Financial Associate: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, IA

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Associate supports the financial and administrative operations of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Working independently and reporting directly to the Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations, the Financial Associate manages day-to-day financial transactions, maintains accurate records, coordinates travel accommodations and expenditures, and provides administrative support to the Office of Finance, Administration, and Operations. The position helps ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency across the college, and requires sound judgment, initiative, discretion, confidentiality, responsive service, and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• At least 2 years of experience in a position requiring similar bookkeeping, accounting, financial management, and/or administrative skills.
• Knowledge of financial, bookkeeping, and accounting principles, procedures, and systems.
• Advanced computer skills and the ability to learn new software systems quickly.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Excellent knowledge of Excel.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to use tact and discretion when dealing with a variety of issues.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Ability to protect and maintain confidential information.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without current or future need for employment-based visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in a position requiring similar bookkeeping, accounting, financial management, and/or administrative skills.
• Knowledge of higher education practices and UT policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Independently process accounts payable, accounts receivable, procurement card, and travel card transactions and reconciliations in DASH; ensure compliance with university policies, correct chart account strings, tracking of purchases and expenses, and completion of workflow.
• Process reimbursements for faculty and staff.
• Manage purchasing and catering orders, obtaining prior approval from the Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations.
• Track financial and procurement deadlines to ensure timely transactions and compliance with university requirements.
• Regularly review department-level DASH transactions.
• Monitor office supplies and purchase items through Marketplace with prior approval.
• Serve as an expense delegate and travel assistant for faculty and staff in DASH.
• Prepare travel requests and arrangements, including flights, hotels, and rental cars, in compliance with university policies.
• Coordinate travel planning, arrangements, setup, itineraries, and reimbursements for contingent workers and guest travelers.
• Prepare and process travel expense reports, verify account strings, and submit reports into workflow on time.
• Provide customer service and communicate with students, faculty, staff, and guests.
• Communicate updates about financial, travel, and purchasing policies to promote college-wide compliance.
• Monitor shared email accounts and respond to CECS Info and CECS FAO emails within one business day.
• Organize and maintain FAO office files, including shared electronic files and files in SharePoint and CECS OneDrive.
• Assist with room reservations for rooms 103 and 105.
• Answer the CECS Finance and Administration phone line.
• Provide backup support for the executive administrative assistant with CECS Reserved Parking Spots.
• Provide backup support to the executive administrative assistant, financial associate, and HR associate as needed.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Career development and coaching.
• Continued education.
• Development and training opportunities.
• Employee support focused on work-life balance, compensation, and professional advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED