Financial Associate: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is hiring a Financial Associate to support the college’s financial and administrative operations. The role manages day-to-day financial transactions, maintains accurate financial records, coordinates travel accommodations and expenditures, and provides administrative support to the Office of Finance, Administration, and Operations. It works independently and reports directly to the Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations (DFAO). The position helps ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency throughout the college. It calls for a detail-oriented professional with sound judgment, initiative, discretion, confidentiality, responsive service, and the ability to solve problems and manage competing priorities while collaborating with faculty and staff.

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 quickly learn new software systems.
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.
Legally authorized to work in the United States full-time without requiring employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

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

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 workflows.
Process faculty and staff reimbursements.
Place purchasing and catering orders after obtaining required DFAO approval.
Track financial and procurement deadlines and review department-level DASH transactions regularly.
Monitor office supplies and purchase items through Marketplace with prior DFAO approval.
Serve as an expense delegate and travel assistant for faculty and staff in DASH.
Prepare travel requests and arrangements, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, in compliance with university policies.
Coordinate travel planning, arrangements, and reimbursements for contingent workers and guest travelers, including guest traveler setup and itineraries.
Prepare and process travel expense reports, ensuring correct account strings and timely workflow submission.
Provide customer service and communicate with students, faculty, staff, and guests.
Communicate updates to financial, travel, and purchasing policies to promote college-wide compliance.
Monitor shared email accounts CECS Info and CECS FAO and respond 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.