Accounting Specialist II (Financial Associate 2 - MR05)

UTC Accounting Services

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

The Accounting Specialist II facilitates the approval and entry of large volume travel and accounts payable invoices for the university community; and provides guidance to the campus community through training on policies and procedures related to travel and accounts payable functions. The person in this position is integral in the development of training programs for travel and invoicing and will be responsible for presenting the training on a regular basis to existing and new employees of UT Chattanooga.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Audit and process Travel Expense Reports for the purpose of reimbursement of expenses in compliance with University, Federal, and State policy regulations for entire campus to include students and guests
• Assist traveler or delegate with entry for travel advances in Concur
• Audit, process, and assist for travel advances in new DASH travel system, if deemed applicable after implementation
• Assist traveler or delegate on any travel card application and reconciliation
• Serve as liaison between the UTC Department and World Travel to assist in the resolution of any issues related to airfare and car rentals
• Serve as liaison between traveler/delegate and UT Travel System team on any issues unable to be resolve by UTC travel team
• Review and process accounts payable standard and purchase order invoices from campus departments submitted to Accounting Services email into IRIS
• Review and verify payments to be made on contracts, T-4's (miscellaneous reimbursements), and T-27's (miscellaneous payment without contract) entered by departments before submission to UT Knoxville
• Answer inquiries from vendors, university personnel, and UT Knoxville personnel, and help resolve issues of outstanding payments
• Serve as liaison between UTC department staff and UT System Accounts Payable staff on any issues unable to be resolved by UTC AP team
• Facilitate the processing of campus petty cash requests not handled through the Bursar's office
• Keep accurate weekly accounting of outstanding petty cash balances including advances for prepayments
• Ensure petty cash checks are cashed in a timely manner
• Complete year-end processes for the petty cash account
• Provide monthly reconciliation to the Associate Vice Chancellor for audit purposes
• Contact people who received advances and have not yet turned in receipts for miscellaneous reimbursements
• Work with Human Resources on any salary advances and necessary repayment, which cause reconciliation issues
• Work with Student Outreach and Bursar's office for any student emergency fund, Hames, or Breske loan petty cash requests
• Develop and present invoice, vendor, and travel training for campus community based on Fiscal Policy
• Provide individual training for departmental personnel on invoice, vendor, and travel procedures
• Serve as a lead trainer for the CONCUR and DASH travel system implementation and ongoing training initiatives
• Assist with reviews and request as needed
• Ensure fiscal policies and procedures are followed relating to invoice and petty cash entry
• Manage all functions of the Accounting Services website including the addition of training material, forms and procedures, and important dates for campus events such as year-end procedures and upcoming changes to system and policies

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Knowledge of UT Fiscal Policy, especially in relation to accounts payable and travel
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles, basic computer operations, and fiscal responsibility
• Skilled in Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, and basics in Excel
• Skilled in SAP (IRIS) accounting software
• Skilled in navigating data entry into accounting software
• Ability to communicate effectively, manage time well, and multi-task
• Ability to prioritize and recognize discrepancies
• Ability to create and deliver training
• Strong decision-making ability, detail oriented, and well organized
• Excellent communication skills, customer service orientation, and ability to work with the public

Review of applications will begin June 10, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

Minimum Qualifications: Typically requires a high school diploma and two years of relevant experience in an office environment, with a basic level of experience in accounts payable management, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Associate degree in business or accounting, three years of experience in general accounting or bookkeeping, and experience in training, development, and presentation are preferred.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status