Finance Associate

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The Finance Associate provides administrative and financial support for the College of Science, ensuring the COS Finance team is supported and providing some direct transactional support to assigned offices and units within the College. This role involves, but is not limited to, assisting with purchases, contract setup, minor budget and forecasting assistance, and other transactional support.

The Finance Associate will bring expertise and specialization to an assigned portfolio of departments/units. They will be responsible for purchasing and submitting contract requests for departments in their portfolio. They will process, review and approve financial transactions, using Workday Finance. They will also assist with monthly/quarterly forecasting, assisting departments as needed with their forecasts. This role involves processing financial documents, maintaining records, and providing support to faculty, staff, and students on financial matters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fiscal Operations for College:

• Oversee daily financial operations, including but not limited to submitting journals, reviewing/submitting contract requests, setting up requisitions & POs, invoice processing, and budget approvals for assigned units (portfolio model).

• With Director of Administration & Finance, monitor college commitments specifically start-ups and their funding, arranging for all necessary transfers and tracking expiration dates

• This role is also responsible for reviewing/approving financial transactions from college units including but not limited to journal vouchers and payroll allocation changes.

• Assist with confirming calculations and fund availability for summer salary requests and other one-time payments

• Serve as a subject matter expert for departments, while ensuring compliance with university policies.

• With a solid understanding of financial processes, support faculty, staff, and students with financial inquiries and training on financial processes as needed

 Budget Reconciliation & Forecasting:

• Work with department heads for assigned units (portfolio model) to manage their operating and discretionary budgets, including guidance and support in preparing reports for forecasting.

• Work with department heads to forecast for anticipated expenses accurately and provide burn rate analysis to ensure spending remains within budget for fiscal year.

• Provide forecasting analysis to Director of Administration & Finance for quarterly projections.

• Provide monthly reconciliation support: review expenses and assist departments in resolving any errors or unplanned expenses

Finance Support for Dean’s Office Units:

• Provide Concur support for Dean’s Office (including subsidiary units, manage Amex cards, special approvals).

• Process expense reimbursements and other appropriate special payment requests for guests of Dean’s Office.

• Initiate purchase orders, budget transfers, journal vouchers, direct pays or other transactions as required for Dean’s Office.

• Provide monthly reconciliation support: review expenses and assist departments in resolving any errors or unplanned expenses

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and skills normally acquired through completion of a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics and one plus years of experience working in finance or accounting. 

• Ability to work independently, prioritize and use sound judgment and discretion to make decisions.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office products as well as enterprise financial systems.

• Ability and willingness to learn computer systems and databases.

• Excellent communication skills, time management and problem solving skills required

• Experience working in higher education & Workday Finance are a plus.

The College of Science maintains a strong culture of collaboration amongst our faculty and staff: successful candidates will demonstrate a respect for the work of their colleagues and a focus on achieving our shared goals in a highly collaborative manner.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.