Program Financial Specialist (Temporary)

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Financial Specialist provides high-level financial and operational expertise to University Advancement (UA), overseeing complex budgeting, reporting, accounts payable and receivable, and compliance functions. The role supports financial integrity across UA by designing, implementing, and enhancing fiscal systems and providing strategic analysis to inform leadership decision-making and resource allocation. As a subject matter expert and strategic partner, the specialist interprets policy, evaluates financial practices, identifies trends and risks, and recommends process improvements. The position collaborates with Advancement units, UW offices, and external auditors to strengthen financial operations, ensure compliance, and support effective financial stewardship.

The position is full-time and temporary. It follows a hybrid schedule, with two days in the office and three days eligible for telework per week. The work environment is a cubicle/open workspace that may have higher noise levels and visual distractions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in business administration, finance, budget administration, data analysis, or a related field; equivalent education and/or experience may substitute except where legal requirements apply.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging to convey complex financial information.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple concurrent projects efficiently.
• Adaptability and openness to change, including willingness to embrace new practices, respond to evolving business needs, and explore innovative approaches to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Advancement’s annual procurement and travel card programs, including developing and enforcing policies and procedures for compliant card use.
• Develop and implement an audit framework to monitor card transactions, mitigate fraud risk, and ensure adherence to procurement standards.
• Analyze spending trends, reconcile financial records, and prepare compliance reports and recommended actions for leadership.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors, manage communications with outside parties, and coordinate internal responses.
• Provide subject matter expertise, consultation, and customer support to units on transaction controls, reconciliation, and compliance.
• Design and improve training for cardholders and managers.
• Conduct complex financial analyses of operational expenses, payroll, and fund allocations; review data in Workday and propose improvements.
• Advise leadership on financial decisions by interpreting UW fiscal policies, identifying risks, and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and refine fiscal reporting and tracking systems, prepare executive-level financial reports, and lead feasibility analyses for initiatives and special projects.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on financial policies, regulations, and fiscal best practices.
• Manage compliance review and reconciliation of non-catalog purchases and miscellaneous payments.
• Manage staff reimbursement processes, including reviewing, approving, and training staff.
• Review Accounts Payable processes and recommend improvements to efficiency.
• Reconcile and review financial data to ensure transactions are recorded properly.
• Provide recommendations to leadership and the UWAA Board of Directors on complex Accounts Payable items based on research and analysis.
• Communicate financial policies and processes to UA staff and leadership and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Guide budget implementation and execution and proactively address issues.
• Lead Finance change-management initiatives by assessing business needs, designing solutions, and communicating recommendations to leadership.
• Manage special initiatives, including scoping, goal-setting, resource planning, milestone tracking, and stakeholder engagement.
• Represent the Finance team on cross-functional teams and advance team and organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Benefits are referenced, with details provided through the University of Washington benefits webpage for temporary, per-diem, and less-than-half-time positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level