Financial Associate: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for a highly motivated Financial Associate to support the financial and administrative operations of one of the university’s fastest-growing and most innovative colleges.

Working independently and reporting directly to the Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations (DFAO), the Financial Associate manages day-to-day financial transactions, maintains accurate financial records, coordinates all travel accommodations and expenditures, and provides administrative support to the Office of Finance, Administration, and Operations.

The Financial Associate plays a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency across the college. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a high-accountability role, enjoys problem-solving, and values close collaboration with faculty and staff. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, discretion, a commitment to confidentiality and responsive service, and the ability to manage competing priorities on a daily basis.

Financial Transactions:

• Process accounts payable, accounts receivable, and procurement and travel card transactions and reconciliations independently in DASH, ensuring all charges are compliant with university policies, correct chart account strings are charged, all purchases and expenses are received and tracked through provided spreadsheets, and workflow is completed.

• Process all reimbursements for faculty and staff.

• Responsible for purchasing and catering orders. Ensure needed approvals are obtained from DFAO prior to any purchasing/ordering.

• Track financial and procurement deadlines to ensure timely completion of transactions and compliance with university requirements.

• Review DASH transactions at department level regularly.

• Monitor office supplies and purchase through Marketplace as items are needed with prior DFAO approval.

Travel:

• Serve as an expense delegate and travel assistant for all faculty and staff in DASH.

• Prepare travel requests and accommodations (ex. Flight, Hotel, Car Rental, etc.) in compliance with university policies for faculty, staff, and guest travelers.

• Serve as the main point of contact for all travel, planning, coordination, and reimbursements for contingent workers/guest travelers for the college, ensuring timely guest traveler setup, itineraries, and reimbursements.

• Prepare and process all travel expense reports ensuring the correct account strings are charged prior to submission into workflow and that they are submitted timely.

General Administrative Duties:

• Provides excellent customer service and communication to students, faculty, staff, and guests in the college.

• Communicates updates for financial, travel, and purchasing policies to promote college-wide compliance.

• Monitors and maintains shared email accounts and responds to emails for CECS Info and CECS FAO within one business day.

• Organizes and maintains FAO office files including shared e-files and files from SharePoint and CECS OneDrive.

• Assists with room reservations (103, 105).

• Answers the CECS Finance and Administration Phone Line.

• Provides backup support to executive administrative assistant with CECS Reserved Parking Spots.

• Provides backup support to executive administrative assistant, financial associate, and HR associate as needed.

• Other administrative duties assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma
• Experience: At least 2 years in a position requiring similar bookkeeping, accounting, financial management, and/or administrative skills.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of financial, bookkeeping, and accounting principles, procedures and systems
  • Advanced computer skills including ability to quickly learn new software systems
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision
  • Excellent knowledge of Excel
  • Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community
  • Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports
  • Ability to use tact and discretion when dealing with a variety of issues
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize
  • Ability to protect and maintain confidential information

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: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Related Field
• Experience: At least 4 years in a position requiring similar bookkeeping, accounting, financial management, and/or administrative skills.
• Skills & Expertise: Preferred knowledge of higher education practices and UT policies and procedures.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN, UTK Campus

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05

• 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