Grants & Budget Finance Specialist

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; 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'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.