Financial Associate - Theory & Practice in Teacher Education - UTK

Performs varied departmental financial, sponsored-project, and administrative work for Theory & Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE). Monitors and reconciles grant and non-grant account activity, researches discrepancies, prepares detailed financial information, and supports budget preparation, analysis, projections, and grant and contract work. Uses problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to complete assignments, prioritizes work in support of unit objectives, and recommends solutions or office-level procedure changes. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Grants and Contracts Coordinator for TPTE.

Financial Operations and Ledger Reconciliation

• Monitor and reconcile departmental ledgers for grant and non-grant accounts, including revenue, disbursements, expenditures, and other financial activity, in accordance with university policies and procedures.

• Research and analyze account activity, supporting documentation, and transaction coding to identify and resolve discrepancies.

• Prepare detailed reconciliations and financial reports for review by the Grants and Contracts Coordinator and submission to the senior business manager for approval, as applicable.

• Monitor assigned account balances and financial activity; identify unusual items, potential errors, or funding issues and communicate findings to the Grants and Contracts Coordinator and appropriate account holders.

• Research and resolve routine accounting and payroll distribution issues; prepare sponsored-project cost transfers and other corrections in accordance with required review and approval procedures.

• Coordinate the establishment, maintenance, modification, and closeout of sponsored-project accounts with campus offices and department personnel.

• Recommend solutions and office-level procedure changes to improve financial accuracy and processing; refer decisions requiring delegated authority or broader policy interpretation to the Grants and Contracts Coordinator.

Sponsored-Project and Financial Transaction Support

• Assist PIs with budget preparation, revisions, projections, project extensions, and other sponsored-project financial needs.

• Prepare and process assigned invoices, travel and expense reports, transfer vouchers, cost transfers, vendor payments, and contractor payments in accordance with university and sponsor requirements.

• Perform assigned grant and contract work and coordinate project matters with PIs, department staff, Sponsored Projects Accounting, the Office of Sponsored Projects, and the college’s external-funding office.

• Prepare detailed financial information and supporting documentation for project reports, audits, schedules of final charges, and account closeout.

• Provide routine guidance on financial procedures and applicable requirements; refer complex or policy-sensitive questions to the Grants and Contracts Coordinator.

• Provide budget- and accounting-related observations and recommendations to the Grants and Contracts Coordinator and other appropriate management staff to support decision-making.

Administrative and Clerical Support

• Maintain departmental financial and project records, ledgers, receipts, invoices, contracts, and supporting documentation in organized, accessible files.

• Enter, update, verify, and retrieve financial and administrative data in university systems and departmental records.

• Prepare and route forms, payment documentation, account requests, travel documents, and other financial or administrative paperwork for review and approval.

• Maintain records and tracking logs for assigned accounts, transactions, equipment, supplies, and other department business processes.

• Coordinate assigned financial and administrative processes, including follow-up on missing documentation, deadlines, and approvals.

• Assist with maintaining department procedures and records related to financial operations

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience: Four to five years accounting experience. Experience working with grants and projects in a university setting in a post-award capacity.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and standard accounting practices.
  • Knowledge of financial policies and procedures and the ability to apply them when processing and monitoring departmental and sponsored project transactions.
  • Ability to compile, review, and analyze financial data; prepare reports; and identify and research discrepancies.
  • Ability to monitor budgets, expenditures, and other financial activity for accuracy and compliance with applicable requirements.
  • Ability to maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
  • Ability to use spreadsheets and common office software to organize data, perform calculations, and prepare reports.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize varied assignments, manage competing deadlines, and meet established timelines.
  • Ability to research issues, apply established guidance, and recommend solutions to routine and moderately complex problems.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with faculty, staff, administrators, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and learn new systems, procedures, and job-related requirements.
  • Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment while keeping the FA4 informed of significant issues and referring matters outside delegated authority.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree; Accounting, Business or related field
• Experience:
  • 2 -3 years in University of Tennessee system.
  • 2 - 3 years working within University of Tennessee with externally funded grants including monitoring accounts for compliance, assisting with budget preparation and reconciliation.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote : This will be a an onsite held position with potential remote work days

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07 (non-exempt)
• Anticipated hiring range: $47,000-$51,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state’s flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!

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