Program Financial Specialist (Temporary)

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

6d • 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 position ensures financial integrity across UA by designing, implementing, and enhancing fiscal systems and delivering strategic analysis that informs leadership decision-making and resource allocation.

As a subject matter expert and strategic partner, the specialist applies independent judgment to interpret policy, evaluate financial practices, identify trends and risks, and recommend process improvements. The role fosters collaboration across Advancement units, UW offices, and external auditors to strengthen financial operations, ensure compliance, and support Advancement’s mission through effective financial stewardship.

This is a full-time, temporary position on a hybrid schedule, with two days in the office and three days eligible for telework per week. The work is performed in 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 for minimum qualifications 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 problem-solving approaches.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Advancement’s annual procurement and travel card programs.
• Design, implement, and enforce card-use policies and procedures that comply with UW, state, and federal requirements.
• Plan, scope, develop, and implement an audit framework to monitor transactions, mitigate fraud risk, and ensure procurement-standard compliance.
• Analyze spending trends, reconcile financial records, and prepare compliance reports for leadership, including recommended actions.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors, manage communication with outside parties, and coordinate internal responses across the organization.
• Provide subject matter expertise, consultation, and customer support to units on transaction controls, reconciliation, and compliance issues.
• Design, deliver, and continuously improve training for cardholders and managers.
• Conduct complex financial analyses of operational expenses, payroll, and fund allocations, and provide actionable insights.
• Conduct ongoing data reviews in Workday and propose improvements aligned with organizational and institutional structures and priorities.
• Advise leadership on strategic financial decisions by interpreting UW fiscal policies, identifying risks, and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop, implement, and refine manual and automated fiscal reporting and tracking systems.
• Prepare and present executive-level financial reports, including budget-impact analysis and long-term trends.
• Lead feasibility analyses for proposed 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 or adjustments to increase efficiency.
• Reconcile and review financial data to ensure transactions are properly recorded.
• Provide recommendations to leadership and the UWAA Board of Directors on complex Accounts Payable items, based on research and analysis.
• Communicate critical financial policies and processes to UA staff and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and University regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Guide budget implementation and execution and proactively address arising 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 Finance on cross-functional teams and advance Finance team and broader organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Benefits are referenced for temporary, per-diem, and less-than-half-time positions at the provided University of Washington benefits page; specific benefits are not enumerated in the posting.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

What This Job Offers

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