As a key member of the Business Operations team within the Advancement Division, this position plays an essential role in delivering high-quality financial and administrative services that enable the division to achieve its strategic goals. Reporting to the Business Operations Manager, the Financial Specialist contributes to the efficient and compliant execution of the division’s financial, purchasing, and business functions.

This role supports the implementation of policies, procedures, and standards that align with university, state, foundation, and other regulatory requirements. By ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency in financial transactions and documentation, the position helps safeguard Advancement’s resources and reinforces operational integrity.

Core responsibilities include:

• Processing travel reimbursements, accounts receivable/payable, monthly reconciliations, and PCard transactions.
• Reviewing and submitting financial transactions through systems such as HokieMart and Emburse Enterprise.
• Assisting with the coordination of financial reporting and documentation to support audits, compliance reviews, and internal planning.

The Financial Specialist serves as a resource to Advancement staff, providing guidance on financial procedures and ensuring alignment with current policies. The position also contributes to the division’s participation in the annual Financial Business Compliance Survey, helping ensure that business practices meet established university standards.

Through collaborative teamwork, attention to detail, and a commitment to service excellence, this position supports the Advancement Division’s ability to operate efficiently, maintain fiscal accountability, and focus on its mission to engage donors and advance the university’s priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in performing financial responsibilities while maintaining and reconciling expenditures using ledgers of accounts.
• Strong communication skills and experience interacting effectively with various groups.
• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft applications for database management using electronic spreadsheets.
• Experience in prioritizing tasks and working independently while performing multiple tasks.
• Ability to learn, update and maintain new software/applications quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and handle confidential materials and information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business or applicable discipline.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles.
• Demonstrated experience in Banner or similar large finance system.
• Demonstrated experience in MicroStrategy or similar data analytical tool.
• Demonstrated experience in HokieMart or similar e-procurement software.
• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Sharepoint.
• Understanding of the Commonwealth of Virginia accounting guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience/knowledge in budgets and reporting.
• Demonstrated deposit reconciliation experience.
• Demonstrated experience supervising workflow processes