Senior Financial Associate: Business Analytics & Statistics, Haslam College of Business - UTK

Under the leadership of the Department Head (DH) and Assistant Department Head (ADH), this role functions as the leading member of the department's administrative team, managing the department's administrative and financial processes. This role operates under general limited supervision, applying research, critical thinking, and analysis to resolve problems across various financial and administrative duties. This role recommends changes to the department’s procedures or addresses financial issues. The position is responsible for budget preparation, forecasting, and real-time monitoring of account balances to keep DH and ADH informed with relevant, accurate, and thorough financial data. This reporting will include managing Excel files with pivot tables and updating dashboards. Other responsibilities include implementing and maintaining all department-shared email, drives, and SharePoint work request lists. Additionally, this person will manage one full-time administrative associate to ensure timely and accurate processing, entry, and reporting of all departmental financial transactions. Responsiveness to all department internal and external stakeholders (faculty/staff/adjuncts, students, FIO, HCB Dean's Office, Development, UTK HR/Payroll, vendors, etc.) is key. Participates in all HCB training and professional development, including but not limited to regular training/seminars by FIO and TIS.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING

• Provides expert guidance and detailed budget status to department leadership, always possessing a deep and broad understanding of the department’s financial situation
• Prepares annual department budgets in coordination with the Financial Information Office (FIO), with consistent monthly reporting of actuals for monitoring and evaluation of adjustments; aligns reporting with resources provided by HCB and/or FIO leadership
• Creates and presents detailed summary budget reports after the close of the fiscal year to support analysis of previous year's performance
• Applies intermediate to advanced Excel and/or analysis skills to enhance reports including pivot tables, formulas, and custom metrics.
• Manages the tracking of funds and departmental custom financial dashboards by faculty, degree programs, and special programs that the university's ERP system cannot track.
• Maintains financial records in support of department accounting activities
• Compiles financial data, monitors and balances accounts, prepares detailed financial reports, and resolves discrepancies
• Tracks and compiles funding and expenditure data, including but not limited to base funds, restricted funds, scholarships, and faculty spending accounts; provides status reports, analysis, and recommendations to department leadership 
• Proactively identifies and informs the Department Head of potential budget/financial issues, recommends solutions, and oversees implementation 
• Provides guidance on allowable expenditures and relevant fiscal policies
• Research, reviews, and resolves accounts payable and receivable discrepancies
• Proactively seeks, recommends, and oversees the implementation of new ways to streamline departmental financial processes
• Coordinates with FIO to ensure compliance with all college-level processes
• Coordinates with department faculty and FIO to accurately manage sponsored project proposals and post-award project accounting

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

• Recommends and oversee the implementation of new or modified department procedures.
• Coordinates and works collaboratively with other departments and support units in HCB for effective department operations.
• Research and resolve issues, with general guidance and oversight from department leadership and/or Financial Information Office (FIO).
• Enhances and improves departmental processes through recommendations to leadership and successful implementation.
• Supervises department administrative associate; delegates tasks, oversees work, provides feedback and coaching, and evaluates performance.
• Informs department leadership of potentially controversial matters or other key issues, using discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
• Oversees planning and execution of special events. 
• Interacts with supply vendors
• Department contact for any grants or contract questions.
• Provides backup front-line customer service, including greeting visitors, answering phones, and responding to general email inquiries.