Financial Specialist

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, experience, and qualifications in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relates to this position.

The Survey Research Center ( SRC ) at the Institute for Social Research ( ISR ) is an international leader in international interdisciplinary social science research involving the collection and analysis of data, especially data from scientific sample surveys. SRC conducts some of the most widely cited and influential studies in the world.

To maintain this status, we rely on the dedication and talents of our outstanding staff who provide complex administrative support for our research grants and projects. We are expanding the SRC Director's Office (SRC DO) with the Services, Training, Administration and Research Team (START). START members will provide support to the research programs and faculty within SRC. You can find more information about the programs and faculty the START supports here . This position will report to the SRC Business Administration Manager. The Financial Specialist will liaise with SSC, SRC Finance team, University Procurement and other central offices.

Duties include, but are not limited to

• Financial Policies Expertise: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of University and center level financial policies, federal grant regulations, financial processes, and transactions serving as a key resource for program-related inquiries.
• Center level Approver: Act as the center-level approver for Purchasing Cards (PCards), MarketSite orders, PeoplePay transactions, and exception requests. Handle pre-approvals for exceptions, including alcohol and hosting.
• Financial System Transitions: Act as the primary point of contact for financial systems transitions. Disseminate information on changes, or new systems to the center and its programs, including SRC policy. Train faculty and/or staff on appropriate use, and offer troubleshooting and support.
• Financial Inquiry Management: Respond to financial related inquiries from the shared email box and point of contact for expense reports, handle Travel Business Hosting Expense Reports (TBHERs) within the financial system and single pays through Shared Service Center (SSC).
• Accounting and Administrative Support: Provide comprehensive accounting support, including creating supplier IDs, processing journal entries, handling invoice payments, additional pays, and Non-PO vouchers. Train and functionally supervise administrative assistant(s) providing financial support.
• Contract and Data Management: Review and manage contracts and data use agreements in partnership with central university offices. Maintain log sheets and use the databases for data reconciliation.
• Operating Procedures and Internal Controls: Develop and maintain operating procedures, establish and maintain internal controls, manage recharge rates to ensure financial operations comply with university policies and regulations.
• Project Support: Participate in other projects as assigned, collaborating with the SRC Finance team.
• Research Administration Support: Offer backup support to the Research Administration team, particularly in reconciling PG accounts.
  • Assist in moving Journal Entries (JEs) from BIO Specimen accounts to sponsored accounts.

We'd like to hear from you if you have: 

• Bachelor's degree (business, accounting, finance or a related field preferred).
• Five or more years of progressive experience in an accounting and/or a financial role.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management and familiarity with University and College/Center financial policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively communicate and work with a variety of individuals and units.
• Experience in handling financial transactions including employee and guest reimbursements, people pay, purchase orders, invoicing, journal entries and contracts, along with developing process documentation.
• Experience training staff in financial roles.
• Skilled in creating and maintaining tracking sheets. 
• Proficiency in word processing, financial spreadsheets, and collaboration applications.
• Ability to multitask effectively and a keen attention to detail.
• Exposure to internal controls processes and experience creating process documents.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan wants to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. For more about ISR's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, please click here .

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 any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Learn more about U-M benefits. 

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.

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. 

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