Financial and Operations Specialist, College of Natural Sciences

$60,000 - $60,000/Yr

The University of Texas System - Austin, TX

Part-time - Mid Level

Austin, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Financial and Operations Specialist position at the College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, is a full-time role that plays a crucial part in supporting the Director for Operations in managing the financial operations of various units and programs under the Associate Dean. This position is integral to the day-to-day financial management, which includes budget and account administration, financial reporting and analysis, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and risk management protocols. The role is designed for individuals who are committed to fostering a work environment that supports the mission of the University, which is to contribute positively to the world through education and research. In this role, the specialist will be responsible for reviewing and approving financial transactions using various university systems, including the UT Mainframe and Workday. This encompasses handling contracts, procurement, payments, and travel expenses. The specialist will act as the primary point of contact for financial matters within the Undergraduate Education division and will oversee tasks related to Office of Human Resources and DocuSign. Additionally, the position involves facilitating budget creation and adjustments, ensuring accurate fund transfers between university accounts, and providing guidance on financial policies and procedures to programmatic staff. The specialist will monitor account balances, expenditures, and encumbrances, reconciling accounts to maintain accurate financial records. Analyzing financial performance and recommending strategies to support financial goals will also be key responsibilities. The role requires ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university policies, as well as making recommendations to streamline internal processes for greater transparency and risk reduction. Other duties may include supporting special projects and staffing events within the College of Natural Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve financial transactions using various university systems such as UT Mainframe and Workday.
• Act as the point of contact for financial matters within Undergraduate Education and oversee tasks related to OHS and DocuSign.
• Facilitate budget creation and adjustments; ensure accurate fund transfers between university accounts.
• Act as a resource on financial policies and procedures, ensuring expenditures align with university policies and Division priorities.
• Monitor account balances, expenditures, and encumbrances while reconciling accounts to maintain accurate financial records.
• Analyze financial performance and recommend strategies to support financial goals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university policies.
• Make recommendations to streamline internal processes and provide greater transparency and risk reduction.
• Support special projects and staffing events within the College of Natural Sciences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in finance or accounting.
• Expertise in planning, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and task management skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Excellent communication skills to convey financial information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and presenting financial data.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy and tact.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• More than five years experience in budgeting, accounting, and reporting.
• Familiarity with federal grant management.
• Knowledge of UT's systems and applications, including the UT Mainframe accounting system.
• Experience with BUD, UT Direct/FRMS, Point Plus, and Workday ERP.
• Knowledge of the University's procurement, payment, vouchering, and audit processes.
• Experience conducting financial training to develop the financial acumen of organizational staff.

Benefits

• Retirement plan through Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Comprehensive health insurance options.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible work hours and potential for remote work.