Accounting and Finance Specialist

Department

College Accounting & Finance

About the Department

College Accounting and Finance

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, the Specialist supports the Accounting and Finance team responsible for budget and account administration, grant administration, procurement, and payroll for College departments and instructors. The Specialist is part of a team that ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, collaborating with stakeholders to optimize financial performance and compliance, and enhancing the financial functions critical to the success of the College.

Responsibilities

• Supports core functions of Accounting and Finance.
• Works closely with central University units to properly record transactions and mitigate risk.
• Ensures College practices are followed in accordance with University policy and generally accepted accounting practices.
• Maintains organization- and individual-level Oracle accounts, including gift funds.
• Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliation, and closing activities.
• Reviews and validates financial transactions in Oracle and Concur to ensure compliance and support accurate financial reporting.
• Initiates transaction corrections as necessary.
• Coordinates financial management of grants, including budgeting, expenditures, and compliance with sponsor and University requirements.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for procurement.
• Manages vendor and supplier setup; handles invoice processing including vendor payments, honoraria, fellowships, scholarships, stipends, student travel reimbursements; resolves payment issues such as cancellations and re-issuance; and ensures timely transaction completion in Oracle, Concur, and Service Now.
• Oversees payroll transaction review and approval for College departments and instructors.
• Ensures proper documentation and timely processing of payroll corrections.
• Supports monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles for the College.
• Works closely with College and unit leadership, University partners, and the Budget Office to plan and forecast.
• Helps develop short- and long-term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial models for programs and initiatives.
• Assists in budget planning and forecasting, collaborating with the Director to support annual and multi-year budget development.
• Prepares variance reports by tracking expenditures and reconciling financial transactions against the budget.
• Tracks College commitments for College departments, instructors, and University partners, as appropriate.
• Completes financial modeling, data analysis, and quarterly and year-end reporting projects, as appropriate.
• Serves as a transaction subject matter expert and University systems resource for College staff and units.
• Assists College staff with transactions in Oracle, Concur, and Workday, and provide guidance on University procurement policies.
• Holds office hours for general questions, system how-tos, and one-on-one coaching.
• Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
• Prepares monthly reports, conducts and correct errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• BS/BA in accounting, finance or relevant field preferred; MS/MA/MBA.

Experience:

• Background in internal audit, financial planning, and/or accounting.
• Financial policy, systems, and compliance development experience strongly preferred.

Certifications:

• CPA a plus.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, v-lookups, and financial modeling.
• Strong and broad computer skills (word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web), including a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency with Oracle Financials (or other ERPs), Concur, and business intelligence tools strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Analytical and problem-solving skills – analyze financial data, reconcile transactions, identify discrepancies, and resolve financial issues independently.
• Communication and customer service – excellent verbal and written communication skills to serve as a primary account administrator, liaise with vendors, and assist colleagues with financial transactions.
• Budgeting and forecasting – prepare, analyze, and manage budgets, assist with multi-year financial planning, and provide variance reports to support decision- making.
• Time management and organization – strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration and teamwork – work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including financial managers, administrators, and funding agencies, to support financial operations.
• Attention to detail and accuracy – ensure financial data integrity, monitors expenditures, and maintains accurate records for audits and reporting.
• Discretion and professional judgment – maintain confidentiality in handling financial data and exercises sound judgment in financial decision-making.

Working Conditions

• Office environment
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Travel to various on-campus locations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (required)

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.