Financial Specialist Intermediate

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a Finance Specialist Intermediate for the Department of Materials Science & Engineering to provide financial analysis and accounting support for department and faculty accounts, including post-award activities.

You will review awards, manage projections, ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies, and help develop long-term funding plans while collaborating across departments to resolve issues and implement improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration or equivalent combination of education and experience; high degree of attention to detail; proficiency and knowledge of fund accounting; demonstrated superior interpersonal skills working with a diverse group of colleagues; ability to interpret and effectively communicate Department, University guidelines and policies; demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively as part of a team; demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel and data analytic tools such as pivot tables; Proficiency with using Business Objects or working with large groups of data. Experience and/or knowledge of accounting practices. Self-starter.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and accounting support for the department and select faculty accounts
• Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of university and sponsor funds for an assigned group of faculty members
• Meeting regularly with assigned faculty members to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management
• Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action
• Developing complex long-term funding and spending plans, and projections and/or recommendations for multiple scenarios
• Partnering with College and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues, alerting project directors and administration to any areas of concern
• Provide financial support, including transactional processing, journal entries, and cash deposits
• Track funds and financial commitments (awards, startups, etc.) and perform account reviews
• Reconcile departmental project grants (allocations/revenues and expenditures)
• Assist the Department Administrator with internal controls implementation
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Skills

Financial analysis

Accounting

Communication

Data analysis

Excel

Budgeting

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Business Objects

Job description

Who We Are

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.

Job Summary

The Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) is a foundational specialty which impacts every discipline of engineering and science. The science and technology developed plays a critical role in the technological innovations we utilize every day in society. As a foundational discipline, our faculty collaborate and work on complex projects with multiple disciplines. We are seeking a financial and accounting professional who will provide support as a Finance Specialist Intermediate. This position will provide financial analysis and reporting for department accounts as well as supporting post award activities for a select group of faculty. The selected candidate will provide critical support in the financial management of for this role will have the autonomy to be a change agent by way of developing improved processes for tracking, monitoring and reporting financial activity.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and accounting support for the department and select faculty accounts
• Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of university and sponsor funds for an assigned group of faculty members
• Meeting regularly with assigned faculty members to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management
• Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action
• Developing complex long-term funding and spending plans, and projections and/or recommendations for multiple scenarios
• Partnering with College and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues, alerting project directors and administration to any areas of concern
• Provide financial support, including transactional processing, journal entries, and cash deposits
• Track funds and financial commitments (awards, startups, etc.) and perform account reviews
• Reconcile departmental project grants (allocations/revenues and expenditures)
• Assist the Department Administrator with internal controls implementation
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration or equivalent combination of education and experience; high degree of attention to detail; proficiency and knowledge of fund accounting; demonstrated superior interpersonal skills working with a diverse group of colleagues; ability to interpret and effectively communicate Department, University guidelines and policies; demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively as part of a team; demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities;

Desired Qualifications

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite primarily Microsoft Excel and data analytic tools such as pivot tables; Proficiency with using Business Objects or working with large groups of data. Experience and/or knowledge of accounting practices. Self-starter.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.