Senior Financial Specialist

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is seeking an experienced, Senior Financial Specialist. The successful candidate will work closely with and assist the Unit Administrator to manage financial matters associated with UMTRI. They will oversee administrative functions at UMTRI including procurement, payroll, event/travel and other miscellaneous administrative and financial support functions. They will also provide leadership and direction to the UMTRI Administrative Assistants (G/A's), including task delegation, performance evaluation, and will foster a collaborative work environment internally and across the Institute.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is recognized internationally for our multidisciplinary research focusing on transportation safety and mobility ( http://umtri.umich.edu ). Established in 1965, we maintain the highest standards of excellence as we conduct research that improves peoples' lives through access to safe, equitable and efficient mobility. UMTRI is a non-degree-granting unit within the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan that includes 19 faculty members, 51 research staff, and nearly over 300 students each year engaged in research and other experiential learning opportunities.

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/ .

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability coverage

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

• Maternity and Parental Leave

Responsibilities*

Work with the Unit Administrator to manage financial matters and process financial transactions associated with UMTRI.

• Monitor, analyze, and perform monthly reconciliation of UMTRI Administrations' non-sponsored projects/grants.

• Address and resolve any accounting issues or discrepancies in a timely manner. Investigate root causes and implement preventive measures to avoid future issues.

• Maintain Chartfields and review and assist with internal controls reports.

• Manage fiscal activities such as distributing group computer funds, professional development funds, and SURE student funds.

• Create financial reports for scholarship fund.

• Track cost share obligations, perform journal entries, and complete year-end roll-up journal entry.

• Maintain, on a monthly basis, the UMTRI Primary Research Scientist spreadsheet.

• Open and close accounts, maintaining a high level understanding of the intricacies of a project lifecycle and all chartfield information (e.g. fund level, programs, etc.).

• Manage large purchases including the competitive bid process if necessary, and monitor funding commitments.

• Approve Concur expense reports.

• Oversee processing of UMTRI departmental awards, gifts, and payments to internal and external entities, creation and maintenance of FAITs.

• Manage the Human Subject Incentive Program (HSIP) at UMTRI.

• Manage recharge accounts, including monthly invoicing and follow-up

Provide leadership and direction to the G/A Team including task delegation, performance evaluation, and fostering a collaborative work environment internally and across the Institute.

• Serve as supervisor for the UMTRI Administrative Assistants (G/A's).

• Provide direction and create work schedules, determine and assign workload, and handle and resolve personnel matters.

• Identify staffing needs, interview, select, and hire G/A staff.

• Set and adjust hours of work and ensure effective staffing levels and communication.

• Provide training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to G/A staff and appraise performance.

Oversee procurement, payroll, event/travel and other miscellaneous administrative and financial support functions at UMTRI.

• Serve as a liaison with various central offices.

• Provide advice and interpretation of U-M policies pertaining to procurement, payroll, expense reimbursement, and work with faculty and staff to adjudicate any issues that arise.

• Collaborate with UMTRI groups to identify administrative needs and implement services and offerings.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and work with constituents to implement changes to streamline workflows and increase efficiency.

• Provide insights, analysis, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

• Communicate, implement, and routinely assess effectiveness of established internal control procedures to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with UMTRI and UM policies and procedures.

• Ensure compliance in financial policies and procedures, investigate and resolve errors, and report large issues to management.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or finance or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of high level financial experience at the University of Michigan in a financial support role.

• Demonstrated supervisory experience in an office setting overseeing multiple administrative functions (e.g. payroll, procurement, travel and expense).

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).

• Effective organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and to work collaboratively with faculty and staff.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to think analytically.

• Advanced computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office products (especially Excel) and Google.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with the use of MPathways and U-M Payroll and Timekeeping systems including utilizing timekeeping pools.

• Experience with travel and expense processing and the Concur system.

• Demonstrated competence in financial report creation.

• Experience with university administrative and business tools such as Business Objects, M-Reports, Excel, Tableau, Concur, procurement and electronic timekeeping.

• Knowledge of relevant University policies related to research administration and use of eRPM.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Background Screening

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.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

253966

Working Title

Senior Financial Specialist

Job Title

Financial Specialist Senior

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Engineering

Department

UMTRI - Administration

Posting Begin/End Date

9/04/2024 - 9/21/2024

Salary

$75,000.00 - $85,000.00

Career Interest

Finance

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