Financial Assistant

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under the general supervision of the Department Administrator or designee, the Financial Assistant IV is responsible for the preparation of fiscal reports related to grant and contract proposal budgets and the processing and review of all grant, contract and school fund expenditures. The position provides personnel coordination activities for faculty, staff and consultants associated with all program areas of the department.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform complex reconciliations to support the balances as reflected on the monthly balance sheets
• Develop, write, edit and maintain financial worksheets and/or reports on the computer system using appropriate software
• Review monthly account status and transaction printouts for accuracy; work with departmental Administrator and Principal Investigator to resolve problems and to aid in optimizing use of grant and contract funds. Upon expiration, finalizes all expenditures on a timely basis
• Resolve problems/questions relating to invoices with vendors and departments
• Prepare short and long-term contracts with agencies and individuals providing consultative services; process and track all invoices related to consulting contracts and purchases
• Generate monthly reports as directed showing budgets, expenses and reconciled balances in individual accounts and object codes.
• Communicate with supervisors and Principal Investigators regarding accounts; works with vendors and other departments, compile data for preparation of yearly budgets for department accounts, including payroll
• Research and process expenditure documents including personnel actions, travel authorizations, advances and vouchers, consulting contracts, purchase orders; ensures that all proper signatures are in place, and activity is in compliance with University and funding agency guidelines
• Purchase and approve invoices against these orders for equipment, books, and supplies
• Track and maintain records of equipment and capital purchases
• Monitor the preparation and processing of payroll and personnel documents for appointments, promotions, terminations and recruitment efforts. Maintains confidential personnel files. Monitors funding sources and expiration dates for all employees to ensure continuity of salary
• Coordinate pre-employment activity with Human Resources for incoming staff as directed.
• Serves as liaison between new and existing employees and appropriate Human Resources personnel on matters of payroll, leave time, and other employee benefits.
• Performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in accounting, business or equivalent
• 5 years of progressive office or related experience
• Demonstrated ability to perform statistical calculations and account reconciliation
• Demonstrated skill in the design and maintenance of spreadsheets, databases, or custom reports utilizing Excel
• Ability to interact knowledgeably with vendors/suppliers/contractors, co-workers, and senior personnel
• Skilled in resolution of problems that require considerable investigation, initiative, judgment, and discretion
• Ability to function independently, seek direction where appropriate, and demonstrate excellent and professional interpersonal skills

Job Type: Full-time

Required education:

• Associate

Required experience:

• financial: 3 years