, and compliance with funding regulations is essential.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field or accounting with progressive clerical accounting experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience with Banner and Microsoft Office is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages the financial and administrative operations of the Department of Biochemistry and provides administrative support to the department chair, faculty, staff and students.
• Acts as central point-of-contact for inquiries to the Department.
• Monitors departmental fund balances, reconciles expenses, and prepares quarterly financial reports to the Chair.
• Assists the Chair with budgeting and financial planning for the Department.
• Monitors departmental spending for proper adherence to funding regulations.
• Coordinates with COMBO and Grants & Contracts to ensure grant expenses are within scope.

Skills

Clerical accounting experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Tools

Banner

Microsoft Office

Job description

Financial Operations Specialist I - 003933

Position Title Financial Operations Specialist I - 003933

Division

Division College of Medicine

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution as approved and accepted by the University of South Alabama and three years of progressively responsible clerical accounting experience; OR a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution as approved and accepted by the University of South Alabama and two years progressively responsible clerical accounting experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Related experience in an academic setting is highly preferred. Experience with Banner and Microsoft Office is preferred.

Job Description Summary

The University of South Alabama’s Department of Biochemistry is seeking to hire a Financial Operations Specialist I.

Essential Functions

These are the job duties required of the position.

• Manages the financial and administrative operations of the Department of Biochemistry and provides administrative support to the department chair, faculty, staff and medical students.
• Acts as central point-of-contact for inquiries to the Department.
• Monitors departmental fund balances, reconciles expenses, and prepares quarterly financial reports to the Chair.
• Assists the Chair with budgeting and financial planning for the Department.
• Monitors departmental spending for proper adherence to University, State, Federal and Agency funding regulations.
• Works with the College of Medicine Business Office ( COMBO ) and the Office of Grants and Contracts to verify that expenses associated with grants are within the scope of the funded research.
• Monitors burn rates (the speed at which a grant, fellowship, or sponsored research project consumes its allocated budget) on awards and alerts faculty to any deficiencies.
• Prepares and submits Banner requisitions for purchase order payments.
• Processes payments to vendors using PCard and Concur Invoice.
• Utilizes various software and systems to include MS Excel and Word, Banner and Banner Finance, and Concur.
• Acts as a proxy in Concur for the reconciliation of faculty activity, expenses and travel.
• Drafts correspondence for the Chair.
• Sends reminders to Department of time submission deadlines.
• Processes and submits documents for Departmental faculty, staff, and trainee hires, promotions, reappointments, resignations, etc.
• Completes and routes Electronic Personnel Action Forms (EPAFs) for departmental faculty, staff and trainees.
• Coordinates onboarding of new students, researchers, and staff in labs with lab/office keys, after-hour security door access, and general orientation.
• Maintains departmental laboratory and office equipment inventory and submit biennial report to Property Office; prepares and submits property control forms.
• Maintains the department website.
• Sends out departmental announcements by email.
• Coordinates travel, lodging, itinerary, announcements, reimbursements, and meeting venue for invited speakers.
• Arranges travel for faculty, staff, postdoc and graduate students, as needed.
• Serves as direct contact to new vendors, providing required documents to become a USA vendor.
• Places lab orders using PCard or Purchase Orders; maintains accurate records; follows up on delayed orders; coordinates shipments.
• Orders and maintains inventory of office supplies.
• Submits quotes with terms and conditions and contracts for legal review.
• Prepares and submits requested materials for the College of Medicine annual report.
• Schedules departmental meetings, files and databases.
• Maintains departmental calendar, and organizes and maintains calendar for the departmental Chair.
• Serves as liaison between the department, College and University administrative offices.
• Serves as Building Safety Coordinator for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology which includes monthly AED battery checks, attending safety meetings, and disseminating pertinent information to Departmental personnel.
• Regular and prompt attendance.
• Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required.
• Related duties as required.

Posting Information

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Position End Date (if temporary)

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/01/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Working Days

Working Days Monday - Friday

Working Hours

Working Hours 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Job Location

Job Location Main Campus

Full-time or Part-Time

Full-time or Part-Time Full Time

Regular or Temporary

Regular or Temporary Regular

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you at least 18 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a legal right to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
• * The University of South Alabama typically does not sponsor individualsfor staff positions. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?
  • Yes
  • No
• * What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • Less than High School
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
  • Masters Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
  • Terminal Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
• * How many years of related experience do you have?
  • Less than 1 year
  • Between 1 - 3 years
  • Between 3 - 5 years
  • Between 5 - 7 years
  • More than 7 years
• * How did you hear about this position?
  • USA website
  • LinkedIn
  • Zip Recruiter
  • Indeed
  • HigherEd Jobs
  • Alabama Career Center / Alabama Works
  • Facebook
  • Word of mouth
  • Other

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. If you feel you have been discriminated against, please notify the Equal Employment OpportunityInvestigator or the Associate Vice President, Finance and Administration/CHRO.

EO Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
The University of South Alabama publishes certain crime statistics for the most recent three-year period as required by the Jeanne Clery Act. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the school. The report, along with additional information, is available online at: http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/police/resources/fireandsafetyreport.pdf . You may also request a paper copy from the University Police office located at 290 Stadium Blvd, Beta Gamma Commons Building, Mobile, AL 36688.