Fiscal Specialist (0077676T & 0078275T) - Readvertisement

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

About The Position

The University of Hawai‘i’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at UH Mānoa is hiring a full-time, 11-month temporary Fiscal Specialist. The role manages fiscal activities for research grants and contracts, general operating funds, and faculty start-up accounts. The position is expected to begin approximately December 2026; continuation depends on funding availability and satisfactory performance, with a possibility of conversion to permanent status. The Fiscal Specialist monitors budgets and project financial operations, reviews procurement transactions, prepares financial analyses and reports, and advises faculty, staff, and students on applicable financial policies and procedures. The role also supports fiscal compliance, operational improvements, training, and coordination with other fiscal offices and departments. Fiscal signing authority is up to $5,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field and three years of progressively responsible professional experience in sponsored project administration, financial or governmental accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Considerable working knowledge of general business management principles, practices, and techniques, including pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles, and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, theories, and systems associated with sponsored project administration or general business management.
Ability to resolve a wide range of complex problems using creative reasoning and logic to determine causes and effective, innovative, and timely resolutions.
Ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing and verbally, including through reports and other materials.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Ability to operate a personal computer and use word-processing software.
For supervisory work, ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and use sound logic and judgment when applying administrative policies and procedures.
Ability to prioritize and organize workload to meet scheduled deadlines.
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with UH and RCUH accounting, procurement, and HR systems.
Knowledge of UH and RCUH policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Manage, reconcile, analyze, advise on, close out, and report on spending and budget activity for research grants and contracts, general operating funds, and faculty start-up accounts.
Maintain fiscal accountability and documentation for procurement and acquisition, receipt, and issue records.
Review and analyze budget proposals, budget requests, and proposed expenditure plans, and assist in their development.
Prepare short- and long-term financial forecasts for projects and recommend spending changes based on budget and operational evaluations.
Analyze and interpret the department’s financial condition, monitor financial reports and records, and report significant changes to the supervisor.
Prepare reports and correspondence for internal and external review or distribution.
Review, approve, and monitor procurement transactions for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and availability of funds.
Monitor project financial operations related to budget preparation and expenditure control.
Exercise fiscal signing authority up to $5,000.
Research, interpret, and apply sponsored-agreement terms and conditions to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable policies and guidelines.
Advise faculty, staff, and students on policies, procedures, and administrative requirements, including effective recommendations and options.
Review and maintain fiscal transaction reports, forms, requests, journals, and records in accordance with Federal, State, and University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Recommend changes to standard operating procedures to improve efficiency and economy of service.
Participate in the supervision, development, and training of junior fiscal staff and student assistants.
Provide and conduct fiscal compliance training for faculty, managers, and administrative support staff as needed.
Participate on special teams or committees and prepare plans, reports, and analyses to improve operations, ensure compliance, and implement efficiencies.
Work with team members to identify, coordinate, and evaluate problems.
Participate in regular training related to the policies and procedures of the specialty area.
Communicate in writing and orally with tact, diplomacy, and good judgment.
Develop and present written and oral reports and recommendations to management and other personnel.
Advise the supervisor of project progress, anticipated problems, expected major policy changes, and project completion.
Resolve complaints effectively.
Maintain and foster effective working relationships with internal and external University contacts.
Assist other fiscal offices and departments in the school as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.