Financial Analyst, Wireless Network and Communications Group

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

53d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wireless Networking and Communications Group (WNCG) is an Organized Research Unit and interdisciplinary center for research and education with an emphasis on industrial relevance. The center is located within and works closely with The Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Texas ECE), a top-ranked program and the largest department in the Cockrell School of Engineering. WNCG is home to more than 200 graduate students and 28 faculty. Our mission is to create a collaborative environment that supports research and provides highly relevant education and opportunities. We promote technical innovation, imagination, and entrepreneurship in wireless networking, communications, and data sciences. Join us in changing the world! WNCG and Texas ECE are committed to advancing the common good through every aspect of research, education, and outreach. We take pride in our values and achieving a greater impact. Purpose Provide financial support for the Wireless Networking and Communications Group, a large, high-functioning, multi-million-dollar research center. Coordinate support for complex center financial portfolio, including analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in university accounting, sponsored projects, business management, or other closely related field.
• Demonstrated resiliency working within a complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize job tasks in dynamic circumstances and with conflicting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet deadlines while working independently and/or as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail, following directions without close supervision.
• Demonstrated ability of excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills.
• Professional demeanor and regular, punctual attendance.
• Solid knowledge of office productivity tools (EX: Mac OSX, Microsoft Office, etc.)

Nice To Haves

• More than required years of experience.
• Prior work experience in higher education, particularly in STEM or with a significant research operation.
• Experience working with faculty and graduate students.
• Experience working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new systems.
• Positive comportment and a high level of emotional intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain center fund accounts accurately and knowledgeably. Create and execute budgets and spend plans, using various shared resources. Plan based on need, policy, procedure, and precedent. Implement effective strategies to forecast expenditures, manage income, and improve processes, practicing transparency, accountability, and regular problem-solving. Duties include frequent reprioritization, deadlines, and collaboration with center team, university counterparts, and various stakeholders.
• Produce center account reports, allowing stakeholders to make informed, timely decisions. Craft recommendations and provide coaching as needed, applying solutions-oriented methods. Serve as liaison between center faculty and university counterparts. Strategize with research administration and center team to track and implement all center post-award activities, including but not limited to cost transfers, extensions, increments, overdrafts, fees, efforts, certifications, and closeout.
• Execute funding allocations for all center personnel, including appointments, scholarships, fellowships, tuition, fees, and related funding. Serve as contact for tuition bill and supplemental funding requests. Collaborate with team, department, college, and related offices to troubleshoot and solve related issues.
• Function as center resource on university funding policies and procedures. Ensure compliance and consistency with related funding agencies. Guide team on best practices. Perform center voucher auditing and approval, acting as the first line of defense. Manage center electronic office systems, including access, routing, and authorization.
• Process center expenditures, such as reimbursements, cash advances, and related research costs. Work with related team members to complete tasks and solve related issues. Provide backup and surge support on purchasing and business contracts.
• Provide support for center events. Collaborate with team to optimize fundamental processes. Participate in regular team meetings and attend relevant training. Maintain various task logs. Perform special projects as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees