Fiscal Specialist

University-of-Hawaii-System; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Hawai‘i System is seeking a Fiscal Specialist (Senior Accounting Administrator for Extramural Funds) at the Manoa campus. You will manage awards, ensure compliance and oversee accounts across the UH System, coordinating with OVPRI/ORS and sponsors to maintain rigorous financial controls.

We value extensive accounting knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to mentor staff while delivering timely reports and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field and 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting/finance.
• Strong knowledge of accounting, fiscal operations and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of awards independently, prioritizing workload and deadlines.
• Set up and maintain awards and accounts across the UH System with accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and submit invoices, draw downs, and financial reports.
• Assist in accounts receivable processes and resolve related issues.
• Mentor staff and lead process improvements.
• Collaborate with OVPRI, ORS, campus departments, and external sponsors to streamline research accounting.

Skills

Accounting principles

Financial management

Regulatory compliance

Written & verbal communication

Relationship management

Computer literacy

Supervisory ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Kuali Financial System

Job description

Fiscal Specialist (Senior Accounting Administrator for Extramural Funds, 0081688)

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Description

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Title: Fiscal Specialist (Senior Accounting Administrator for Extramural Funds)
Position Number: 81688
Hiring Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Office of Research Services (ORS) –Extramural Funds Accounting
Location: Manoa Campus
Date Posted: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 @ 11:59pm
Band: B
Salary: salary schedules and placement information
Additional Salary Information: Minimum Starting Salary $65,208, commensurate with education and experience.
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Other Considerations: This is not a remote position.

The University of Hawai‘i (UH) is the state’s premier research institution and is home to world-renowned programs in astronomy, earth and ocean sciences, energy, health sciences and tropical agriculture. Bolstered by a record $615.7million in extramural funding in fiscal year 2024, UH remains at the forefront of leading competitive research in science and technology to improve the quality of life throughout the state, around the Pacific Rim and beyond. Despite growing uncertainty in federal research support, the University of Hawai'i has once again set a new extramural funding record reaching $734 million in fiscal year 2025 (FY 2025). This marks the fourth consecutive year UH has surpassed the half-billion dollar mark and represents a $118.3 million (19.2%) increase over the previous record of $615.7 million set in FY 2024. Extramural funding includes investments from external agencies such as the federal government, industry and nonprofit organizations that support research and training conducted by UH faculty and staff.
The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, the flagship campus of UH’s ten-campus system, is one of 141 universities in the nation to hold the distinction of being a Carnegie Research 1 university. It is also one of an elite group of land-, sea-,space- and sun-grant universities and is nationally and internationally recognized for its pioneering research in oceanography, astronomy/space exploration, medicine/cancer, genetics, microbiomes, sustainable agriculture, engineering, data sciences and more.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of awards independently, including workload prioritization, meeting deadlines, and proactively identifying and resolving issues, to ensure timely and accurate processing and compliance.
• Manages the setup and ongoing maintenance of awards and accounts across the UH System, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with fiscal policies, regulatory standards, and sponsor requirements.
• Oversees the preparation and timely submission of invoices, draw downs, and financial reports for the University of Hawaii (UH) System, ensuring full compliance with established policies and standards.
• Assists in accounts receivable processes and resolution of related issues.
• Manages workload and priorities effectively to ensure compliance with critical deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Stays informed of current regulations, recommends and implements process improvements, and mentors and trains staff to enhance team efficiency.
• Conducts trainings and cross-training for backup colleagues, assists in the creation of training materials and programs, and provides backup support to colleagues as needed.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and resource for extramural accounting policies and procedures.
• Analyzes and resolves complex accounting issues, providing guidance and definitive interpretations of the UH’s extramural accounting policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with diverse stakeholders, including units under the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), such as the Office of Research Services (ORS), as well as UH campus departments and external sponsors, to enhance and streamline research accounting administration across the University of Hawaii System.
• Leads and/or contributes to system-wide initiatives, such as conducting audits, implementing systems, and developing standardized procedures to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Professional Work Experience:

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Business Administration or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities in accounting, finance, fiscal management, or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of accounting, financial, or fiscal operations or management as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, (word processing, spreadsheet, PDF, shared file servers), and enterprise-level accounting systems.
• If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively and independently manage time and workflow to meet competing deadlines, ensure accuracy across various responsibilities, and demonstrate flexibility when priorities shift.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in extramural funds administration in a large organization, including award management, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Working knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to financial management, reporting, and compliance of extramural funds.
• Working knowledge of University of Hawaii extramural funds policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Kuali Financial System or similar enterprise-level accounting software used for relevant fiscal and accounting functions.

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/