Finance Specialist I

Rice University

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Specialist plays a key role in supporting the fiscal operations of Rice Business through the delivery of exceptional support and services by ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely processing of financial transactions. This position is responsible for managing a wide range of financial activities including expense reporting, fund transfers, credit card reconciliations, and policy guidance and training. The role requires strong attention to detail, a working knowledge of university financial systems and policies, exceptional oral and written communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to providing consistently exceptional customer service to the faculty, staff, and students directly served by this role. Ideal Candidate Statement: The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional with experience in higher education or similarly complex financial environments. They demonstrate strong analytical thinking, customer service orientation, and the ability to interpret and apply policy. The ideal candidate can handle multiple financial systems, communicate clearly and effectively with diverse stakeholders, and manage both routine tasks and special projects with accuracy and initiative. Exceptional time management skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to be flexible in order to meet organizational needs and objectives are essential for success in this role. Workplace Requirements: Rice Business primarily delivers residential classes and activities taking place almost daily between 7 am and 10 pm. We value a highly collaborative and community-based culture, with expectations to provide in-person support and services to all members of our community. Remote work options are limited. Most employment activities are required to be performed in-person and on-campus. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions. This position may be offered as a hybrid role and may combine both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Remote work opportunities are possibly extended to the candidate following the successful conclusion of the probationary period. While predominantly in-person in order to best support the primarily residential needs of our faculty, staff, and students, this position currently offers Friday as a remote workday. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted
One or more (1+) year of related experience
No substitution for experience allowed
Knowledge of financial and expense reporting systems (e.g., Concur, Oracle, SAP)
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial documentation
Ability to reconcile deposits and process refunds efficiently
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial databases
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize effectively
Basic knowledge of procurement and telecommunications contracts

Nice To Haves

Three or more (3+) Years of related finance/budget/accounting experience
Experience in higher education or research-intensive organizations
Familiarity with the university purchasing card system
Knowledge of COA (Charter of Accounts structures and fund transfers)
Experience with newsletter contributions or internal communications

Responsibilities

Reviews, processes, and reconciles of invoices and expenses
Serves as Student Club Administrator, overseeing budgets and financial reporting
Acts as the primary customer service contact for Procurement policy, system questions, and training
Reviews and interprets legal and contractual documents for financial terms and conditions
Provides primary support for travel and business expense reimbursement functions within Rice Business
Prepares and submits journal entries, including FBDI, NLCT, and budget transfers
Serves as back-up support for expense report policy and system inquiries
Processes check deposits in accordance with university procedures
Maintains and manages Financial Services records and files
Other duties as assigned
Input and submit non-standard requisitions for visitor and student reimbursement as needed.
Provide back-up customer service support for procurement-related inquiries and payment status updates.
Monitor and report on the financial status of PhD budgets, including updates and variance reporting; answer questions, respond to inquiries, and provide timely and accurate reporting and support.
Prepare and submit COA (Chart of Accounts) corrections to ensure accurate posting of expenses.
Prepare and submit fund transfers as needed to support cross-departmental funding needs and corrections.
Contribute content and financial updates to the Rice Business internal newsletter to enhance awareness and understanding of financial policies and deadlines.
Collaborate closely with faculty support specialists, research administrators, and administrative staff to ensure smooth and accurate financial operations; maintain office hours and local availability to continuously invest in improving financial systems knowledge within Rice Business.
Stay up to date on university-wide financial systems, tools, and policies, and assist with their implementation across the school.