"Finance Specialist I"

Job Details

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Financial Specialist plays a key role in supporting the fiscal operations of Rice Business through the delivery of exceptional support and services by ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely processing of financial transactions. This position is responsible for managing a wide range of financial activities including expense reporting, fund transfers, credit card reconciliations, and policy guidance and training. The role requires strong attention to detail, a working knowledge of university financial systems and policies, exceptional oral and written communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to providing consistently exceptional customer service to the faculty, staff, and students directly served by this role.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional with experience in higher education or similarly complex financial environments. They demonstrate strong analytical thinking, customer service orientation, and the ability to interpret and apply policy. The ideal candidate can handle multiple financial systems, communicate clearly and effectively with diverse stakeholders, and manage both routine tasks and special projects with accuracy and initiative. Exceptional time management skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to be flexible in order to meet organizational needs and objectives are essential for success in this role.

Workplace Requirements:

Rice Business primarily delivers residential classes and activities taking place almost daily between 7 am and 10 pm. We value a highly collaborative and community-based culture, with expectations to provide in-person support and services to all members of our community. Remote work options are limited. Most employment activities are required to be performed in-person and on-campus. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions.

This position may be offered as a hybrid role and may combine both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Remote work opportunities are possibly extended to the candidate following the successful conclusion of the probationary period.

While predominantly in-person in order to best support the primarily residential needs of our faculty, staff, and students, this position currently offers Friday as a remote workday.

Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:

$48,700- $60,800 annually, depending on experience.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted
• One or more (1+) year of related experience
  • No substitution for experience allowed
• Skills:
  • Knowledge of financial and expense reporting systems (e.g., Concur, Oracle, SAP)
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial documentation
  • Ability to reconcile deposits and process refunds efficiently
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial databases
  • Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize effectively
  • Basic knowledge of procurement and telecommunications contracts

Preferences

• Three or more (3+) Years of related finance/budget/accounting experience
• Experience in higher education or research-intensive organizations
• Familiarity with the university purchasing card system
• Knowledge of COA (Charter of Accounts structures and fund transfers)
• Experience with newsletter contributions or internal communications

Essential Functions:

• Reviews, processes, and reconciles of invoices and expenses
• Serves as Student Club Administrator, overseeing budgets and financial reporting
• Acts as the primary customer service contact for Procurement policy, system questions, and training
• Reviews and interprets legal and contractual documents for financial terms and conditions
• Provides primary support for travel and business expense reimbursement functions within Rice Business
• Prepares and submits journal entries, including FBDI, NLCT, and budget transfers
• Serves as back-up support for expense report policy and system inquiries
• Processes check deposits in accordance with university procedures
• Maintains and manages Financial Services records and files
• Other duties as assigned

Transaction Processing & Reconciliation:

• Input and submit non-standard requisitions for visitor and student reimbursement as needed.
• Provide back-up customer service support for procurement-related inquiries and payment status updates.

Budget & Financial Administration:

• Monitor and report on the financial status of PhD budgets, including updates and variance reporting; answer questions, respond to inquiries, and provide timely and accurate reporting and support.
• Prepare and submit COA (Chart of Accounts) corrections to ensure accurate posting of expenses.
• Prepare and submit fund transfers as needed to support cross-departmental funding needs and corrections.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Contribute content and financial updates to the Rice Business internal newsletter to enhance awareness and understanding of financial policies and deadlines.
• Collaborate closely with faculty support specialists, research administrators, and administrative staff to ensure smooth and accurate financial operations; maintain office hours and local availability to continuously invest in improving financial systems knowledge within Rice Business.
• Stay up to date on university-wide financial systems, tools, and policies, and assist with their implementation across the school.