The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, established in 2003 to honor the distinguished life and legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., is undergoing a remarkable transformation. In 2022, the Center adopted the Institute of American Civics, charged with encouraging civic education and civic engagement across the State of Tennessee. The University also intends to convert the Center into the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs in early 2023, empowering the School to begin offering degrees in Fall 2023.

The Center already has as an active set of student programs and courses. Its two research programs in Energy & Environment and in Global Security are important interdisciplinary centers of research activity on campus, and their engagement activities and events bring steady activity to the Center and its building.

Who We Are

We are a dynamic and close-knit team of dedicated and hardworking individuals who are devoted to research, education, and public service initiatives that address real world problems in local, state, national, and global communities. Each member of our team is a valuable contributor to achieving our mission and we work together to find innovative approaches to moving the Center forward. We are fast-moving and growing. Our work is constantly evolving to meet changing needs.

Who We Are Looking For

We are in search of a solution-finder, someone who enthusiastically embraces opportunities to address novel situations through teamwork and collaboration. We need a hardworking and flexible professional, who thrives in developing out-of-the-box approaches to addressing new challenges. We are looking for an achiever, someone who is searching for a chance to grow their skills and who is open to learning from others. We need a critical thinker who exercises good judgment and who can be relied upon and trusted to provide sound counsel to colleagues and leadership. We need a teammate who is dedicated to public service.

This primary responsibilities of the Financial and Human Resources Specialist includes processing accounts payable transactions, human resource functions, and processing travel requests and expense reports. This position performs the daily activities of the internal operations office. This position must be able to work independently and complete tasks accurately and on-time. These duties must be performed within the parameters of the university's fiscal policies. In doing so, it is the responsibility of the person who holds this position to remain knowledgeable regarding these policies in order to ensure that the department is in compliance.

Human Resources (25%)
• Manages new hire paperwork (including e-verification process) for part-time undergraduate and graduate students.
• Assists Business Manager with IRIS personnel and position changes.
• Initiates IRIS terminations & checkout process.
• Works with Business Manager and Administrative Coordinator to onboard new staff and faculty hires.

Accounting/IRIS (25%)
• Invoices: Posts/enters payment invoices.
• Petty Cash: Posts/enters petty cash transactions.
• Honorariums: Posts/enters all honorariums as directed by Business Manager.
• Procurement card: Using Center p-card, orders catering for meetings, orders supplies and equipment, reconciles p-card statement monthly.
• Transfer Vouchers: Completes internal and external transfer vouchers.
• Departmental Ledgers: assists Business Manager in reconciling all departmental ledgers monthly.
• Provides back up for IRIS when units undergo staffing changes or backlog.

Payroll (20%)
• Processes biweekly and monthly payroll including payroll reconciliation.
• Enters additional pay (including summer school pay) as directed by Business Manager.

Travel (20%)
• Acts as delegate for all Directors to assist with entering and processing travel requests and travel expense reports.
• Sets up guest travelers in IRIS and follows through with travel assistance & payments.

Other duties (5%)

• Acts as point of contact for facilities requests.
• Other duties as assigned by the Business Manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

-Ability to prioritize and manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
-Excellent administrative and problem-solving skills.
-Strong interpersonal, time management, communication, and organizational skills

-Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
-Proficient ability with spreadsheets, databases, and accounting software -Knowledge of accounting principles.
-Commitment to providing excellent customer service to Center staff and faculty.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 1 year office experience.

PREFERRRED EXPERIENCE

1 year experience in higher education.

EDUCATION

High school diploma required. Associate degree preferred.