"Financial Specialist Intermediate"

The Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) is a foundational specialty which impacts every discipline of engineering and science. The science and technology developed plays a critical role in the technological innovations we utilize every day in society. As a foundational discipline, our faculty collaborate and work on complex projects with multiple disciplines. We are seeking a financial and accounting professional who will provide support as a Finance Specialist Intermediate. This position will provide financial analysis and reporting for department accounts as well as supporting post award activities for a select group of faculty. The selected candidate will provide critical support in the financial management of for this role will have the autonomy to be a change agent by way of developing improved processes for tracking, monitoring and reporting financial activity.

• Provide financial analysis and accounting support for the department and select faculty accounts
• Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of university and sponsor funds for an assigned group of faculty members
• Meeting regularly with assigned faculty members to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management
• Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action
• Developing complex long-term funding and spending plans, and projections and/or recommendations for multiple scenarios
• Partnering with College and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues, alerting project directors and administration to any areas of concern
• Provide financial support, including transactional processing, journal entries, and cash deposits
• Track funds and financial commitments (awards, startups, etc.) and perform account reviews
• Reconcile departmental project grants (allocations/revenues and expenditures)
• Assist the Department Administrator with internal controls implementation
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration or equivalent combination of education and experience; high degree of attention to detail; proficiency and knowledge of fund accounting; demonstrated superior interpersonal skills working with a diverse group of colleagues; ability to interpret and effectively communicate Department, University guidelines and policies; demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively as part of a team; demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities;

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite primarily Microsoft Excel and data analytic tools such as pivot tables; Proficiency with using Business Objects or working with large groups of data. Experience and/or knowledge of accounting practices. Self-starter.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.