Financial Associate - Division of Access and Engagement - UTK

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Administration, the Financial Associate provides comprehensive financial and administrative support for the Division of Access and Engagement. The position is responsible for assisting with budget administration, financial reporting, account reconciliation, procurement, grants administration, and compliance activities to ensure the efficient and effective management of divisional resources. Working under general supervision, the incumbent monitors financial activity, prepares reports and analyses, processes financial transactions, and maintains accurate financial records in accordance with university policies and procedures.

The Financial Associate serves as a resource to divisional staff, budget managers, and campus partners by providing guidance on financial processes, procurement, travel, and budget-related matters. This position supports budget development and forecasting efforts, assists with grants and special funding initiatives, and helps ensure compliance with campus, system, state, and federal requirements. Through financial analysis, reporting, reconciliation, and process improvement, the position contributes to sound fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and informed decision-making across the division.

Budget Administration and Financial Analysis (30%)

• Assist with the development, implementation, and monitoring of 12 divisional and departmental budgets.

• Understand and navigate the complexities of budgets from various restricted and unrestricted funding sources, including but not limited to, the campus, system, state, and federal levels.

• Compile and analyze financial data to support budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation decisions.

• Co-facilitate annual divisional budget presentations, as well as quarterly budget benchmark meetings, with all Divisional budget managers.

• Monitor budget activity, identify variances, and provide recommendations to leadership regarding budget and financial matters.

• Prepare financial reports, budget projections, and year-end financial information for leadership review.

• Support annual budget development and fiscal year-end closeout activities.

Financial Operations, Procurement, and Accounts Payable (25%)

• Monitor, reconcile, and maintain financial records related to revenue, expenditures, payroll, and other financial transactions.

• Review financial activity to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with university policies and procedures.

• Research and resolve discrepancies, over-expenditures, and other financial issues.

• Maintain documentation and records to support financial reporting, audits, and compliance requirements.

• Review requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, payments, contracts, and other financial transactions.

• Coordinate purchasing activities, transaction monitoring, and payment processing.

• Review financial documentation for accuracy and compliance and resolve transaction-related issues.

• Ensure financial transactions are processed in accordance with university policies and procedures.

Customer Service, Training, and Operational Support (25%)

• Serve as the first point of contact and main resource for divisional staff by providing guidance on financial procedures, procurement, travel, and budget-related processes.

• Assist budget managers and program staff with financial transactions, reporting, and compliance requirements.

• Assist in the development and own the maintenance of financial procedures, training materials, and process documentation.

• Collaborate with campus partners, vendors, and external stakeholders to support divisional financial operations.

• Conduct special projects, financial analyses, and reporting assignments as requested.

Compliance, Financial Stewardship, and Grants (20%)

• Assist with financial administration for grants, special initiatives, scholarships, fellowships, sponsorships, and other restricted funding sources.

• Monitor expenditures and financial activity to ensure compliance with applicable university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements.

• Support audit, reporting, and compliance activities by preparing documentation and responding to information requests.

• Implement and maintain financial procedures and internal controls that promote accountability and effective stewardship of resources.

• Assist with the interpretation and application of financial policies, procedures, and regulations.

Required Qualifications 

• Education: 

  • High School Diploma

• Experience: 

  • 4 years of experience in finance, accounting, procurement, or budget support role, OR an Associate's degree with relevant finance, accounting, or related coursework.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of standard office functions, accounting record-keeping, electronic spreadsheets, and computer operation.

  • Knowledge of financial policies and procedures.

  • Math skills.

  • Attention to detail skills.

  • Ability to maintain accurate records and files.

  • Ability to compare information and recognize discrepancies.

  • Ability to provide excellent customer service.

  • Ability to communicate effectively both in-person and in writing.

  • Ability to maneuver through Microsoft Excel workbooks with ease.

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 Degree

• Experience: 

  • 8 years of experience in a finance, accounting, procurement, or budget support role, OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience (Associate's degree and 4 years of experience OR Bachelor's degree)

  • Experience in finance, accounting, procurement, or budget support within University of Tennessee System

  • Experience with discretion of sensitive information.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of multiple funding sources.

  • Knowledge of the granting process.

  • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

  • In-depth knowledge and skill with Microsoft Excel.

Work Location 

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: 07

• Anticipated hiring range: $50,000 - $52,000

• 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

The Division of Access and Engagement impacts the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s strategic vision through access, belonging, a culture of respect, and community. We support academic access, foster community partnerships, and promote merit-based student success. In addition to our alignment with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s mission, we are aligned with the UT System's aspirational statement.

“We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success.”