Financial Specialist, Extension Administration: UTIA

The role is a key financial and administrative leader within Extension Administration, reporting to the Budget Director. It provides expert guidance on financial processes, compliance, and strategic planning across the organization. Responsibilities include financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis to support leadership decisions, as well as identifying opportunities for operational and administrative improvements. The position oversees budget development, ensures adherence to university fiscal and HR financial policies, and advises on strategic priorities. While collaborating with HR, its focus is on finance-related HR functions such as human capital budgeting.

Administrative Operations:

• Develop and refine fiscal and administrative procedures for accuracy and consistency.
• Establish and communicate operational standards; provide training and guidance.
• Advise leadership and staff on financial policies, compliance, and best practices.
• Maintain documentation of financial and administrative best practices.
• Contribute financial insight to strategic planning.

Financial Oversight & Compliance

• Ensure fiscal compliance with UT policies across Extension.
• Review expenditures; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Authorize and monitor financial transactions (payroll, p-card, travel, ledgers).
• Oversee budgets, track spending, and monitor fund balances.
• Develop procedures and training to address compliance issues.

Sponsored Projects

• Manage full financial lifecycle of sponsored projects, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and certify sponsor financial reports; process payment requests.
• Train and support regional and county staff on project fund management.
• Administer county billing for 95 counties (~$11M annually); manage invoicing and receivables.
• Reviews county budgets and related reports in the university’s SUPER (System for University Planning, Evaluation, and Reporting) platform.

Budget & Reporting

• Oversee personnel tracking, salary reconciliation, and position budgeting.
• Produce monthly and annual financial reports for leadership.
• Design and maintain reporting systems; conduct forecasting and analysis.
• Provide recommendations to optimize resources and ensure compliance.

Other

• Support special projects and financial initiatives as assigned.
• Drive transparency, compliance, and operational efficiency to sustain Extension’s mission.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience: 

  • Two or more years of experience working in a business office or business position with accounting, finance, payroll, or human resource activities. 

  • Extensive experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Ability to prioritize and manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.

  • Excellent leadership, administrative and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to research and analyze financial information and make appropriate recommendations and projections.

  • Strong interpersonal, time management, communication and organizational skills.

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Proficient ability with spreadsheets, databases and accounting software.

  • Knowledge of fund accounting principles.

  • Knowledge of CAYUSE.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: 

  • Master’s Degree

• Experience: 

  • Four or more years of experience at UTIA/UTK or with another similar higher education environment working in a business office or business position with accounting, finance, payroll, or human resource activities. 

  • Previous experience as a Business Manager or similar role at UT. 

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Strong knowledge of Oracle Cloud or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software preferred. 

  • Knowledge of university fiscal and human resource policies.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, TN 
• UT Extension supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place and more information can be provided if candidate progresse