| 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. 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 opportunity/affirmative action employer. |