Senior Financial & HR Specialist - Sponsored Projects

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee, Knoxville seeks a Senior Financial Associate to manage financial operations and HR coordination within a research-focused unit. The role supports faculty and staff on fiscal compliance and sponsored project activity, ensuring adherence to university and grant requirements.

The position collaborates with the Financial Specialist and Principal Business Manager, guiding workflows from pre-award to post-award stages, and contributes to internal funding management and

Qualifications

• Requires legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship.
• Experience: 4+ years in accounting and human resources roles.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Validate cash management and ensure timely submission of receipts.
• Guide internal transfers and prepare or review journal entries for cost allocations and corrections.
• Assist with effort certification and payroll deferrals for nine-month payroll scenarios.
• Provide budget and funding support for externally sponsored projects; monitor expenditures and reconcile monthly activity.
• Coordinate with OSP and FMC for pre- and post-award activities; manage internal funding sources.
• Handle accounts receivable tasks including invoicing, customer setup, collections, and aged receivables reconciliation.

Skills

Accounting principles

Communication

Organization

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Confidential information handling

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate's degree (related field)

Bachelor’s degree (related field)

Tools

Oracle

DASH

Job description

University of Tennessee, Knoxville seeks a Senior Financial Associate to manage financial operations and HR coordination within a research-focused unit. The role supports faculty and staff on fiscal compliance and sponsored project activity, ensuring adherence to university and grant requirements.

The position collaborates with the Financial Specialist and Principal Business Manager, guiding workflows from pre-award to post-award stages, and contributes to internal funding management and