Finance Associate

Job Summary:
The Finance Associate provides foundational financial, transactional, and compliance support for academic departments and centers within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Reporting to the Manager of Financial Operations, this role supports day-to-day financial operations, ensures accurate processing of transactions, and assists faculty and staff with university financial procedures.
Working with their manager, the Finance Associate is responsible for procurement review, travel and expense processing, accounts receivable, cash handling activities, and transactions associated with year-end close while developing knowledge of university financial systems and policies. Given the breadth and diversity of financial operations across the academic enterprise, the Finance Associate may perform additional financial, operational, and administrative responsibilities that are consistent with the scope and level of the position but are not specifically listed in this description. Responsibilities may evolve over time to meet changing business needs, support new initiatives, and ensure effective service to departments and centers.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Procurement & Requisition Support
Review and approve requisitions:
Costing accuracy
Funding availability
Compliance with competitive bidding requirements (e.g., multiple quotes)
Process and track change order requests
Travel & Expense Processing
Reconcile P-Card and department card transactions in Concur
Review expense reports for:
Required receipts and documentation
Appropriate approvals
Compliance with institutional policies
Ensure travel expenses align with federal and institutional guidelines (e.g., per diem, airfare class, lodging limits)
Work with faculty and staff to obtain missing documentation and support timely submission in Concur
Process late reimbursements (e.g., via Aurora or equivalent systems)
Process non-employee travel reimbursements
Accounts Receivable & Revenue Support
Gather information needed for billing
Record incoming payments (checks, wires, credit cards)
Assist in resolving unclaimed or unidentified incoming payments
Match payments to invoices and escalate discrepancies as needed
Review checks and wire transfers and indicate appropriate chart string/funding allocation
Respond to basic donor and external partner inquiries regarding payment methods
Confirm receipt of funds with donors and stakeholders as directed
Cash & Payment Operations
Initiate wire transfers and support foreign payment processing (in coordination with invoice workflows)
Manage and reconcile petty cash in compliance with policy
Year-End Close Activities
Receive and process invoices against open purchase orders
Assist in reviewing invoice holds reports and resolving exceptions
Process outstanding procurement card (P-Card) transactions
Deposit cash and check receipts in accordance with university policy
Assist in reviewing and claiming unclaimed incoming wire transfers
Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office setting; this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week on campus
Physical Requirements: Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time
Basic Qualifications:
Associate’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience
At least 3 years’ related experience (4+ years if no Associate’s degree)
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience) desirable
Computer competency requiring spreadsheet and database software required.
Basic familiarity with financial or expense systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft, Concur) preferred
Proficiency with Excel and standard office tools
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion
Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn financial policies and procedures
Strong organizational and time management skills
Customer service orientation and clear communication
Ability to manage multiple tasks with guidance

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid