The Financial Operations Specialist provides support for finance, travel, procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, accounting, and asset management processes for an assigned group of units/departments. The Financial Operations Specialist works closely with employees within the units/departments to navigate University policies and practices with a focus on customer service and problem solving. This role operationalizes financial policies, procedures, and internal controls developed by the University to promote compliance. This position functions under supervision of the Financial Operations Manager.
The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups. *
The primary responsibilities and duties for this role include:
● As requested, initiating accounting, purchase, and expense reimbursement transactions on behalf of the unit(s) served and in support of University-wide financial administration
● Ensure funding availability and compliance with policy/practice while independently reviewing & approving transactions (such as expense reimbursement and shopping cart transactions)
● Reconciling transactions and performing periodic audits of transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and completeness
● Analyze complex data and create or run appropriate reports to identify trends and discrepancies
● Providing timely and accurate information and guidance on institutional purchase and expenditure policies and practices
● Provide guidance on university policy and procedures, and educate new users regarding expense, travel and Procurement systems.
● Provide guidance with and troubleshooting p-card distribution and maintenance
● Train and advise end users with information regarding financial administration processes and assisting them with questions or problems (e.g., independent contractor processes and contract request) ensuring compliance with policies and procedures
● Escalating questions or issues to the Financial Operations Manager or appropriate University offices as needed
● Monitoring process/case progress and providing updates to end users; identifying delays or problems and proactively addressing them
● Maintaining confidentiality and security with sensitive information related to University finances, including salary data
The New School is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promises diversity and tolerance in all areas of employment, education and access to its educational, artistic or cultural programs and activities. The New School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex or gender (including actual or perceived gender identity or expression or transgender status), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, pregnancy, religion, religious practices, mental or physical disability, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital or partnership status, or any other legally protected status.
Minimum Qualifications:
The minimum qualifications for this position include:
● Bachelor's degree in management, business administration, finance, or a closely related field and 3 years of related professional level work experience; OR equivalent work experience
● Demonstrated ability to develop working relationships and provide responsive service
● Ability to manage competing priorities and manage time effectively
● Attention to detail and accuracy
● Familiarity with fundamental concepts of financial administration and accounting and ability to apply knowledge
● Ability to analyze and interpret financial information, and to create and/or synthesize delivered reports
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Qualifications:
The preferred qualifications include:
● Understanding of finance, accounting, budget, and procurement operations in a university setting
● Knowledge of financial administration policies, procedures, and practices, as well as governmental and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures
● Experience developing or customizing reports or analysis using Microsoft Excel
● Experience with Workday Finance
Internal Number: 20346
About The New School
The New School, a leading university in downtown New York City, offers degree and nondegree academic programs in design, the social sciences, the liberal arts, management, the arts, and media. Students benefit from small classes, superior resources, and renowned faculty members who practice what they teach. Continuing education courses and public programs place the university at the center of New York’s cultural and intellectual life.
