Student Financial, Data & Operational Support Assistant for Academic Affairs - IE

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

James Madison University is hiring a Student Financial, Data & Operational Support Assistant for Academic Affairs. This part-time position supports budget management, data analysis and electronic workflows within the Academic Affairs unit, with a focus on Excel-based financial tracking and Power BI reporting.

The role offers hands-on experience in budgeting, data cleaning and process improvement in a higher education setting, reporting to the Provost Sr VP Academic Affairs.

Qualifications

• Current JMU student in good academic standing.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with numerical data accurately and responsibly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (basic formulas, formatting and data organization).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Budget & Financial Support - assist w/ budget tracking, monitoring and reconciliation activities; support preparation of financial summaries, budget variance reports and periodic fiscal updates; maintain and update budget worksheets using Excel and/or other approved tools; help ensure accuracy and consistency of fiscal data across multiple funding sources
• Spreadsheet Development & Data Analysis - develop, update and maintain spreadsheets to support analysis, projections and reporting; assist with cleaning and organizing financial and operational data; apply formulas and pivot tables and data validation techniques to ensure accuracy and usability
• Power BI & Reporting Support - support AA Power BI dashboards by assisting with data preparation, validation and documentation; help refresh reports, verify outputs and flag data quality issues for review; assist in producing summary visuals and tables for leadership review
• Adobe Sign & Electronic Workflow Support - Assist in building, maintaining and monitoring workflows for AA documents (fiscal approvals, agreements, routine forms)
• Electronic File Storage & Records Management - Organize, name and maintain electronic files in accordance with university and divisional standards; assist with migrating legacy documents to approved electronic storage locations; support consistent file retention, accessibility and version control practices
• General Administrative & Project Support - Provide ad hoc analytical and administrative support for AA projects as assigned; assist in documenting processes, developing reference materials and improving operational workflows; maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive financial and personnel-related information
• Various Operational Support - manage and organize lost and found inventory ensuring items are properly documented, stored and returned if possible; assist with maintenance and organization of AA Hub/SharePoint site including reviewing content for accuracy and updating as directed and departmental procedure manuals by updating documentation and ensuring current processes are accurately reflected; organize and monitor office supply inventory; assist with mail distribution and package tracking; maintain copier/printer supply inventory

Skills

Detail oriented

Organizational skills

Numerical data handling

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• 20002244
• Academic Affairs Unit
• Student Employment
• Institutional Employment
• Opening on: Aug 31 2026
• Academic Affairs
• 100186 - Provost Sr VP Academic Affairs

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Working Title: Student Financial, Data & Operational Support Assistant for Academic Affairs - IE

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Academic Affairs Unit

Department: 100186 - Provost Sr VP Academic Affairs

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $15.45

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

About JMU

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information

Provide administrative, analytical and technical support to Academic Affairs leadership by assisting with budget management, financial reporting, data analysis, electronic workflows and records management. Work closely with AA staff to support fiscal transparency, reporting accuracy and process efficiency. Well‑suited for students interested in business/data analysis, finance, accounting, information system, or public or higher education administration.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Budget & Financial Support - assist w/ budget tracking, monitoring and reconciliation activities; support preparation of financial summaries, budget variance reports and periodic fiscal updates; maintain and update budget worksheets using Excel and/or other approved tools; help ensure accuracy and consistency of fiscal data across multiple funding sources
• Spreadsheet Development & Data Analysis - develop, update and maintain spreadsheets to support analysis, projections and reporting; assist with cleaning and organizing financial and operational data; apply formulas and pivot tables and data validation techniques to ensure accuracy and usability
• Power BI & Reporting Support - support AA Power BI dashboards by assisting with data preparation, validation and documentation; help refresh reports, verify outputs and flag data quality issues for review; assist in producing summary visuals and tables for leadership review
• Adobe Sign & Electronic Workflow Support - Assist in building, maintaining and monitoring workflows for AA documents (fiscal approvals, agreements, routine forms)
• Electronic File Storage & Records Management - Organize, name and maintain electronic files in accordance with university and divisional standards; assist with migrating legacy documents to approved electronic storage locations; support consistent file retention, accessibility and version control practices
• General Administrative & Project Support - Provide ad hoc analytical and administrative support for AA projects as assigned; assist in documenting processes, developing reference materials and improving operational workflows; maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive financial and personnel-related information
• Various Operational Support - manage and organize lost and found inventory ensuring items are properly documented, stored and returned if possible; assist with maintenance and organization of AA Hub/SharePoint site including reviewing content for accuracy and updating as directed and departmental procedure manuals by updating documentation and ensuring current processes are accurately reflected; organize and monitor office supply inventory; assist with mail distribution and package tracking; maintain copier/printer supply inventory

Qualifications

• Current JMU student in good academic standing
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work with numerical data accurately and responsibly
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (basic formulas, formatting and data organization)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement

Preferred

• Major or coursework in business, finance, accounting, analytics, information systems, public administration or a related field
• Intermediate to advanced Excell skills (pivot tables, lookups, charts)
• Experience or coursework related to data visualization or Power BI
• Familiarity with Adobe Sign or other electronic workflow tools
• Interest in higher education administration and financial operations

Additional Posting Information

• Hands‑on experience with university budget management and financial reporting processes
• Exposure to enterprise reporting tools (Power BI) and workflow automation (Adobe Sign)
• Development of practical data analysis, documentation and process improvement skills
• Direct experience supporting Academic Affairs leadership in a higher education environment

Conditions Of Employment

Students must be degree‑seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.