Senior Program & Financial Specialist (2 Year Term position)

nea; United States; On-site; USD 83,000 - 127,000; Part time

Job summary

NEA seeks a finance-centric professional to lead budget planning and financial analysis for the Center for Advocacy and Political Action. The incumbent manages budget processes, analyzes spending, and develops reports that guide strategic decisions.

Responsibilities include coordinating with finance teams, validating data, and forecasting expenditures for external contracts and program activities. A Bachelor's degree plus four years' experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in accounting/finance/business field or equivalent.
• Four years of progressively professional expertise in planning and implementing program budgets and assisting in strategic financial/business operations.
• Experience with federal/state regulatory statutes related to campaigns and elections is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, plan, administer, and implement Center budgetary processes.
• Perform cost analyses and examine department financial transactions.
• Determine program expenditures and disburse budgeted funds; reconcile fiscal records.
• Generate financial reports and forecast expenditures using NEA systems.
• Coordinate with CFO Office, Business Services, and Procurement to manage contracts.

Skills

Budget planning

Financial analysis

Excel

PeopleSoft

Smartsheet

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Finance, or equivalent

Tools

PeopleSoft

Excel

Smartsheet

Job description

Employee Type: NEASO NEA Staff Organization, OO117 Campaigns & Elections Department (C&E)

Salary Range: $83,141.00 - $127,427.00

Rank: NEASO Rank 6

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Position Details

Position Emphasis: The position supports the NEA's strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing specialized program and financial expertise to the Center for Advocacy and Political Action.

Position Summary: This position involves providing specialized program and financial expertise to the Center for Advocacy and Political Action. The incumbent has the lead role and responsibility for preparing, planning, administering, and implementing Center budgetary processes. The essential functions include preparing, planning, and coordinating strategic program activities; performing cost analyses, and examining the department's program and financial transactions based on NEA's accounting and internal auditing guidelines. The incumbent is responsible for determining program expenditures; disbursal of budgeted funds; reconciling fiscal records; and analyzing the department's current and historical financial operations and spending trends. The incumbent conducts account analyses, generates recurring financial spreadsheets or graphs, and makes budgetary recommendations and decisions which impact directly on departmental projects or long‑term operations. The work also involves using a personal computer and financial management software to develop, create, and maintain specialized databases regarding program purchases, vouchers, contracts, or other departmental expenses. The incumbent also acts as liaison to Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Business and Financial Services, and Procurement staff to resolve fiscal issues and facilitate management of the budget and administration of external contracts. The position may require occasional travel to carry out the various responsibilities.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Finance, or equivalent.

Minimum Qualifications: Four years of progressively professional expertise in planning and implementing program budgets and assisting in strategic financial/business operations, including resolving multi-faceted fiscal issues, tracking current and historical financial operations, reviewing spending trends of a program, administering contracts and consultant agreements, and analyzing fiscal activities. Experience with applicable federal and state regulatory statutes (Federal Elections Commission, Internal Revenue Services, state and local tax laws) as they relate to assignments.

Other Requirements: Significant experience using NEA's financial management system, such as PeopleSoft, Excel, or similar systems needed to create complex databases or to forecast program expenditures. Advanced skills in using applications for developing presentations, creating complex graphs, or developing specialized financial reports. Candidates are encouraged to provide work samples (e.g. spreadsheets, database, or presentation materials) at interview. Must be able to work extended hours on evenings and weekend during seasonal requirements such as fiscal year end, budget planning, and 4‑month projections.

Selection Criteria: Tier 1 (Essential): Proven current experience providing specialized financial and program support, including demonstrated experience monitoring budgetary data and evaluating program expenditures. Demonstrated financial accountability for implementing program budgets; generating complex financial reports, and resolving budgetary issues. Demonstrated experience with advanced word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite), Smartsheet and financial management (i.e. PeopleSoft) applications for use in Budget System, Agency Fee Report, and Chart of Accounts. Effective interpersonal, communications, and customer service skills to interact with all levels of staff and governance. Demonstrated skill in analyzing meeting and travel expenses and in developing scope of work; evaluating contractor, vendor, or consultant expenditures. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions. Demonstrated use of sound judgment for decision‑making and ability to follow through on tasks with minimal supervision. Proven ability to handle confidential matters with discretion. Successful references.

Tier 2 (Significant): Experience collecting and synthesizing financial data for distribution. Familiarity with advising and training on a