The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for highly motivated temporary Financial Associate to begin as soon as possible. This position will work independently and report directly to the Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations (DFAO).

The financial associate plays a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency across the college. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a high-accountability role, enjoys problem-solving, and values working closely with faculty and staff.

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The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for highly motivated temporary Financial Associate to begin as soon as possible. This position will work independently and report directly to the Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations (DFAO). The financial associate plays a critical role in ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency across the college. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a high-accountability role, enjoys problem-solving, and values working closely with faculty and staff.

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Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma

• Experience

At least 2 years in a position requiring similar bookkeeping/accounting/financial management/administrative skills.

• Skills & Expertise
  • 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

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/administrative skills.

• Skills & Expertise

Preferred knowledge of higher education practices and UT policies and procedures.

Work Location:

• Onsite at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Start date: As soon as possible
Appointment: Temporary

Why Join CECS?

CECS is a forward-thinking college focused on interdisciplinary education, workforce innovation, and collaborative partnerships. This role offers meaningful exposure to higher education finance, grants management, and operational leadership - making it an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking to deepen their experience in a complex, high-impact academic setting.

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Financial Transactions:

• Process all accounts payable and accounts receivable in DASH for college, ensuring all charges are compliant with university policies, correct chart account strings are charged, all purchases and expenses are tracked through provided spreadsheets, and workflow is completed.
• Process all reimbursements for faculty and staff.
• Monitor and reconcile all ledgers and provide DFAO with list of any needed internal transfers to correct chart account strings.
• Ensure needed approvals are obtained from DFAO prior to any purchasing.
• Monitor supplies and purchase through Marketplace as items are needed with prior DFAO approval.

Grants and Contracts:

• Provide administrative support to DFAO for all grants and contracts.
• Prepare additional documentation needed and enter in DASH/Cayuse.
• Assist DFAO in quarterly reports preparation on established grants.
• Track allowable expenses through provided spreadsheets on established grants and contracts.
• Pay contract invoices through appropriate purchase orders in DASH.

Travel:

• Serve as an expense delegate for faculty and staff in DASH.
• Prepare travel requests for faculty and staff in DASH.
• 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.

General Administrative Duties:

• Provides customer service to faculty, staff, and guests in the college.
• Provides backup support to executive administrative assistant and HR associate as needed.
• Other administrative duties assigned as needed.