Reporting to the Director of Accounting and Financial Compliance, the Financial Specialist II serves as a campus cost-accounting and compliance resource with an emphasis on higher education rate proposal support, restricted/state-funded program accounting, clearing and match funding reconciliations, and year-end close readiness. The position supports the Facilities Space Survey and contributes to development of the campus Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Rate Proposal by analyzing and classifying expenditures in accordance with applicable cost principles.
This role also establishes and maintains funds and accounts and supports accurate financial reporting and compliance with GAAP, GASB, OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), UT fiscal policies, and relevant NACUBO guidance.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of professional accounting/finance experience, including at least 2 years in higher education, with demonstrated work in cost accounting, restricted funds, compliance, and/or research financial operations.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficiency with financial ERP general ledger software such as Oracle or comparable and strong Microsoft Office skills (especially Excel).
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and reconcile complex financial data and explain results clearly.
- Knowledge of fund accounting and cost principles, including GAAP, GASB, and OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
- Strong planning, organization, judgment, and follow-through in deadline-driven environments.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with campus stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously and effectively.
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
- Experience supporting higher education rate proposals (e.g., F&A/indirect cost proposals), space surveys, or other cost allocation methodologies.
- Experience with complex research environments (research centers/institutes, national laboratory partnerships).
Advanced Excel skills (e.g., PivotTables).
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Compensation and Benefits
- UT market range: 14
- Anticipated Pay Range: $100,000-$125,000 depending on experience
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Application Information
UTK seeks candidates who can contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. Applicants should submit a letter of application, professional resume, and contact information for three or more references.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
